Now that the days are longer, travelers are thinking about a North Carolina Spring Break vacations and other opportunities to enjoy the debut of this warmer season. Eager observers are here to spot bluebirds perching on birdhouses, violet blossoms carpeting forest clearings and cloaks of delicate, tiny green leaves mantling the treetops of the Blue Ridge. Rivers and creeks rise as the last snows melt, just in time for trout fishing season in the waters near Boone. Eco-travelers relish the chance to shake off the rest of winter and jump into some whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, bouldering, and bird watching.

Adventure Tours

Edge of the World
Experience whitewater rafting adventure on the Watauga River. Suitable for ages 4 and up, there are 9 class 1’s, 2 class 2’s and 1 class 3, the Anaconda, which you get to run as many times as you like. The Watauga is dam controlled so the water level is always good; it flows fast with lots of big splashing waves. Includes all equipment, transportation, guides, instruction, home cooked lunch, waterproof sweater, poncho and jokes! Learn to kayak at no extra cost during your rafting trip.
 

Learn the basics of climbing and rappelling in a trip which includes 3 phases of instruction. Suitable for anyone older than 10.
Group rates available. Visit www.edgeoworld.com or call (800) 789-3343 for more information
 

High Mountain Expeditions
Located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, High Mountain Expeditions offers outdoor activities for every member of your group or family. Whitewater Rafting, Funyaking, Canoeing, Hiking, and Caving. Professionally Guided Tours for all Ages and Abilities. Terrific Group Discounts.
Visit www.highmountainexpeditions.com or call 1-800-262-9036 for more information.

Mountain Adventure Guides
Experience mild to wild whitewater rafting fun and adventure on the Nolichucky and French Broad Rivers through Mountain Adventure Guides of Banner Elk. The Nolichucky River Gorge offers breathtaking scenery with twenty-five Adventure Class III-IV rapids through the deepest gorge in the East. Mountain Adventure also guides a family float trip for ages 4+. The French Broad River is a gorgeous, free flowing Class II -III river that offers a wonderful introduction to whitewater rafting. Mountain Adventure offers experienced outfitters, quality guides, self-bailing rafts, and riverside outpost requiring no after trip shuttle. Formerly USA Raft, Inc. Also, join them for guided rock climbing and caving trips. All the major gear is provided and no experience is necessary. Visit www.mtnadventureguides.com or call 866-USA-Raft for more information.

River and Earth Adventures, Inc.
Top-quality recreational activities with an environmental education twist. Sign up for whitewater rafting, caving, hiking, canoeing, rentals, guided day trips, and overnights as well as kayak instruction. Enjoy great lunches and generous snacks as you spend the day discovering. Visit www.raftcavehike.com or call 866-411-RAFT for more information.

Rock Dimensions Climbing Guides
Rock Dimensions has been in business since August 1998, providing guided climbing trips and instruction to a variety of groups and individuals. Count on them to provide a safe and enjoyable climbing program. Rock Dimensions also operates the outdoor climbing tower at Footsloggers Outfitters store in downtown Boone, NC. “Climbing is an adventure of place, self, movement and moment! Challenge yourself physically and mentally, explore your outer limits, and embrace the opportunity to connect with nature in a very personal way.” Fun adventures for families, friends, groups, and individuals looking for specialized guiding and instruction. Visit www.rockdimensions.com or call 888-595-6009 for more information.

Parks, Trails, Gardens and Greenways

Blue Ridge Parkway
With an international reputation as a take-your-time recreational drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway delivers breathtaking scenery and closer examinations of the natural and cultural history of the southern Appalachian mountains. The best 100 miles of the Parkway meander through the High Country, from milepost 229 to milepost 329, offering plenty of opportunities for stops at overlooks, picnic and camping facilities, trails, and wonderful cultural and natural areas.
Of particular interest are Price Park and Moses Cone Estate Park, two adjacent parks which constitute the largest area of developed land along the entire 469 miles of the Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina.
 

At Price Park, a picturesque lake provides space for canoeing, fishing, and hiking the trail encompassing the lake. Evidence of wildlife activity is everywhere, in wild ducks on the water and beaver-hewn logs lying along the trail.

At Moses Cone Estate, the Parkway Craft Center inhabits the Manor House that the late textile magnate, Moses Cone, and wife Bertha Cone built. The Craft Center is part of the Southern Highlands Crafts Guild, and houses a beautiful collection of fine crafts for sale. The estate offers 26 miles of carriage trails for hiking and for horseback riding, facilitated by nearby Blowing Rock Equestrian Center. Bass Lake on the Moses Cone Estate is bordered by a three-quarter-mile trail loop, perfect for easy strolling for visitors. Wildlife such as ducks, geese, and fish enjoy the surroundings, too.
 

