The raw beauty of the pristine Blue Ridge Mountains and endless adventures around Boone tend to attract lovers of nature. No matter if you are a seasoned outdoors person, or are newly falling in love with the sights and sounds of nature, Boone delivers the Awe. Those seeking to minimize their environmental impact during a trip to Boone are in luck. They may consider supporting local businesses and initiatives. Opt for accommodations prioritizing sustainability practices, such as reducing waste and conserving energy. Choose restaurants that source local ingredients and minimize food waste.
Below, find our tips for exploring the Boone area as sustainably as possible:
Getting Around
There’s no way around driving to get to the Boone area unless you're a cyclist traversing challenging mountain roads. Choosing to come to the area could mean skipping the air travel and taking a road trip - already a very sustainable choice. If flying into CLT or GSO, carpooling and ride-sharing can help cut back on emissions traveling the rest of the way.
Getting around in the town of Boone is easy, too. The AppalCART is a completely free bus system that goes throughout the town and even has a completely electric bus! Shuttles from rural parts of the county can also be arranged from AppalCART for a small fee. Electric vehicle drivers will find convenient charging stations throughout the county, so no need to worry about running out of juice.
PRO TIP - When exploring Downtown Boone or Blowing Rock, take the first parking spot you see and walk around. There are plenty of delicious eateries and unique shopping experiences within walking distance.
Find local ride options and an EV Charging Station Map on our Transportation page.
Creative Accommodations
Many visitors choose to stay in a hotel or cabin in the Boone area. If possible, opt for smaller-sized A-Frame cabins and tiny houses, which use less energy to heat and cool than larger accommodations. Another way to travel more sustainably is to look for rentals that rely on renewable energy like The Solar Farmhouse. Stay at a historic 1875 bed and breakfast, the Lovill House Inn, which focuses on sustainable details like energy efficiency, plastic-free toiletries, and locally sourced breakfasts. The Inn runs on 100% renewable energy and was recognized by the NC Green Travel program at the highest level of environmental stewardship.
You could also try backpacking to a remote, off-the-beaten-path campsite in Grandfather Mountain or Elk Knob State Parks. Camping near your car is another fun option for the whole family to experience with any of Boone’s uniquely beautiful campgrounds. Book a stay with Glamping Unplugged and truly unplug from your devices and connect with nature in a stylish geodesic dome.
PRO TIP - Cut energy usage down wherever you stay by turning off all lights and electronics before leaving any accommodations.
Ecotourism Adventures
The eco-friendly activities are seemingly endless in the area. Boone is surrounded by fresh air, wildlife, abundant forests, and crisp, clean headwater streams. From hiking to scenic vistas, historic places, and waterfalls to ziplining through the trees, here are some of our favorite environmentally conscious activities:
great all year long:
- Visit a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Grandfather Mountain
- Visit Farmers' Markets, including in winter
- Hike to waterfalls, through valleys, and to summits
- Catch dinner from a mountain stream Fly Fishing
- Explore rock formations by Climbing or Bouldering
- Enjoy scenic vistas from Horseback
- Check out a working Alpaca Farm or an over 150-year-old Cattle Farm
- Tour the free Blowing Rock Art and History Museum
best in warm months:
- Try a Zipline in the area
- Go Canoeing and Kayaking on the New River
- Visit a history museum with cabins and tour guides from the 1700s
- Lay back and enjoy Lazy River Tubing
- Practice Paddleboard Yoga at Julian Price Lake
- Take a stroll through Daniel Boone Native Gardens
- Go Mountain Biking at Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park
Be considerate of others enjoying public areas and practice the Outdoor NC/Leave No Trace to keep these places around for generations to come.
Brush up on the 7 Outdoor NC principles here.
Eat Local
Fresh, locally sourced food almost always tastes better than the alternative. Plus, using local ingredients for food saves on transportation costs, supports local farmers and ecological biodiversity, and encourages seasonal eating - all of which benefit a community and its environment. Here are a few of our picks for eating locally in the Boone Area:
Melanie's Food Fantasy - No trip to Boone is complete without a stop-in for breakfast at Melanie's Food Fantasy (pictured). The downtown Boone restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch on their pet-friendly patio. Fresh-squeezed juices and organic coffee, farm-raised eggs, and lots of local produce in their tasty culinary creations. There is often a wait for breakfast on the weekends, as it's no secret how delicious Melanie's is.
F.A.R.M. Café - F.A.R.M. Café is a bright and cheery spot right in the center of Boone's King Street. Expect a new meal each day, with fresh, seasonal vegetables, sustainably raised meats, and other local food items creating an ever-changing menu. The café's pay-as-you-can model is awesome, with suggested donations are $5-10, but everybody eats regardless of their means at this café. The bistro also uses "ugly" produce from local farms for their Full Circle Program, which creates and delivers easy-to-prepare, nutritious meals for regional shelters. They have even implemented a composting program for food waste.
Farm to Flame Food Truck - Farm to Flame's wood-fired pizzas are a delicious complement to the beverages at Appalachian Mountain Brewery, where the food truck is usually parked. All utensils and containers used by the food truck decompose within 50 days. The truck runs on biodiesel and gets power from the solar panels on Appalachian Mountain Brewery's roof.
PRO TIP - Many restaurants on Explore Boone's Local Favorites page are also featured by High Country Grown, an initiative that certifies that a restaurant or business is using locally grown products.
Sustainable Organizations
As a municipality, The Town of Boone has been hard at work behind the scenes working to make sustainability a reachable goal for residents and visitors. Partnerships with Appalachian State's New River Light and Power and Blue Ridge Energy allowed for all municipal buildings to be run on 100% renewable energy by February 2022. By 2050, the town hopes to have all buildings within town limits running on renewable energy. Boone's Sustainability Department has also focused on waste reduction and removal in waterways with the installation of "Trash Trouts", which filter litter from the headwaters of the New River near the Boone Greenway.
The Blue Ridge Conservancy is an incredible nonprofit based in Boone dedicated to protecting the natural resources found in the area for their cultural, agricultural, recreational, and ecological significance. As of 2024, The organization has protected 25,000 acres of game lands, hiking trails, state parks, and Blue Ridge Parkway land. The Conservancy is building the Middle Fork Greenway trail system, which will eventually connect the towns of Boone and Blowing Rock by trail.
Read about more eco-friendly organizations in Boone.
Eco-Travel Pro Tips
- Bring a reusable water bottle with you & fill it up where you can
- Save any plastic bags you receive with purchases and pick up trash on your adventures.
- Bring your toiletries and leave those plastic mini shampoos for the next guest.
- Don’t stack river rocks when recreating at rivers, these are wildlife habitats. The headwaters in and around Boone are fragile ecosystems. Read about recent local Hellbender Salamander conservation efforts on National Geographic.
- Stay on the trails when hiking. There may be rare plants or animals underfoot.
- Leave the wildflowers for others to enjoy. Take pictures to remember their beauty.
- Always pack out anything you pack in, including pet waste and food scraps.
- Purchase carbon offsets (if able) when driving or flying long distances.