10 Adventures That Will Blow Your Mind Near Banner Elk
North Carolina’s Banner Elk is known for being a tourist destination par excellence. Not only is it located in the eminently Insta-worthy Blue Ridge Mountains, but it is also sandwiched between two lovely resort areas: Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain. In summer, hiking and swimming abound, while in winter, you’ll get your fill of skiing and other winter sports.
If you’re looking for things to do in Banner Elk NC, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 10 of our favorite adventure spots … and one pro tip to help you plan an epic trip.
1. Hike Grandfather Mountain
Easily one of the best things to do in Banner Elk NC is to pay a visit to Grandfather Mountain. In general, hiking near Banner Elk is pretty amazing, but ol’ Granddad takes it to the next level. With nature exhibits, wildlife areas, and scenic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge, you’ll be happy you came.
Make sure to pay a visit to the Mile High Swinging Bridge, an institution at Grandfather Mountain. It’s the highest suspension bridge in the United States, spanning 228 feet over an 80-foot drop. (Don’t worry, the bridge itself is not a mile high, so those with a fear of heights can still enjoy it.)
2. Explore Linville Gorge
Linville Gorge is another of the most exciting things to do in Banner Elk NC. The gorge is 12 miles long, boasting five different trails and the stunning 90-foot-high Linville Falls.
You can access the falls easily from several of the trails, none of which are longer than 4 miles, and only one of which requires significant skill. When it comes to hiking near Banner Elk, you should definitely put this on your bucket list.
3. Try Ziplining
Less than 20 minutes away from Banner Elk is Seven Devils NC. It’s a true thrillseeker’s dream, because it is home to Hawksnest Zipline. Let’s just say … these guys take ziplining very, very seriously.
They’ve been rated North Carolina’s top ziplining experience by multiple review sites for a reason: 4 miles of ziplines, 20 different lines, up to 200 feet in height and 40 miles per hour, with two separate “mega zips” more than 1,500 feet in length. It's truly a can’t-miss.
4. Go Whitewater Rafting
If you’re ready for thrill-seeking of a different kind, whitewater rafting is one of the best things to do in Banner Elk NC. There are several outfitters in the area who put rides together, including High Mountain Expeditions and Edge of the World, among others. Just make sure to book your trip ahead of time, because their trips fill up quickly in the heat.
5. Head Out and Mountain Bike
With so much nature at your fingertips, it stands to reason you’ll want to get out and explore it, and what better way than atop a trusty mountain bike? Rocky Knob Mtn Bike Park and Beech Mountain Bike Park are two of the most popular biking destinations near Banner Elk, but there are several others from which to choose if you want to make an exhaustive survey: Emerald Outlook, Wizards Way, and Gum Tree Road are three of the most popular all-purpose trails in the area.
6. Hit the Slopes
Psst … Remember Hawksnest Zipline in Seven Devils NC? Turns out they offer snow tubing in NC as well, and it’s just as much of a hit as their ziplining is. This is family fun at its best, because you don’t need skis to enjoy a full day of safe, amateur tubing. With larger and smaller hills alike, you’ll find slopes for everyone in the family.
Of course, if you’re more into skiing in North Carolina, then Banner Elk has you covered there, too. You’ll find ski resorts at both Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain.
7. Take a Tour Through Linville Caverns
If you feel like some gentle, indoor hiking near Banner Elk, then a tour through Linville Caverns might be right up your alley. Although it’s not one of the cheapest things to do in Banner Elk NC, it’s absolutely worth it for the novelty of seeing such epic cave formations.
They’ve been hosting tours for nearly 90 years, boast a creek with actual fish in it, and will stun you with well-lit tours that showcase the bowels of Mother Nature at her best. Just make sure to arrive early, because the tours fill up.
8. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
If you’re looking for more sedate things to do in Banner Elk NC, then a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway is always a win. Designated a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, this 469-mile route is jaw-droppingly scenic at any time of year, from winter’s starkness to summer’s lush greenery.
You can make an all-day adventure out of your drive or just get your gawk on for an afternoon … up to you!
9. Hop on an ATV
Done with sedate? Banner Elk is a great place to tear around on an ATV and see more of the landscape in less time. Or, if you want a more robust experience with multiple riders, you can book a UTV excursion as well. Outfitters such as High Country UTV Tours, Appalachians Outdoor Adventures, or Mountain Warriors UTV are all good options.
Just make sure to bring plenty of sunblock and water, because it can get hot in those hills. Also, make sure to pay attention to age restrictions so no one is disappointed.
10. Race Woolly Worms
Sorry, you’re thinking, did you just say we should race woolly worms? And the answer is yes: We did, and you should. Call them what you like — woolly worms, woolly bears, or fuzzy wuzzies — these darling black-and-orange caterpillars are a favorite in the South … but only Banner Elk takes things to the next level.
The Annual Woolly Worm Festival has been going strong for nearly five decades. It’s a place to enjoy crafts and food, live entertainment, and ... you guessed it … the woolly worm races, where you can enter your own critter and cheer him on.
Ask the Experts
Ready for that pro tip? Here it is: The internet is a wonderful place to learn about things to do in Banner Elk NC, but there’s nothing like asking a local. If you’re still curious about possible activities or you want to learn more about restaurants or rentals, please feel free to get in touch with our partners at Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals.
They serve Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk, and we would be happy to answer any questions you have today!
