Amanda’s guidebook
Hiking & Outdoors
Trails, overlooks, etc.
Rugged trails, great views. Be sure to check out Grandfather Mountain State Park (it's free!!) The private attraction with the swinging bridge and zoo is a separate business (called "Grandfather Mountain").
716 locals recommend
Grandfather Mountain
2050 Blowing Rock HwyRugged trails, great views. Be sure to check out Grandfather Mountain State Park (it's free!!) The private attraction with the swinging bridge and zoo is a separate business (called "Grandfather Mountain").
Incredible views, easy & short trail. Requires a several mile drive down a dirt US Forest Service Road - AWD recommended.
39 locals recommend
Wiseman's View Scenic Overlook
Incredible views, easy & short trail. Requires a several mile drive down a dirt US Forest Service Road - AWD recommended.
Gorgeous trails and views atop Roan Mountain. This access point will get you closest to the grassy balds with spectacular views.
27 locals recommend
Carver's Gap
Gorgeous trails and views atop Roan Mountain. This access point will get you closest to the grassy balds with spectacular views.
Check out the Falls Trail that starts from the Rec Center or hike/bike the Emerald Mountain Outback. Day passes at the rec center are only $3/person. They have an indoor playroom for young kids (rainy days!), basketball, tennis, pickleball courts, weightroom, etc. The facility is adjacent to a lake, and you can check out canoes and fishing equipment. The Town of Beech Mountain participates in a special program where you can get a 3-day fishing license for only $5 to fish within town limits.
52 locals recommend
Buckeye Recreation Center
1330 Pine Ridge RdCheck out the Falls Trail that starts from the Rec Center or hike/bike the Emerald Mountain Outback. Day passes at the rec center are only $3/person. They have an indoor playroom for young kids (rainy days!), basketball, tennis, pickleball courts, weightroom, etc. The facility is adjacent to a lake, and you can check out canoes and fishing equipment. The Town of Beech Mountain participates in a special program where you can get a 3-day fishing license for only $5 to fish within town limits.
Close by, impressive waterfall. DO NOT JUMP OR SWIM NEAR PLUNGE!!
106 locals recommend
Elk River Falls
Elk River RoadClose by, impressive waterfall. DO NOT JUMP OR SWIM NEAR PLUNGE!!
Huge waterfall with numerous trails. Can get up close to the falls or hike to nice views of Linville Gorge. Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Popular spot, be prepared for crowds.
436 locals recommend
Linville Falls
Huge waterfall with numerous trails. Can get up close to the falls or hike to nice views of Linville Gorge. Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Popular spot, be prepared for crowds.
State park just across the state line in TN. Trails, rivers, creeks, historic farmstead, tons of guided programs and free music on weekends.
111 locals recommend
Roan Mountain State Park
527 TN-143State park just across the state line in TN. Trails, rivers, creeks, historic farmstead, tons of guided programs and free music on weekends.
A must see if you’re visiting in June, but equally gorgeous any time of year. This is within a USFS fee area ($3/car). Short and easy trails. Several stunning overlooks. Top of mountain is in a rare high elevation alpine forest with fragrant evergreens.
Rhododendron Gardens
State Road 1348A must see if you’re visiting in June, but equally gorgeous any time of year. This is within a USFS fee area ($3/car). Short and easy trails. Several stunning overlooks. Top of mountain is in a rare high elevation alpine forest with fragrant evergreens.
Mountain Biking
Emerald Outback
328 N Pinnacle Ridge RdRestaurants
The Vietnamese dishes are delish. Our favorite is the lettuce wraps for two.
38 locals recommend
Cam Ranh Bay
110 High Country SqThe Vietnamese dishes are delish. Our favorite is the lettuce wraps for two.
Super rustic, hole-in-the wall local and tourist favorite. They have homemade baked bread that’s to die for on Wednesdays and Fridays.
33 locals recommend
Smoky Mountain Bakers
126 Orr StSuper rustic, hole-in-the wall local and tourist favorite. They have homemade baked bread that’s to die for on Wednesdays and Fridays.
One of our favorite joints, little bit of a drive to Boone but worth it. It’s a burger joint, but are always creatively mixing in wild game dishes and eclectic foodie options. Cocktails are on point (1/2 price on Fridays). Despite being hip and having a bar, this place is surprisingly family friendly with toys for kids and a few arcade games.
79 locals recommend
The Cardinal
1711 NC-105One of our favorite joints, little bit of a drive to Boone but worth it. It’s a burger joint, but are always creatively mixing in wild game dishes and eclectic foodie options. Cocktails are on point (1/2 price on Fridays). Despite being hip and having a bar, this place is surprisingly family friendly with toys for kids and a few arcade games.
Good, basic Mexican fare. Dank salsa bar.
70 locals recommend
Puerto Nuevo Mexican & Seafood Restaurant
1944 Tynecastle HwyGood, basic Mexican fare. Dank salsa bar.
Local bar and good deep southern and Cajun food options. They have an adjoining bottle shop if you’re looking for a good craft beer and wine selection.
73 locals recommend
Bayou Smokehouse & Grill
130 Main St ELocal bar and good deep southern and Cajun food options. They have an adjoining bottle shop if you’re looking for a good craft beer and wine selection.
Kaye’s has a great breakfast and Sunday brunch. Right on the Newland greenway and creek.
33 locals recommend
Kaye's Kitchen
503 Pineola StKaye’s has a great breakfast and Sunday brunch. Right on the Newland greenway and creek.
Breweries
Beech Mountain Brewing Company
1007 S Beech Mountain PkwyBooneshine Brewing Company
465 Industrial Park DrI'm a huge fan of their ciders over their beers. Be prepped for college crowds.
141 locals recommend
The Appalachian Mountain Brewery
163 Boone Creek DrI'm a huge fan of their ciders over their beers. Be prepped for college crowds.