The North Carolina mountains are full of iconic family attractions. Parents choose from unique experiences like Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad and The Blowing Rock, or lean into thrilling adventures at Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster and Hawksnest Zipline.
The town of Banner Elk is centrally located to so many kid-friendly attractions that we decided to compile a top-10 list of family activities in the NC mountains.
Staying in Banner Elk during your next mountain getaway puts your family in the middle of this great selection of popular North Carolina activities:
1. Grandfather Mountain
One of the state’s oldest and most beloved attractions, Grandfather Mountain offers hiking, animal watching, a top-notch interactive nature center and mountaintop walks across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. This UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve is like an eco-centric Disney park in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Get outdoors at various spots up and down the mountain, eat lunch at the cafeteria-style grill, satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade fudge and shop for souvenirs at the Top Shop. Kids really love the animal habitats at Grandfather Mountain where they can see bears, otters, elk, cougars and eagles.
2. Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
North Carolina’s first, and only, alpine coaster takes families on downhill thrill rides on a Banner Elk mountainside. Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster offers a rush, as each run includes three circular loops, a series of waves and twists and can reach speeds up to 27 miles per hour. Wilderness Run is modeled after coasters in Europe and built by Germany’s top alpine coaster company. The 3,160-foot run begins with a cable-pulled ascent of 770 feet. At that point, the alpine coaster differs from a roller coaster as the remainder of the ride is gravity-fed, with riders in control of braking handles. The six-acre attraction includes a clubhouse, observation deck, gift shop, coffee shop and adventure ropes course.
3. Tweetsie Railroad
Looking for the perfect mix of adventure, classic family fun, and cool mountain air? Tweetsie Railroad is just the place. North Carolina’s first theme park features a three-mile adventure trip on an historic steam locomotive. It’s a true Wild West experience that includes shows, amusement rides, the Deer Park Zoo and special themed trains at Halloween and Christmas. Hop on board a timeless tradition at Tweetsie Railroad.
4. The Blowing Rock
The Blowing Rock opened as North Carolina’s first tourist attraction in 1933. The rock juts out from a large granite cliff overhanging the Johns River Gorge. It sits at 3,600 feet in elevation and nearly 3,000 feet above the gorge. From this perch, visitors get one of the state’s best panoramic views. The horizon is filled with such notable peaks as: Grandfather Mountain, Hawksbill, Table Rock, and the highest mountain east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell. The rock derives its name from an unusual prevailing wind that blows upward from the gorge. Take in scenic views from a special observation tower, visit the gift shop and grab a bite at the snack bar. There’s also a nature trail looping across the property.
5. Hawksnest Zipline
Twenty zip lines. Four mega zips. Four miles of cable. Two swinging bridges. The numbers add up to one big family adventure at Hawksnest Zipline. Located at a lofty mountain perch in Seven Devils between Banner Elk and Boone, Hawksnest offers zip line fun 12 months a year, even in the snow. Zipping enthusiasts age five and up enjoy the exhilaration of gliding over valleys with expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as threading through forest canopy.
6. Beech Mountain Resort
Summertime has become family fun time at the Beech Mountain ski resort. Enjoy scenic chairlift rides to the top of the mountain where a snack bar/observation deck offers grand views. Instead of riding the chairlift back down, families who enjoy disc golf can play their way down the mountain via an 18-hole course. Downhill mountain biking is another popular summer activity on the ski slopes. And, a family-friendly summer music series brings critically acclaimed bands to an outdoor stage at the base of the slopes. Concerts are free for kids five and younger. Check out all the summer activities at Beech Mountain Resort.
7. Sugar Mountain Resort
Several activities take place each summer at this well-known ski resort. The Summit Express six-passenger chairlift takes hikers and mountain bikers from the base of Sugar Mountain to the peak where they can access a number of trails. Meanwhile, the Easy Street chairlift carries beginner-level mountain bikers to an area with less challenging downhill trails. A summit crawl takes place Independence Day weekend for those who would rather ascend the mountain by foot, and there is a food truck festival on Memorial Day weekend. Check out all the summer activities at Sugar Mountain Resort.
8. Apple Hill Alpaca Farm
Apple Hill is a working alpaca and llama farm, with a popular farm store, that offers tours year-round. Tours are guided, educational walking tours that generally last about 45 to 60 minutes. Visitors learn about the variety of animals and hear their stories as well. Apple Hill Farm covers several acres near the top of a ridge with panoramic views. Visitors get a chance to see and interact with a variety of animals, including alpacas, llamas, angora goats, horses, donkeys, ponies, pigs and chickens. Tours must be booked in advance.
9. Edge of the World Outfitters
This Banner Elk outfitter specializes in whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing and rappelling. The family-run business encourages getting outdoors as a family unit. White-water rafting trips are popular as groups board buses in Banner Elk and head to the Watauga River for trips that last about three-and-a-half to four hours, including lunch. Rock climbing and rappelling are available for all skill levels. Children must be 12 years old or at least 100 pounds. In winter, Edge of the World operates a snowboard shop that was one of the first in the nation when it opened in 1986.
10. High Mountain Expeditions
Enjoy the rivers of Western North Carolina with whitewater rafting, tubing, canoeing and kayaking expeditions from High Mountain Expeditions. Families are welcome, with activities for children as young as three.The outfitter hosts trips on several NC mountain rivers, including the Nolichucky River, Watauga River, New River and Wilson Creek. Caving is another option. Guides lead treks into a mystical underworld of extraordinary cave formations, while crawling through small openings, walking through underground rivers and climbing over boulders.
When considering your next trip to the North Carolina mountains, these are 10 of the best attractions for your family. Plenty of lodging options are available in and around Banner Elk, a top-rated resort town with a nice selection of restaurants and shopping.
Come see why Banner Elk is the place to BE.