Preserving the Awe

Plan a low-impact trip & help preserve awe-inspiring Boone

The Boone area is a beloved destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with a rich cultural history, vast opportunities for outdoor exploration, and plenty of individuals and organizations who are working to preserve this awe-inspiring area. Join the movement by dining at restaurants that feature local ingredients, staying in eco-friendly lodging, and exploring attractions that use sustainable practices.

 

Travel Tips:

 

  • Familiarize yourself with the Outdoor NC Principles and guidelines
  • Bring a reusable water bottle with you & fill it up at restaurants, attractions, and markets
  • Always turn off lights and appliances when not in use at accommodations
  • Plan a mid-week trip and skip the crowds!
  • Take advantage of Boone's FREE bus system - the AppalCART. Just use Google Maps to find a route.
  • Pick up fresh, locally produced food from the High Country Food Hub or a local Farmers' Market
  • Learn about the area's history to gain a better appreciation of its culture and art
  • Take some time to volunteer for a local organization
  • Tour a business practicing stewardship and learn how they "Preserve The Awe"
  • Seek out low-impact activities like Cycling, Hiking, Picnicking, Ziplining, & more
  • Read Our "Eco-conscious Traveler's Guide To Boone" for more pro-tips
Innovative Accommodations:
Consider low-impact activities:
 
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Walk through picturesque mountain trails, taking only pictures and leaving only footprints.

Hike Boone Area Trails

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See the area from a new perspective while minimizing your impact.

Zipline Through the High Country

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Wade through fragile Appalachian ecosystems and try to catch a glimpse of an endemic species.

Fly Fish High Country Headwaters

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Check out Boone Restaurants that source ingredients locally and seasonally

Eat at a locally-sourcing restaurant

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Always practice waterfall safety when exploring waterfalls.

Chase a Boone Area Waterfall

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Area lakes and rivers allow for beautiful floats

Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard

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Enjoy a hoof-powered tour of the stunning landscape.

Take a Trail on Horseback

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Witness the Milky Way and other constellations in an area with little light pollution.

Blue Ridge Parkway Stargazing

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Learn more about the local food system, ecosystem, and more from Boone farmers.

Tour a Local Farm or Market

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Visit a series of heritage craft galleries and gain an appreciation for the culture.

Explore Boone's Blue Ridge Craft Trails

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Grandfather Mountain has international recognition for its significance to the natural world

Visit an International Biosphere Reserve

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Upcoming Events: