Tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains, this charming town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and a relaxed, youthful atmosphere. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, it serves as an ideal base for outdoor adventures throughout the year.
Boone lies in the northwest of North Carolina, set amidst the stunning landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nearby, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway offers incredible views and access to the region’s majestic peaks.
While the surrounding mountains are the main draw, the town itself also has plenty to offer. Visitors can explore downtown’s attractive buildings, browse local boutiques, or visit a brewery, all while enjoying the lively influence of Appalachian State University.
With easy access to hiking, mountain biking, and skiing, Boone is a popular base for exploring the area’s remarkable outdoor landscapes.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Once the expansive estate of Moses H. Cone, this magnificent memorial park now protects and preserves the textile magnate’s historic home and grand grounds. Part of the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, it lies just 20 minutes’ drive to the south of Boone, not far from Blowing Rock.
At the heart of many gorgeous gardens and verdant forests lies the undisputed highlight of the park – the fabulous Flat Top Manor. Built in 1901 in a brilliant Beaux-Arts style, it has lots of decadently decorated rooms to explore, with sweeping views to be enjoyed from its pretty porch.
Surrounding the manor house are countless trails and paths to wander along, which take you through flower-filled meadows and lush woodlands. A great place to go hiking, horseback riding or cycling, the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park also has a charming craft center to check out where local artists exhibit their work.
Grandfather Mountain
One of the most popular and picturesque places to visit near Boone is the gigantic Grandfather Mountain and its superb state park. Set just half an hour’s drive to the southwest of the town, it boasts truly astounding scenery, with countless outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
Towering 1,812 meters tall, the massive mount is the tallest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with rugged cliffs and wild woods coating its scenic slopes. Strung between two of its peaks is the majestic Mile High Swinging Bridge, which is the park’s most popular attraction due to the panoramic views on offer.
Besides wandering along the highest suspension bridge in America, visitors can go hiking or cycling along the plethora of peaceful paths that dot the park. One of the best times to visit Grandfather Mountain is in July when it hosts the Highland Games. Here, countless colorful clans compete in centuries-old games and celebrate their Scottish ancestry.
Blue Ridge Parkway
As Boone lies right next to the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway, no visit to the town can ever be complete without checking out ‘America’s Favorite Drive’. Meandering along the spine of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, this remarkable route stretches a staggering 755 kilometers in length, with plenty of scenic spots to stop off at along the way.
Passing through thick forests and marvelous wilderness, the rambling road takes you from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia all the way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. While most people only travel along part of the parkway, wherever you go, you will be greeted with outstanding nature and phenomenal viewpoints.
Besides Boone and its many delights, the scenic drive also takes you past the charming cities of Asheville and Roanoke in Virginia. With various historic sites and tourist attractions to be found alongside the picturesque parkway, it is no wonder at all that it is the most popular part of the nation’s National Park System.
Greenway Trail
Set just to the southeast of the town center is the gorgeous Greenway Trail, which meanders alongside the south fork of the New River. Accessible to all, the terrific trail is ideal for everyone – from hikers and cyclists to wheelchair users and families – with a range of scenic spots to stop off at along the way.
Despite its proximity to Boone, the town feels a world away as you amble peacefully along the banks of the stream and pass through flower-filled meadows and verdant forests. The trail also takes you past some interesting historical sights such as a dilapidated old dam. You’ll find informative plaques on the area’s history and nature here and there.
Along the route, there are benches and picnic areas for visitors to rest at and soak up all the lovely scenery.
Blowing Rock
Long a popular tourist destination, the picture-perfect town of Blowing Rock is perched in a prominent part of the North Carolina Mountains. A charming and quaint place, it lies just a short drive from Boone, surrounded by the stunning landscapes and scenery of Blue Ridge Parkway.
Full of exquisite restaurants, elegant boutiques, and artisanal shops, the tiny town is named after a delightful and distinctive rock formation that lies nearby. From the unusual outcrop and its observation deck, visitors can enjoy fabulous panoramas over the surrounding area, which is home to several gorgeous waterfalls that you can hike to.
Despite its small size, Blowing Rock hosts a variety of live music and theatre performances in its cosy taverns and art center. With numerous cultural events and festivals taking place in the sunny summer months, the town can get quite crowded as people pack in to enjoy its many different sides.
Daniel Boone Native Gardens
Located just outside of downtown Boone are the magnificent Daniel Boone Native Gardens, which are home to over 200 species of plants native to North Carolina. Made up of a range of small, secluded sections, it is a treat to wander around, with towering trees and fantastic flowerbeds wherever you look.
Named after the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone, the stunning gardens were founded in 1961 so that local clubs, schools and botanists could study native shrubs, trees and wildflowers. Since those early days, the lovingly landscaped gardens have increased in size and scope, with a rockery, rustic bridge, and reflection pool springing up alongside many other fetching features.
Howard’s Knob
Offering commanding views out over Boone and its surroundings is the haughty Howard’s Knob, which lies just to the north of the town. Part of the Appalachians, the mighty mount is very popular to visit among locals and tourists alike due to its stunning landscapes, scenery and nature.
Named after Benjamin Howard, a British loyalist and early settler to the area, it towers 1,340 meters above sea level, with phenomenal panoramas to be enjoyed from its wind-swept summit. Winding their way up and down the hillside are delightful hiking trails to wander along, which take you through some lush forests and meadows.
The undoubted highlight is the views from up top, where you’ll also find a small, serene picnic area to stop off at and bask in the beauty before you.