Hit the Road: Your Easy High Country Escape Starts in Banner Elk

Banner Elk -- Looking for a road trip that delivers big mountain views and charming town stops without needing a week off? Check out this gem of a driving loop starting right in Banner Elk.

It's about 50 miles, easy to navigate, and absolutely packed with the kind of scenery and fun that makes the North Carolina High Country so special. Forget complicated itineraries; this loop makes exploring simple and exciting.

Cruising Through Mountain Charm:

Your adventure kicks off right at the main stoplight in downtown Banner Elk. From there, the route guides you through some truly spectacular landscapes. You'll get to cruise along one of the prettiest stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway – seriously, pull over often, the views demand it! The drive also weaves through the delightful downtowns of Blowing Rock and Boone, perfect spots to park, stretch your legs, and maybe grab a bite or browse some local shops.

Don't let the 50-mile distance fool you; this loop is dense with possibilities. We're talking over 500 potential stops – think hiking trails leading to waterfalls, quirky galleries, cozy cafes, and unique attractions. You could spend a day hitting the highlights or stretch it out longer.

Must-See Stops Along the Way:

What kind of fun are you looking for? History buffs will love the Mast General Store and the Wild West action at Tweetsie Railroad. If thrills are your thing, the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster delivers! For jaw-dropping natural beauty and maybe a walk across a mile-high bridge, Grandfather Mountain is a must. Curious minds should check out Mystery Hill, and animal lovers can't miss the Apple Hill Alpaca Farm. It's a lineup with guaranteed smiles for everyone in the car.

Important Note Regarding Hurricane Helene Recovery:

The High Country is still recovering from Hurricane Helene. While many businesses are open and ready to welcome visitors, there may be road closures or detours, particularly on secondary roads. The Blue Ridge Parkway and some trails may be closed for assessments and repairs. Please check DriveNC.gov for the latest road conditions and check with your lodging or attraction for any specific closures or impacts. Your patience and support of local businesses during this time are greatly appreciated.   

A Couple of Pro Tips:

A quick heads-up: for popular spots like Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie, and Apple Hill Farm, grabbing tickets online ahead of time can save you hassle. Also, mountain weather and road work happen, so it's always smart to check DriveNC.gov for the latest conditions on the Blue Ridge Parkway section before you head out.

This Banner Elk loop really is a fantastic way to sample the best of the High Country – mixing epic scenery with doses of adventure and small-town charm. Enjoy the ride!

Below is information from the Town of Banner Elk website: 

Visitors to Banner Elk can take in all the sights across the NC High Country via a 50-mile driving tour that begins at the stoplight in the center of town.

The guide below offers mile-by-mile highlights as you drive the loop counterclockwise from Banner Elk, which is the quickest route to reach the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Mile 0.0: Banner Elk Stoplight! Begin your trip on NC 184 South/Shawneehaw Ave South

0.5 Mile: Turn right onto Hickory Nut Gap Road for Banner House Museum & Wildcat Lake Beach

2.7 Miles: Sugar Creek Gem Mine

2.7 Miles: Turn right for Sugar Mountain Public Golf & Tennis and Weekend Scenic Lift Rides & Bike Park (July & Aug) at Sugar Mountain Resort. See the Village of Sugar Mountain Visitor Guide for things to do

2.9 Miles: Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster & Adventure Center, Buy tickets online.

4.2 Miles: Avery County Chamber Visitor Center (4501 Tynecastle Hwy., Banner Elk)

4.2 Miles: Turn right onto NC 105 South

8.1 Miles: Welcome to Linville! Turn left onto U.S. Hwy. 221 North

10.4 Miles: Grandfather Mountain Entrance Gate, Buy tickets online

11.5 Miles: Turn left onto Blue Ridge Parkway entrance ramp. At Parkway, turn right (south) for Beacon Heights Hiking Trail parking area. Turn left to continue the loop north. Milepost 305.2

12.4 Miles: Linn Cove Viaduct rest stop & trail to walk underneath viaduct. Milepost 294.6

13.9 Miles: Rough Ridge Hike – parking area on left. Milepost 302.8

17.3 Miles: Boone Fork Parking Area. Access to Daniel Boone Scout Trail to Grandfather Mountain Summit. Milepost 299.9

20.4 Miles: Price Lake: Hiking, boating, Boone Fork Trail Loop. Milepost 296.7

21.6 Miles: Green Knob Trailhead. Milepost 295.9

23.5 Miles: Moses Cone Park with 25 miles of hiking trails & Manor House with craft shop and info center. Milepost 294.1

Upon leaving Moses Cone Park, go one-half mile south on the Blue Ridge Parkway to exit onto U.S. Hwy. 221 North toward Blowing Rock

24.5 Miles: Bass Pond trail & horseback riding

25 Miles: Turn right on Main Street to explore downtown Blowing Rock. See the Blowing Rock Visitor Guide for things to do. Turn left on Main to continue the loop.

25.5 Miles: Turn left onto U.S. Hwy. 321 / U.S. Hwy. 221 North toward Boone.

25.8 Miles: High Country Host Visitor Center (6370 U.S. Hwy. 321, Blowing Rock)

27.3 Miles: Mystery Hill attraction

28 Miles: Tweetsie Railroad Wild West Theme Park, Buy tickets online

28 Miles: High Gravity Zip Line & Aerial Park

29.8 Miles: Turn right onto Fairway Drive to Boone Golf Club (open to public)

32 Miles: Turn left onto King Street /U.S. Hwy. 421 North. See the Boone Visitor Guide for things to do

32.5 Miles: Downtown Boone: Turn left on Depot Street

32.6 Miles: Turn right on Rivers Street (which becomes Poplar Grove Road)

34.6 Miles: Turn right onto NC 105 South

37.6 Miles: Turn right onto Broadstone Road toward Valle Crucis

40.7 Miles: Original Mast General Store, then go back 2/10 of a mile to intersection to continue loop

40.9 Miles: Turn onto NC 194 South

42.2 Miles: Crab Orchard Falls Trailhead (park at Holy Cross Episcopal Church)

44.6 Miles: Apple Hill Farm – turn right onto Oliver Hill Road for 1.4 miles. Buy tickets online

46.8 Miles: Banner Elk Winery – turn right on Gualtney Road

48.3 Miles: Return to Banner Elk stoplight

WNCTimes

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