Boone’s Greenway Pedestrian/Biking Trail
More than two miles of wide, paved trails meander through meadows, along creeks and through woods, revealing a beautiful view around each turn. A covered bridge and level, paved surfaces make this trail pleasurable for all ages. Bring bikes, strollers, roller blades and family pets. Adjacent athletic fields host ball games and track and field events.

Howard’s Knob Park
Bring your camera! The view of the town of Boone is great from the top of Howard’s Knob. This park, maintained by Watauga County Parks and Recreation, offers picnic tables in wooded areas, in addition to a large sheltered facility with picnic tables. Easy trails lead to overlooks with views of Appalachian State University and Boone, from 4,420 feet in elevation.

Daniel Boone Native Gardens
Designed in 1965 by landscape architect, Doan Ogden, who also designed Asheville’s Botanical Gardens in 1960, the Daniel Boone Native Gardens provide a safe haven for some endangered plant species and other wild plants unique to this higher elevation of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Garden rooms reveal a Meditation Maze, a bog, a meadow, a tranquil pool, a rhododendron thicket, Squire Boone’s cabin, a wishing well and an arbor trellised stone path. The Gardens are located on the grounds of the Horn in the West outdoor drama, convenient to downtown Boone and the Appalachian State University campus.

Boone Jaycees Park and Playground
Adjacent to the Daniel Boone Native Gardens is a large open playground with equipment for both younger and older children. A separate toddler area ensures the safety of little ones. A large picnic shelter offers 8 picnic tables and several grills available for cooking on site.
The Park is also on the same block with several good restaurants, including the famous Dan’l Boone Inn, serving down home cooking family-style.

Attractions and Amusements

With such claims to fame as “North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction,” “the world’s first privately-owned biosphere reserve,” “North Carolina’s only caverns,” and a 100-year-old apple orchard also involved in Monarch butterfly preservation, our attractions are sure to thrill the whole family.

The Blowing Rock is the basis of a Native American legend, which tells the story of two young lovers. The legend tells of a Chikasaw Indian princess who met an Indian brave from the plains on the edge of the rock. They spent many days together in the woodland mountains of the area until one day a strange reddening sky appeared as a bad omen to the brave. Torn from having to choose between his true love and returning to the plains, he jumped off the Blowing Rock into the woodlands below. The maiden prayed daily to the Great Spirit until another evening came with a red sky. This time, a mighty gust of wind blew her lover back to the Rock where she was waiting for him. Since then, the wind continually blows upward from the valley below to the top of Blowing Rock. The wind is so strong that sometimes, the snow even seems to fall upside down.
Be inspired by the view and fresh winds yourself on a visit to North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction, The Blowing Rock. Open weekends January and February, and daily March through December. Call (828) 295-7111, or visit www.theblowingrock.com for more information.

Grandfather Mountain has spectacular views, the famous “Mile High Swinging Bridge,” native wildlife habitats for bear, deer, eagles and otters. Some of the south’s best hiking trails and a nature museum enables guests to enjoy nature on a whole different level at Grandfather Mountain. Call (828) 733-2013 or visit www.grandfather.com for more information.

Linville Caverns is North Carolina’s only caverns. This is your chance to see inside a Blue Ridge Mountain! The on-site gift shop offers gifts from $1 to $100, so there’s something entertaining for everyone. Open weekends in the winter, open daily March through November. Call (800) 419-0540, or visit www.linvillecaverns.com for more information.

Orchard at Altapass is over 100 years old! Enjoy a well-stocked gift and craft shop, live music, dancing, gospel singing, scrumptious fudge, hand-dipped ice cream, freshly-made applesauce, and…apples by the bushels, June through early October! Ask about the Orchard’s Monarch butterfly preservation project, and the mountain herb garden. Picnic under the sheltered picnic area, with a far-reaching view of the Clinch Mountain Railroad’s historic route around the mountains. The orchard opens in late May with a Memorial Day potluck supper, reminiscent of a very large, family reunion. Live mountain music rounds out the celebration. Don’t miss it! Call (828) 765-9531 or visit www.altapassorchard.com for more information.

For general information on these and other Spring activities in the High Country, contact the Boone Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-852-9506.

And remember, when visiting the North Carolina High Country for your next North Carolina Outdoor Adventure Tours, visit BLUE RIDGE FOR RENTwww.blueridgeforrent.com for the very best cabins in Boone NC and cabins in Blowing Rock North Carolina.  We have rooms at The Ridge Hotel & Lodge available for as low as $79.00 per night, rooms at our Blue Ridge Bed and Breakfast for $179.00 per night and 20+ luxury Blue Ridge Rentals for 2-7 night stays!  For the best in NC Blowing Rock Accommodations!