The Area – High Country – Banner Elk NC
Attractions
When most think of the resort Mecca of Banner Elk, they think of the amazing amenities and lifestyle offered in the town’s many condo, town home, and luxury resort communities. This pristine mountain region is filled with Attractions and things to do that keep the locals occupied and keep visitors coming back year after year. It helps that the town offers plenty to do year round with fun activities right around the corner with each new season. In the spring, summer, and fall you can enjoy all of the sights and sounds of the mountains by getting out and going hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, or Whitewater Rafting. The area is filled with ancient rivers and streams and some of the most beautiful Waterfalls, so be sure to bring along your camera. Read on to find out more about some of the top Attractions.
Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain has got to be one of the most famous peaks in the state, if not the entire region! Our Grandfather Mountain Webcam is one of the most popular. Known for its distinctive profile, which is easily seen from several viewpoints on Highway 105, Grandfather Mountain is a pristine wilderness that visitors can explore for a small admission fee. Throughout this renowned Attraction there are places to hike, mountain bike, rock climb, and picnic. Parts of the Appalachian Trail even pass through! Atop Grandfather Mountain, you can explore the habitats of mammals such as mountain lions, bear, deer, otters, and amazing eagles and owls. On top of the mountain is a heritage museum filled with artifacts and a gift shop, and nearby is the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The Mile High Swinging Bridge is, in fact, a swinging bridge. The 228-foot suspended bridge has an 80-foot span where you can stand at the one mile elevation mark (5,280 ft). This is not Grandfather’s highest point, however. Another summit, Calloway Peak, is the highest point on the mountain, reaching an elevation of 5,964 feet. Looking for Cabins near Grandfather Mountain or Cabins with Grandfather Views? Check out the Lodging information that we provide.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic National Parkway that meanders its way through areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia. In Banner Elk and Linville, there are several spots where you can access the Blue Ridge Parkway and take either the route to Asheville or the routes to Blowing Rock, Ashe County, and parts of Alleghany County near Virginia. Infamous stops and mileposts along the way near Banner Elk are the Linn Cove Viaduct, Milepost 305 at the Tanawa Trail, Milepost 310 at Lost Cove Cliffs (a great spot to sit to see the Brown Mountain Lights), Milepost 316 at Linville Falls, and the Historic Orchard at Altapass.
Zipline Courses
There are two Zipline Courses in NC located in and around Banner Elk. Hawksnest Ziplines is located atop Seven Devils at the former Hawksnest Ski Resort which has since been converted into a massive Zipline in North Carolina and Snow Tubing complex. The other Zipline Course is ScreamTime Zipline which also offers canopy tours. Ziplines are also called aerial rope slides and are the adult version of what every kid wanted on their tree house or jungle gym when they were growing up. Imagine zooming above the tree line, or through trees on a zipline course and enjoying the exhilarating feeling of free flying.
Ski Resorts in North Carolina
There are two ski resorts in North Carolina located right near Banner Elk atop two prominent mountain peaks in the area. Both Sugar Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Ski Resort are phenomenal places to enjoy Skiing and a great deal of the area’s winter commerce relies on skiers and boarders coming up to the area to enjoy the Banner Elk Resorts. Our Ski Resort Cams are VERY popular in the winter months. Click to see images of the Beech Mountain Cams and Sugar Mountain Webcam.
Linville Caverns
Linville Caverns is a popular Attraction located right outside of Banner Elk. The cave is open year round as temperatures inside the cave do not vary too far off from 58 degrees or so. Linville Caverns is an active limestone cave that continues to grow and form. Guided tours are given on a thirty-minute schedule and cameras are allowed.
There are tons of fun things to do all around the High Country and in the town of Banner Elk. If you are looking for information on other fun High Country Attractions such as Tweetsie Railroad, Horn in the West, Mystery Hill, and more, click to the information we have on these popular hotspots and start planning your next visit. If you need help finding Cabins or Hotels in Banner Elk, click to our Lodging information. In addition to our Directory of Live Web Cams in North Carolina, we have compiled information on places to stay in Banner Elk, the best Real Estate companies, where to go Shopping, Dining, and events that so many love. Click to learn more.
