Experience Four Seasons in The High Country

With four distinct seasons in the North Carolina High Country to choose from, you will likely want to experience them all. From winter days where snow blankets the ground to the colorful leaf display of fall, this area is worth visiting in every season.

Fall in the High Country is an experience that is unforgettable. With cooler temperatures and vibrant, changing leaves, it’s a perfect time to be outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide plenty of places to hike alongside locations like Grandfather Mountain and the Appalachian Trail. For those who prefer a less strenuous way to enjoy the scenery, Southern Living named the Blue Ridge Parkway “The South’s Best Scenic Drive”, and for good reason. A drive through this area includes a multitude of overlooks to stop and take in the picture-worthy, panoramic views. Fall also offers the opportunity for visitors to join in on a long-standing southern tradition—attending a college football game at nearby Appalachian State University in Boone.

When the colder months come around the High Country becomes a winter playground, offering some of the best opportunities for snow sports in the southeast region. Between Appalachian Ski Resort, Sugar Mountain Resort, and Beech Mountain Resort, there are several resort options for skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, and more—serving all experience levels from novice beginner to experienced extremist. And, the holiday season in the mountain towns of both Boone and Blowing Rock offer all the great elements needed for a Hallmark movie style Christmas—drive thru light shows, caroling, and tree farms.

High country adventures in the spring are all about experiencing the scenery and mild temperatures while enjoying the fresh mountain air. Tweetsie Railroad invites kids to explore a 3-mile loop through the mountains accompanied by a family-friendly Wild West theme park. The High Country Wine Trail offers an opportunity for wine enthusiasts to get to know local vintners and sample wines along the way. March also kicks off catch-and-release fly fishing season, a favorite amongst High Country locals and visitors alike. 

Summertime in the High Country is milder than many of its other southern counterparts, making outdoor adventures especially enjoyable. When the temperatures begin to rise, water activities become a go-to. Flying through rapids on a white water rafting adventure is a great option for adrenaline junkies at locations such as High River Expeditions and Wahoo’s Adventures. For those looking for a more relaxed way to enjoy the mountain streams, water tubing is also a fun way to spend a summer day. This area is also home to a plethora of beautiful waterfalls worth exploring, most accessible by a short hike. For those looking for an overnight option, the Blue Ridge Parkway hosts both tent sites and RV sites—perfect for experiencing a night under the starry mountain sky.

It’s easy to see why North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains are a vibrant destination year round. Here, there is always something to explore.