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 Take
the road less traveled, your key to a magical fall drive lies here.
We have made it easy to get around the
High Country while taking the scenic route to your destination.
Traveling in the mountains.
One thing to remember is that
some directions or maps may seem complicated or longer than they
really are. The reason being is that all of the towns in the High
Country Area are fairly close together, but there are mountains in
between and under them, so the roads curve and wind.
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There are several ways to get everywhere but the routes are often
across entire mountains from one another. If you get lost or
disoriented, know that this area is famous for its friendly
hospitality, anyone will be happy to help you on your way. Your
destination is most likely just over then next ridge. So have fun,
get a map and take an Autumn Trip in the High Country.
If your
destination is Blowing Rock or Banner Elk, these next sections are a
must anyone taking an Autumn Trip to the High Country
Blowing Rock & Banner Elk from 421 via
the Blue Ridge Parkway
If your destination is Blowing Rock or Banner Elk, and you
are coming North on Hwy 421 try this route. (20 miles to Blowing
Rock, 35 miles to Banner Elk) on the Blue Ridge Parkway
This route runs along the left (east) side of the mountains you see on the
last stretch of open view coming up the mountain on 421.
Right as you level out at the top of this stretch of highway 421
North, you will pass under a bridge. This is the Blue Ridge Parkway,
turn left to get on and then go right towards Blowing Rock.
There are lots of overlooks, picnic areas and farms that border this
section of the parkway and this drive doesn’t take any longer than
it would to get to Blowing Rock Via Boone.
After Passing through Aho Gap, and several overlooks, one of which,
you can get out and walk through a cow field, you will cross Hwy 321
and turn left to drive into Blowing Rock.
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*You may also continue to Linville, Spruce Pine, & Little
Switzerland on this Drive or Banner Elk from 321. via the Blue Ridge Parkway
*You may also continue to Linville, Spruce Pine, & Little
Switzerland on this Drive |
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Banner
Elk or Linville
If your destination is Banner
Elk or Linville, I suggest taking this route from either 421
as we have come thus far, or if you have come up the mountain on 321
through Blowing Rock, you also have an opportunity to get on the
Parkway just North of Blowing Rock. (continuing on 321 takes
you into Boone).
On 321 North, 1 mile past Blowing Rock, take a right onto the
Parkway and travel South (Right Turn) to Banner Elk
Now you may continue to, in my opinion, on the MOST beautiful
section of the Parkway, passing Cone Manor, Price Lake, campgrounds,
boating, fishing, hiking, overlooks, horseback riding, Linn Cove
Viaduct, Price Park, and Grandfather Mountain.
All of these activities and places are located in the 15 mile
section between Blowing rock and Linville/ Banner Elk and are
described in detail in the overlooks section of this website.
Beautiful Bike Ride
Author Tim Murphy names this section as
his favorite long bike ride, describing it like this: "It goes along
U.S. 221, from Blowing Rock up toward Grandfather Mountain. It loops
back across Linn Cove Viaduct on the Parkway".
Favorite Motorcycle Ride
(5 miles or less) as named by
Motorcycle enthusiast and Author Hawk Hageback, who says this about
it: "The Blue Ridge Parkway, from Boone (Blowing Rock) to
Grandfather Mountain, because the of scenery. Neat things to look at
include Linn Cove Viaduct and Grandfather Mountain, the highest peak
in the Blue Ridge. It's pretty spectacular - touristy but worth
visiting. The road surface is clean asphalt; it's fun to drive."
Halloway Mountain Road Exit
Another option for the autumn
traveler is to get off the parkway after mile marker 298 and merge
at the Halloway Mountain road exit and proceed south to Linville on
U.S. 221. this road is not any longer than the parkway, and it
crosses the parkway in Linville, so just follow the below directions
from 221, but it is indeed a spectacular road and might be a nice
change to the parkway, if it is crowded, or you are looking for
something a little different
Travel Approx 15 miles. After Mile Marker 300, look for the exit for
Hwy 221 going into Linville.
Go south on 221 for a couple of miles until you get to the
intersection of 221 and 105.(see directions below if going to
Linville Falls, Spruce Pine or Little Switzerland)
Turn right on 105 (staying straight on 105 will take you into Boone)
A mile or so down the road is Hwy 184 on the left, turn here and you
will be in Sugar Mtn/ Banner Elk. If you continue into downtown
Banner Elk you Will intersect 194.
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Turning left will take you to Beech Mountain where you could take
the scenic drive to
Tennessee, or turn right to take
Route 194 Scenic Drive
section 2 back to Boone. Most likely you need a place to relax
with good food and a cozy bed. Click here for the areas
High Country Inns,
North Carolina
Mountain Bed and Breakfasts,
NC Mountain Cabin Rentals
and the best in Boone
Restaurants and
Blowing Rock Restaurants.
Linville Falls, Spruce Pine and Little Switzerland
Continue
on the parkway, at the intersection of Parkway mile marker 305 and
U.S. Hwy 221 for approx 25 miles, get off the parkway after mile
marker 320, on the next intersection of the Parkway and U.S. Hwy
221.
