Best Travel Guide Banner Elk, North Carolina

Banner Elk, North CarolinaGuide was updated: 2025-06-16

A dreamscape located in the heart of Blue Ridge Mountains in Western-North Carolina, Banner Elk is a favorite destination for countless individuals and families seeking fun in the outdoors. The 'ski capital of the South' offers plenty of open air activities such as fishing, rafting, horseback riding, hiking, golfing and, of course, skiing. Banner Elk also presents a climate that accommodates every itinerary, spanning the Blue Ridge and Grandfather Mountains, picturesque communities, fine restaurants, and specialty shopping.

Do & See

Banner Elk contributes to High Country's boundless attractions with natural wonders like Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway. International and local visitors come by the millions each year to experience North Carolina through Banner Elk's eyes. There are also activities in the surrounding Blue Ridge areas. The slopes of Blue Ridge, with their unique biodiversity of flora and fauna, are unmissable destinations for hikers and bird watchers, while the numerous ski resorts make the area ideal for winter sports lovers.

Grandfather Mountain

Across the famed Mile High Swinging Bridge lies the wondrous Grandfather Mountain State Park, home to wildlife in its natural habitats and grand alpine trails. Enjoy walking and hiking the mountain while encountering a wealth of photograph opportunities. After exploring the natural splendor, head to The Nature Museum and learn about the region’s history. Grab a tasty treat at Mildred's Grill afterwards, and call it a perfect day.

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Grandfather Vineyard & Winery

Steve Tatum and his wife founded the winery as a simple indulgence of their wine-making hobbies. Grandfather Vineyard & Winery offers wide selections of dry white and red wines, with prices varying depending on the availability of wines in flight. Following your wine tasting experience, you’ll receive a Grandfather Vineyard wine glass as a memento.

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High Mountain Expeditions

High Mountain Expeditions has years of experience as one of Banner Elk’s favorite attractions. They are experts in Nolichucky River rafting, Watauga River rafting, Wilson Creek rafting, New River tubing, hiking and caving. See the North Carolina mountains from a whole new perspective from the waters and trails.

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Edge of the World

Edge of the World comes with over 30 years of recreational experience. They are specialised in guided outdoor activities, offering climbing, rappelling, rafting and canoe trips. There is also an onsite snowboard shop that sells quality outdoor equipment and performance apparel.

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Banner Elk Stables

Banner Elk Stables welcomes families and friends to one of the area's most adored attractions. The guided one-hour tours will lead you over beautiful trails across the high mountains of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the flanks of Beech Mountain. Impressively, some of their horses have worked on popular films such as For Richer or Poorer, Shallow Hal, Cinderella, National Treasure, and more.

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Foscoe Fishing Company & Outfitters

As High Country's only Orvis Endorsed Flyfishing Outfitter and Guide Service, Foscoe operates a full service fly shop and high quality fly fishing on the Watauga, Linville, Toe, Elk, New River, and many other mountain streams. They also offer float and walk guides on the tailrace waters of Tennessee on the famous Watauga and South Holston Rivers. These waters offer great opportunities for catching Brown, Brook, and Rainbow trout, and there is great smallmouth fishing in the area as well.

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Population:	1,178 (2025)
Currency:	U.S. Dollars $1 = 100 cents
Emergency Numbers:	911
Newspapers:	High Country Press: www.hcpress.com WNC Magazine: www.wncmagazine.com
Website:	www.bannerelk.com www.townofbannerelk.org
Opening Hours:	Most stores are open seven days a week from 10am to 7pm, or later. Bars and clubs tend to close around 2am.
Tourist Information:	Town Hall of Banner Elk 200 Park Avenue, Banner Elk, NC +1 828 898 5398 www.townofbannerelk.org

United States

Banner Elk, North Carolina

Do & See

Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Vineyard & Winery

High Mountain Expeditions

Edge of the World

Banner Elk Stables

Foscoe Fishing Company & Outfitters