Tucked away at 3,300 feet, deep in mountains of Western North Carolina, Boone is the county seat of Watagua County and home to the campus of Appalachian State University. The town takes its name from the early American explorer and pioneer Daniel Boone, and there’s plenty to explore in the area. Whether you’re looking to hit the ski slopes in winter, travel the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway during fall, or trekking through the Linville Gorge Wilderness, adventure abounds in Boone.
Just 15 minutes from Boone, on the other side of the Blue Ridge Parkway, sits the smaller town of Blowing Rock, home to Moses Cone Park, one of the best spots in the East for trail running. ZAP Fitness, an Olympic running facility, is headquartered in Blowing Rock, and their elite runners train daily at Moses Cone.
Surrounding both Boone and Blowing Rock are three of the best ski resorts in the East—Beech Mountain, Appalachian Ski Mountain, and Sugar Mountain. During the summer, Beech Mountain is also a popular mountain biking destination; it was recently home to the downhill mountain biking national championships.
DID YOU KNOW? Boone’s Grandmother Mountain, a popular destination with tourists and climbers alike, is also home to the Grandmother Boulder Field. With more than 40 boulder problems and a lush sub-alpine climate that makes for cool temps even in summer, this is one of the premier bouldering destinations in the country.
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