Travel Updates

COVID-19 Notices

Updated August 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 & the Town of Boone's Press Release

Appalachian State University has lifted face-covering requirements. Learn more here: App State COVID-19 Updates

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 near Linville Falls and near Deep Gap will be under construction lasting until September of 2022.
  • Deep Gap will have a full 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. Find the detour map here. 
  • Expect delays around milepost 323, near Linville Falls due to single-lane traffic.
  • Expect delays at overlooks, parking areas, and picnic areas from milepost 305 to 342 for pavement preservation work all summer of 2022.

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

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 is open. See their website for hours.

Price Lake Boat Rentals is open. Price Lake Campground is open.

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.

Horn in the West Outdoor Drama - The last performance of the season is August 13, 2022. 

Tweetsie Railroad - Open for the season. See open days and hours here.

Grandfather Mountain (Attraction) - Reservations for the attraction should 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. Learn more about park hours and operations HERE.

Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park - The park is open for the season. 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 Sunday.

Apple Hill Farm - Open for tours by reservation only. 

The Blowing Rock - Open daily, weather permitting.

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

Beech Mountain - Open for the summer season - the brewery and mountain biking trails are open Thursday - Sunday.

Sugar Mountain - Summer lift rides and mountain bike park open from July 1 - Sept. 5, Friday - Monday.

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 how to help preserve the awe-inspiring environment around Boone!

temporarily closed in the Boone Area:

Hawksnest Snowtubing - Closed for the season. 

Appalachian Ski Mountain -  Closed for the season.