Proceed North on 221 to go to Banner Elk, or south to get to
Linville Falls, to get to Little Switzerland or Spruce Pine do not
get off on U.S. 221, but stay on the Parkway and proceed south
approx 25 miles to Spruce Pine, or 30 miles to Little Switzerland.
The parkway borders both towns, and they have labeled exit points.
Check out the Blue
Ridge Mountain Accommodations.
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Scenic Highway 194-
Rural Appalachia at it’s best
There are two sections of this road that I highly recommend to
anyone who wants to take a cultural as well as scenic drive.
Starting at the intersection of Hwy 421 and the Blue Ridge Parkway,
(at Deep Gap coming South from Boone or,
coming North on
Hwy 421, at the top of the last
long wide incline)
go North on the Parkway.
Travel about 10 miles and take a left onto Hwy 16.
Go West Through Glendale Springs a beautiful quiet town, you will
then pass over the South Fork of the Ancient New River.
After rolling along through fertile forests and farms you will
intersect Hwy 221/194 Take a left Towards Jefferson. You will have
driven a little less than 20 miles since leaving the Parkway.
You will now travel on Route 194 going South to Boone This is
Section 1
This is a timeless section of road and surely you will be
transported to a place of tranquility, beauty, and hospitality. As
you pass the tractor crossings and roadside stands, be sure to stop
for some boiled peanuts, a southern delicacy.
As you travel south, the road parallels the windy New River, one of
the oldest, if not the oldest river in the world.
You will pass into a deep forest of tall hardwoods and giant
rhododendron on either side and emerge in West Jefferson, a magnet
for cultural heritage in the area. As you pass patches of woods
spotted on green pastures woven onto rolling hills and buttoned with
old barns and farmhouses it is hard to recall a place so timeless.
South of West Jefferson, 194 intersects 221 for a short bit, when
194 retreats again you will be in Christmas Tree country with its
pumpkins, hayrides, cider, and of course, NC Fraser Firs.
The town of Todd is next if you're there on a Friday evening, stop
by the Todd General Store to hear the area's best Bluegrass pickers.
On through the Meat Camp Community, named for the Buffalo hunting
trade of old, and into Boone, the Heart of the High Country.
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In Boone Route 194 turns right, Intersecting with Highway 421.
This is Boone’s historic King Street. The section of 194 that runs
through Boone was part of Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Road that opened
the frontier.
Follow this road through downtown or stop for a break at the historic
shops downtown.
Vilas to Banner Elk –
Section 2
Favorite Motorcycle Ride (5 -15 miles)
as named by
Motorcycle enthusiast and Author Hawk Hageback, who says this about
it: "Boone to Banner Elk, about 15 miles. Take U.S. 321(/421)
west to NC 194; head south through the little town of Valle Crucis
on NC 194, then west to Banner Elk. Locals say NC 194 is so twisty
you pass the same house three times. You'll see the original Mast
General Store. The Blue Ridge Parkway goes over the scenery; here
you're riding through. There are no sweeping views, but you have
beautiful leaves up close, and nice curves in the road."
As you pass out of Boone, 194 will run through Vilas and turn left
up a steep curvy road. If you are driving an RV or vehicle over 25
ft, this is not the road for you.
Running through the Watauga River Valley the road will take you
through the rolling farmland and sleepy towns of Vilas and Valle
Crucis .Named for converging streams in the shape of a cross, Valle
Crucis is home to the original Mast General Store where life is a
little slower, so pull over and take it in.
After the Mast Store, a truck route splits left off of 194, unless
you are driving a long vehicle (25 ft+) or the turns make you
queasy, take the high road less traveled, (right) up through the
mountains into Banner Elk North Carolina.
This section hosts some of the nicest
NC Mountain Bed and
Breakfasts
in the High Country so be sure to check out the
North Carolina
Mountain Lodging.
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From Tennessee to Beech
Mountain
If you are traveling from Tennessee to Beech Mountain NC on 321 this
is always a beautiful drive on a road less traveled.
A few miles after crossing into NC on 321, look for Beech Creek Road
on the right, go two miles and turn left at Buckeye Lake.
Then you will be heading up to the highest incorporated town East of
the Mississippi, Beech Mountain NC.
Beech Mountain is truly a wonder with a magical climate different
than its neighbors. Proceed up the “back-side of Beech Mountain to
intersect with the Beech Mountain Parkway.
Turn left (Pine Road) to head into civilization in the form of a
wonderful resort community. Look for
North Carolina Mountain
Cabin Rentals
on Beech or continue on the Beech Mountain Parkway, down the
front side of Beech Mountain, and turn left on Highway 194 at the end
of the Beech Mountain Parkway into Banner Elk NC.
You can find some of the High Country's Best
Boone Restaurants here or a
plethora of great
Banner Elk Hotels. Banner Elk is also home to the famous Wooly Worm Festival.
If you want to continue driving, stay on 194 and you will be at the
end of Section two of the
Scenic 194 drive. This will take you into Boone.
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Bibliography - quotes, material,
and reference material taken from the following
Looking for more information on taking your vacation in the High
Country?
For information regarding accommodations, events, Dining in the High
Country and things to do, visit the
North Carolina
Mountain Vacations guide.
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