COVID-19 Travel Updates

North Carolina is experiencing a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases. Individuals are urged to wear masks indoors in public settings, stay at least six feet from others, and wash hands frequently, regardless of vaccination status.

The town of Boone has reinstated a mask mandate, effective August 10, 2021 at 5pm. Face coverings are required indoors for individuals within town of Boone limits, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are not required for children 2 and under. Read the State of Emergency declaration here.

• On September 16, 2021, the town of Boone modified this mask mandate to exclude persons in indoor athletic facilities who are actively working out. If all participants have provided proof of vaccination to the facility and are spaced 10' apart, then face coverings can be removed while engaged in physical activity indoors. 

The town of Blowing Rock has also reinstated a mask mandate in all indoor public spaces within Blowing Rock town limits, effective August 27, 2021. This includes restaurants when not eating or drinking, retail businesses, and common spaces in lodging facilities. Masks are not required for children 2 and under. Read Blowing Rock's State of Emergency declaration here.

Watauga County has declared a State of Emergency, as of August 18, 2021. Face coverings must be worn in county owned buildings (The TDA office is located in a county building). Read the Watauga County State of Emergency Declaration here.

NC Executive Order 224 includes masking and testing requirements for state cabinet employees: Learn more here

To learn more about NC's Current Health & Safety Restrictions: Visit the Current Restrictions page on NC.gov

Appalachian State University requires face coverings indoors as of 8-4-21, learn more here: App State COVID-19 Updates

Read more about the COVID-19 Data in the region at the Appalachian Regional Healthcare Dashboard 

Visit the CDC's website for all current health and safety guidance

 

Open in the Boone Area:

• Many restaurants, retail businesses, amusement parks, and attractions have opened with full capacity
  • These establishments may require masks or proof of vaccination
• State and local parks, hiking trails, and playgrounds in the area are open
• There are no current mass gathering limits in North Carolina
• Please see our events calendar to learn about local events

Remember to Leave No Trace when recreating outdoors by planning ahead, respecting wildlife, packing out any trash, and being respectful of others by social distancing.  Click here to learn more about the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.

Blue Ridge Parkway - The Blue Ridge Parkway roads and hiking trails in the area are open. Masks are required in all facilities.

The Parkway Craft Center at Moses Cone Memorial Park is open daily 10am to 5pm through October.

Parkway facilities, including most restrooms, picnic areas, some campgrounds and visitor centers are open.

Find updates on Blue Ridge Parkway facilities here

Grandfather Mountain - Reservations for the attraction must be made online, in advance. Purchase tickets at Grandfather.com

Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park - Trails and playground are open.

Tweetsie Railroad - Find the Tweetsie schedule online at this link. See new park operations here.

The Appalachian Theatre - Open for events. View their current schedule by clicking here.

Hawksnest Zipline - Open for ziplining. Advanced reservations are required.

Sky Valley Zip Tours - Open for select tours, advanced reservations are required.

High Gravity Adventures - Zipline and Aerial park open for weekends. Advanced reservations are required.

Hickory Ridge Museum - Open until mid-November, Tuesday - Friday, 10am to 4pm . Saturdays the museum is open 10am to 2pm. (Last tours are 1 hour prior to closing)

Boone Golf Club - Public golf course is open, tee time reservations are recommended. 

The Turchin Center - The gallery is currently open to the public Thursdays - Saturdays from 12pm - 4pm. Timed entry reservations are available. Walk ins are welcome.

The Jones House - Downstairs gallery and restrooms open.

Mast General Store in Downtown Boone 

The Original Mast General Store and Annex in Valle Crucis 

Mystery Hill - Open daily.

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum - Open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 11am to 5pm.

Apple Hill Farm - Open for tours by reservation only, seven days a week. 

Beech Mountain - Open for scenic lift rides, mountain biking and disc golf.

Sugar Mountain - Open for scenic lift rides and mountain biking.

The Blowing Rock - Open daily.

The Children's Playhouse - Open to the public Tuesday - Saturday, reservations required. 

Grandfather Mountain State Park - Trails and restrooms are open. Learn more about park operations HERE.

Elk Knob State Park - Trails and restrooms are open. Learn more HERE.

Howard's Knob Park - Open May 1st - October 20th. Hours are 8:30am - 7:30pm daily.

 

Closed (temporarily) in the Boone Area:

Appalachian Ski Mountain -  Closed for the season.

Horn in the West Outdoor Drama - 2021 Season ended August 7th. Hickory Ridge Museum, also located in Daniel Boone Park, is open.

 

Count On Me NC Business Training

Participants of the state-wide Count On Me NC training program are implementing extra sanitation procedures, capacity limits, extra training, and extra caution and to ensure the safety of their patrons. 

Participating Boone Hotels: 

• Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton
• Super 8, Boone
• Sleep Inn, Boone 
• La Quinta Boone
• The Horton Hotel and Rooftop Lounge
• Holiday Inn, Boone (University Area)
• Holiday Inn Express

​Check out CountOnMeNC.org for more information on participating businesses.