Do & See - Banner Elk, North Carolina

Do & SeeGuide was updated: June 16, 2025

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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Sugar Creek Gem Mine

Sugar Creek Gem Mine is the perfect place for children or adults who want to have an unusual and exciting experience. Mimic the prospectors of centuries ago with a bucket of your own. Find an impressive variety of gems: amethysts, sapphires, quartz, emeralds, rubies, red jasper, garnets, aquamarines and more. Mining a 5-gallon bucket lasts around 1 hour.

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Sugar Mountain Resort

The Sugar Mountain Resort is famed for its hills. It features a 1,200-foot vertical drop, as well as ski runs of 1.5 miles. There are 115 acres, 20 runs and seven lifts that include one triple, four double, and two surface lifts. Snowshoeing, tubing, and ice skating are also available.

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Apple Hill Farm

It is impossible to look upon the face of an alpaca and not smile. At Apple Hill Farm, the smiles abound. Their mission is to share its beauty and animals with Banner Elk, which means you can meet all of their alpacas, cats, chickens, dogs, donkeys, goats, horses, ponies, llamas and even mini donkeys. The farm itself is located on the site of a 45-year-old apple orchard atop Valle Mountain.

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Grandfather Mountain Nursery Garden Center

The Grandfather Mountain Nursery Garden Center has been nurturing Banner Elk's wonderful outdoors since 1976. Located at the base of Grandfather Mountain, they offer extensive knowledge regarding landscaping, gardening, and more.

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Williams YMCA of Avery County

The newly constructed YMCA of Avery County is located in Linville. Enjoy access to over 30,000 square feet of the wellness center, aquatics center, XRKade interactive fitness, group exercise, water aerobics, KidZone child watch, massage therapy, and much more.

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Lees-McRae College

Lees-McRae College is a multifaceted association which also provides summer entertainment activities. Enjoy eight programs spanning symphony, vocalists, big band groups, pianists and dancers from June through August.

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Banner House Museum

Banner House Museum, as a special section of Banner Elk Heritage Foundation, allows guests to visit life in 19th century Banner Elk. As the original home of one of Banner Elk's original settlers, Samuel Henry Banner, the Museum has recreated the history, culture, and development of the community and surrounding areas.

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Dutch Creek Trails

Dutch Creek Trails offers tours of beautiful wooded trails, old farm fields, and views of the valley surrounded by the blue mountains. Their skilled staff and wonderful horses make for a memorable time.

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Do & See in Banner Elk, North Carolina

Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Vineyard & Winery

High Mountain Expeditions

Edge of the World

Banner Elk Stables

Foscoe Fishing Company & Outfitters

Sugar Creek Gem Mine

Sugar Mountain Resort

Apple Hill Farm

Grandfather Mountain Nursery Garden Center

Williams YMCA of Avery County

Lees-McRae College

Banner House Museum

Dutch Creek Trails