United States
Boone
A Town Shaped by History & Scenic Beauty
Boone, North Carolina is nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains at an elevation of about 3,333 ft, is a storybook mountain town brimming with history, culture, and outdoor adventure
Last Update
Jul 24, 2025
Named after the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone, who camped in the region in the mid 1700s, the town was officially incorporated in 1872. Boasting the highest elevation of any U.S. town of its size east of the Mississippi, Boone has a unique climate, long, snowy winters and cooler-than-southern summers. The story of Junaluska, one of the oldest free Black communities west of North Carolina’s Piedmont, plays a vital part in Boone’s history. It features Methodist and Mennonite churches built in the late 19th century.
Outdoor Adventures & Natural Wonders
Blue Ridge Parkway: A breathtaking drive with accessible trails like Rough Ridge and Beacon Heights for sunset or sunrise views.
Grandfather Mountain: Famous for the Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats, and rigorous hiking paths.
Linville Caverns: North Carolina’s only show caverns, cool, educational, and perfect any time of year.
Howard’s Knob & Watauga River: Panoramic views from the peak and tranquil tubing or fly-fishing downstream.
Community & Culture
Appalachian State University (App State): A vibrant core of the town, bringing energy, arts, and college athletics, most notably football, with national titles in the 2000s.
Horn in the West: A dramatic outdoor performance since 1952, bringing to life the region’s Revolutionary era story, including Daniel Boone.
Appalachian Theatre & Turchin Center: Historic and regional arts hubs, offering live performances and rotating art exhibits.
Dining, Shopping & Local Flavor
Farmers’ Markets: Seasonal markets showcasing local produce, crafts, baked goods, and more.
Downtown King Street: Charming boutiques, vintage stores, galleries, and casual cafés lining streets steeped in early 20th century character.
Local Eats: Popular foodie spots include Melanie’s (hearty breakfasts), Wildwood Market, Local Lion doughnuts, and The Cardinal for evening dining.
Breweries: Sample locally crafted beer at Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Lost Province Brewing, and others rooted in the craft-brew scene.
Seasonal Highlights
Fall: A glorious explosion of autumn colors draws leaf-watchers to Boone’s scenic overlooks.
Winter: Cold and snowy high-country weather fuels a ski season at nearby slopes; snow events often span from late fall to early spring.
Summer: Outdoor concerts, craft fairs, and Appalachian culture combine with hiking, rafting, and festivals to fill the season.
Weekend Itinerary Snapshot
Morning hike on Rough Ridge or Howard’s Knob
Browse the Farmers’ Market and shop downtown
Lunch at a local café, followed by a brewery visit
Explore App State campus or attend Horn in the West in summer
Sundown visit to Blue Ridge Parkway overloooks
Dinner at The Cardinal, then catch live music or a show
Travel Tip
Plan a scenic loop along the back roads, one of the best hidden gems in Boone is simply the drive. Reddit locals often recommend exploring the Valle Crucis, Bairds Creek, and NC 194 corridor west of Boone, or combining stretches of US 221 and the Blue Ridge Parkway between Blowing Rock and Linville. These routes are full of stunning overlooks, charming rural landscapes, and a sense of discovery you won’t get from the main highway.
Plan Your Trip
