Cover photo courtesy of Sam Dean Photography.
Disc Golf is a laid-back outdoor activity that has been steadily growing in popularity and is enjoyed by folks of all ages. Similar to traditional golf, the sport is played on a course with 18 targets, known as baskets, with the goal of completing each basket in the fewest possible throws. Instead of hitting balls with clubs, players throw discs, like smaller frisbees, from tee pads into the baskets.
Many courses near Boone are in gorgeous settings with wooded mountain landscapes, often surrounding ponds, streams, or recreation lakes. One can be found right on the banks of the New River, and another is located at a ski resort and open only in the summertime. Cool summers followed by colorful autumns mean Boone area disc golf courses are the place to play.
1. High Country Disc Golf Course
A true high country jewel, Ashe County Park is a multi-use recreation area where the High Country Disc Golf Course is located, with three playgrounds, picnic shelters, a nature trail, a skate park, a fishing pond, and athletic fields. The challenging disc golf course features dramatic elevation changes throughout 18 holes with amateur and pro tees, plus two alternates. The park is free to visit and typically opens from dawn until dusk.
2. Wahoo’s Adventures Disc Golf Course
Wahoo’s Adventures’ New River Outpost is a great stop for fun on the river. Whether you are glamping riverside, lazy river tubing, stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, or kayaking you are free to use the short but difficult, 9-hole disc golf course with natural tee pads on-site. All guests are required to fill out a waiver before their adventures begin.
3. Beech Mountain Resort
Beech Mountain Resort is so much more than just a ski resort. In the summertime, it is transformed into an outdoor playground with mountain biking trails, scenic lift rides, and several brewery taprooms and eateries. The 18-hole disc golf course can be walked for free or a lift ticket can be purchased to get a stylish ride up to the first tee pad (and the 5506’ Skybar).
4. Lees McRea Disc Golf Course
Lees McRea College has a short and sweet 9-hole disc golf course starting at the historic Mill Pond in Banner Elk. Built in 2017, the relatively new course is free to use and free disc rentals are available at the Student Recreation Complex.
5. Rolling Pines Disc Golf Course
Just down the mountain from Boone on Highway 421 lies the town of Wilkesboro, home to two wonderfully maintained disc golf courses. Rolling Pines Disc Golf Course is free and open to the public from dawn 'til dusk daily. The course features 18 baskets, and gold and white concrete tee pads. The course is closed to the public during professional tournaments and during large Wilkesboro events like MerleFest in April and Carolina in the Fall in September.
6. Fort Hamby Disc Golf Course
Fort Hamby is a historic site in Wilkesboro located adjacent to the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir. There is a swimming beach, boat ramps, picnic areas, playgrounds, and much more within the park. The 18-basket course features gravel tee pads, strenuous elevation changes, and water features. The park is open seasonally with a $5 parking fee per car in the summertime.
7. North Cove Leisure Club
North Cove Leisure Club is the area’s newest disc golf destination - about an hour drive south of downtown Boone. There are three full 18-hole courses to choose from and a newly opened restaurant. Since the course was built on a former golf course, the layout is ideal and golf carts are available for rent. A one-round pass can be purchased for $10, or a full-day pass is available for only $15.
8. Sugaree Disc Golf Course
Sugaree Disc Golf Course is a 30-basket disc golf course located on a private Christmas Tree farm. Natural tee pads and natural features are found throughout the trail, which follows the contour of the mountain it is situated on. The course operates on the $10 donation fee collected at the first hole. Be sure to contact the owners to schedule a visit and check on conditions before visiting. Contact: richminford@gmail.com
Disc Golf shops & extra stops
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Stop in for a pint at Booneshine Brewery when you head back into town after a round at Rolling Pines, Fort Hamby, or Ashe County Park. A practice basket is installed in their Beer Garden in front of the parking lot alongside a food truck and plentiful picnic table seating.
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Two brand new disc golf baskets have been installed at Valle Crucis Community Park. Grab some discs and accessories at the Original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis and stop in the park to practice, just 1/4 mile down the road next to the entrance to the Mast Store Annex.
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Grab discs, bags, towels, and more at three downtown Boone shops: The Mast General Store, Mountain Running Company, and the App State Bookstore.