Travel Updates

COVID-19 Notices

Updated May 10, 2022

Watauga County and the town of Boone have lifted their respective mask mandates as of March 7, 2022. Some businesses in the area may still require masks for customers and staff. Face coverings are required in some public spaces, including the health department, on public transportation, and at the jail. 

Read the Watauga County State of Emergency Declaration

Read the Town of Boone's latest Press Release

Appalachian State University has lifted its face-covering requirements as of March 7, 2022. Unvaccinated individuals are still highly encouraged to wear masks indoors.  Learn more here: App State COVID-19 Updates

Federal law does require face coverings on public transit, including the free AppalCART in the town of Boone. Learn more Here

"If you leave home, know you Ws!  Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth.  Wait 6 feet apart.  Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer."

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

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

Road Maintenance In the Boone Area

• A bridge is being replaced near the intersection of Highway 105 and Broadstone Road between Boone and Banner Elk. Expect delays and lane closures traveling to and from Boone on weekdays. Download the Waze app for the best re-route options. 
• Sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Deep Gap and near Linville Falls will be under construction starting April 11, 2022, until September of 2022. Deep Gap will have a full parkway closure from milepost 276.4 at US Route 421 to milepost 280.9 at Old US 421. Take Old US 421 as a detour for this section. Expect delays around milepost 323, near Linville Falls due to single-lane traffic.

Open in the Boone Area:

• Many restaurants, retail businesses, and attractions in the Boone area have opened at full capacity
  • These establishments may require masks or proof of vaccination
  • Please be patient with restaurants, many of which are experiencing staff shortages and supply chain disruption
  • Click here to view the Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Guide to Getting Outside during COVID-19

Blue Ridge Parkway - The Blue Ridge Parkway roads and hiking trails in the area are open, weather permitting. Keep updated on Road Closures here.

The Parkway Craft Center at Moses Cone Memorial Park reopens on April 15 (Wednesday - Sunday). The park and hiking trails remain open. 

Price Lake Boat Rentals is open. Price Lake Campground opens on May 27.

Linville Falls Visitor Center will reopen on April 29. See more updates on Blue Ridge Parkway Facilities here. 

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

Hickory Ridge Museum - Open for the season, Tuesday - Saturday.

Tweetsie Railroad - Opening day is April 10, 2022. See open days and hours here.

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

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

Elk Knob State Park - Trails and restrooms are open. Masks are required indoors. Learn more about park hours and operations HERE.

Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park - The playground is open. Biking trails are closed due to freeze/thaw conditions.  Stay updated on trail status here. 

Boone Golf Club - Public golf course is open for the season. 

Hawksnest Zipline - Open for ziplining, reservations required.

Sky Valley Zip Tours - Open for ziplining on select days. Make reservations online.

High Gravity Adventures - The adventure park and ziplines are open on select days. Reservations are strongly recommended. 

The Appalachian Theatre - Open for events. View the theatre's current schedule by clicking here.

The Turchin Center - The gallery is open to the public. See the website for hours.

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 with free admission, Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm. 

Apple Hill Farm - Open for tours by reservation only. 4WD Vehicles are recommended in winter.

The Blowing Rock - Open daily, weather permitting.

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

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

Closed (temporarily) in the Boone Area:

Horn in the West Outdoor Drama - 2022 will run July 1 - August 13, 2022. 

Hawksnest Snowtubing - Closed for the season. 

Appalachian Ski Mountain -  Closed for the season. 

Beech Mountain - Closed for the winter season. Opening for the Summer Season on, May 28th.

Sugar Mountain - Closed for the winter season. Summer lift rides and mountain bike park open on May 27th.