Explore Blue Ridge Parkway + Cool Mountain Towns in North Carolina

Banner Elk > Beech Mountain > Sugar Mountain > Grandfather Mountain > Blue Ridge Parkway > Blowing Rock > Boone > Valle Crucis

Get ready for the epic High Country Road Trip in 2025! The 50-mile scenic loop drive in the northern mountains of North Carolina has more than 500 stops – including attractions, hikes, lakes, shops, art galleries and restaurants. It also includes one of the most popular sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway – open for 2025 fall drives! Enjoy a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking through the lofty Blue Ridge Mountains or exploring the charming small towns, there’s something for everyone. From Grandfather Mountain to Tweetsie Railroad, discover longtime favorite attractions. See our Town Guides to plan a trip!

Sampler Photo Gallery

Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain
Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie Railroad
Rough Ridge Hike
Rough Ridge Hike
Turchin Center for Arts
Turchin Center for the Arts
Mast General Store
Original Mast General Store
Beacon Heights Hike
Beacon Heights Hike
Horton Hotel, Boone
Horton Hotel
Scenic Lift Rides, Sugar Mtn
Scenic Lift Rides @ Sugar Mtn
Mose Cone Park Trail
Trail at Moses Cone Park
Blowing Rock
Downtown Blowing Rock
Downtown Banner Elk

Downtown Boone

Explore in a Day or a Week: Fall Color Road Trip

Since this 50-mile driving loop is packed with so much to see and do, allow plenty of time! Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stop at scenic overlooks (great picnic spots), take a hike or see fine crafts from regional artists at Mose Cone Manor. Ride acrosss the Viaduct and past Price Lake. In our small towns, and in between, discover hundreds of tempting local dining spots, shops and galleries. See our Town Guides to plan a trip!

Pick up free paper copies at the Visitor Centers for Boone, Blowing Rock, Avery Chamber, and High Country Host – plus Grandfather Mountain Wilson Center, Banner Elk Town Hall and many other locations.

Use our High Country Fall Road Trip Map as a starter for ideas to create your own itinerary. Download your own copy below (JPEG or PDF)!

High Country Fall Road Trip

Download the FALL ROAD TRIP PDF for printing on 8.5×11!

Download the SUMMER ROAD TRIP PDF for printing on 8.5×11!

Peak Fall Color Foliage Map, North Carolina Blue Ridge

Use this Fall Color Forecast Map by our friends at Appalachian State University! Fall colors in the High Country in late September and extend through October – beginning on the highest elevations and concluding in the valleys.

Let’s Go! High Country Road Trip 2025

50 Scenic Miles with 500+ Stops

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