Find plenty of outdoor adventures in Boone, NC to help you soak up the striking scenes of the season.

 

Admire the Sights on a Scenic Lift Ride

While Boone is considered the Ski Capital of the South, the fun can begin at nearby ski resorts well before winter. Chairlift rides offer some of the most secluded and breathtakingly vibrant viewing experiences no matter what your age and ability. Take a picturesque, mile-high ride to the top of Beech Mountain Resort and soak in the striking show of leaves below. Hop aboard the Summit Express chairlift at Sugar Mountain Resort and enjoy a dramatic perspective of the Appalachian Mountains as it whisks you 1,200’ from base to peak.

 

Trek Down Waterfall Trails

From Boone, follow the Blue Ridge Parkway north to milepost 271.9 and Cascade Falls. The hike is a half-mile in to view the falls from two overlooks. Or, head south on the Parkway to Julian Price Park, milepost 296, and hike the Boone Fork Trail (5-mile loop) to the Boone Fork Falls, also known as Hebron Falls. Drive further south to milepost 316 to hike to several overlooks at Linville Falls (about a 2-mile round-trip hike). From Annie Cannon Gardens parking lot in the town of Blowing Rock, hike the steep trail down to Glen Burney Falls and back (2.3-mile total). Or, head to Valle Crucis Conference Center and follow the trail to Crab Orchard Falls, (1.5 mi. round-trip).

 

Take to the Skies

Ziplining is the perfect autumn adventure for those seeking a birds-eye view of brilliant fall foliage with a healthy dose of adrenaline. Choose from four aerial adventure parks in the area, each offering a unique zip tour depending on riders’ age and experience level. Get the full foliage experience with High Gravity Adventures’ Leaf Season Pass and enjoy unlimited weekend visits through November.

 

Paddle Along Dazzling Shorelines

Set out on a serene, scenic kayak trip down the New River or enjoy the reflection of striking color in the mirrored surface of a Boone area lake. Choose from several river guide outfitters in the area for guides, kayaks, and shuttles. And, Price Lake Boat Rentals can provide you with a kayak for a relaxing float on pristine Price Lake at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 297 (pictured above).

 

Coast Through the Canopy

Race through loops, twists, and turns at North Carolina’s first alpine roller coaster in Banner Elk–just a short drive southwest of Boone. Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster was built by Germany’s top alpine coaster company and modeled after popular coasters in Europe. Rides begin with a cable-pulled ascent up the mountain where riders have a chance to take in the sights and sounds of autumn in the High Country. The individual carts will then rush along the 3,160-foot track at top speeds of 27 mph. For those who prefer a gentler ride, hand brakes on either side of the cart can control guests’ 770-foot descent from the top. The Alpine Coaster is open year-round and registered check-in times are required for all guests.

 

Climb Your Way to the Top

Ages five and up can push their limits and learn a new skill on the climbing tower at Rock Dimensions and Footsloggers in downtown Boone. Rock Dimensions can provide guides for excursions, too. Their Tower to Rock instructional program provides 2 hours of instruction on the climbing tower plus a half-day excursion at a rock climbing spot surrounded by golden fall color.

Plan your stay at a property in the Boone area by visiting our Hotels & Cabins page.