Outdoor Adventures
In addition to all the outdoor activities (biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, picnicking, swimming and white water rafting), there are even more outdoor activities in the High Country for the more adventurous folks (such as caving, canoeing, kayaking, rappelling, rock climbing and zip lining). See some of them below:
River and Earth Adventures:
Family Adventures! Guided Wilderness Adventures & Eco-Education: Gem Mining, Whitewater Rafting, Caving, Extreme Hiking, Rock Climbing, Climbing Wall, Fishing, Biking, Kayaking, Canoeing: Rental & Guided Trips; Whitewater Paddling School; Group and Family Discounts; Lunch: Organic and local foods; Guided Educational Trips; Custom Trips, Limo Bus. They are located at 1655 Highway 105 in Boone. For more information, call toll-free at 866-411-7238 or 828-963-5491.
Rock Dimensions Climbing Guides:
Outfitters for guided rock climbing and rappelling trips in the North Carolina Mountains. Outdoor climbing tower in downtown Boone, NC; caving / spelunking tours in Virginia and Tennessee. Fun adventures for families, friends and groups of all ages; also specialized guiding and instruction. Summer Climbing Camps for teens and kids. They are located inside Footsloggers Outdoor & Travel Outfitters in downtown Boone. For more information, call toll free at 888-595-6009 or 828-265-3544.
Wahoo’s Adventures:
Outfitters for gentle to extreme adventures, including whitewater rafting, canoeing, funyaking, kayaking, inner tubing, caving and even mountain biking. They offer something for the whole family. They are located in Boone on Hwy 321 South, one mile south of Boone, five miles north of Blowing Rock. For more information, call toll free at 1-800-444-7238 or 828-262-5774.
Seven Devils Zipline:
Opening in late June, 2009, Hawksnest Tubing Resort will turn into the biggest zipline attraction on the east coast with 13 different cables and more than two miles of soaring through the air for people ages five and up. The zipline cables at Hawksnest zig and zag across the valley ranging from less than a dozen to more than 200 feet above the ground, giving riders incredible views of the property and all across the surrounding mountains. In addition to the normal cables, it will have a SuperZip that will carry riders more than 2,500 feet while suspended more than 200 feet in the air. Just like the Scream Time Zip Line in Zionville, safety is also their top concern, and having fun is right behind it. Customers are encouraged to call ahead for updates and reservations. There must be at least two people in your party to make a reservation. For more information or to make a reservation, call 828-963-2343 or email info@hawksnesttubing.com.
Plumtree Canopy Tours:
Experience a real canopy tour and zipline adventure that takes you into the trees with Plumtree Canopy Tours. More than just a 3-hour zipline experience, enjoy 11 zips and 4 sky bridges while learning about the trees and wildlife habitats. Also learn about the community of Plumtree, the vast mica mines, and how this mountainous region with peaks of 5500 feet transformed into an agricultural world leader. All equipment is provided including helmet, full body harness, trolley, gloves, tether lines, and two canopy rangers per group. Included with all Plumtree Canopy Tours is a fabulous lunch or the famous Sunday Brunch experience at the popular Vance Toe River Lodge. Please confirm if lunch is before or after your canopy tour. All flyers must be in good physical condition. Flyers must be at least 10 years old and between 70 and 250 lbs. Closed-toe shoes required, modest clothing recommended. Located in the heart of western North Carolina’s High Country on US Hwy. 19, 14 miles north of Spruce Pine and just a short drive from Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, and Asheville. Open Fri, Sat & Sun April 1-May 8; Wed-Sun May 11-Oct 30; $79 per person (includes lunch). Directions from Banner Elk: Take 194 to 19E; follow 19E to Plumtree and watch for signs @ Plumtree; turn left onto Big Plumtree Creek Rd. and follow signs to Isaacs Branch Rd. and Sugar Plum Farms; From Newland: Take Spanish Oak Rd to Squirrel Creek Rd.; from Squirrel Creek Rd. turn left onto Lick log Rd.; near the end of Lick Log Rd. turn left onto Big Plumtree Creek Rd; then follow signs to Isaacs Branch Rd. and Sugar Plum Farms. Call for tour availability and reservations: 866-319-8870. Also, check out their web site at: http://www.adventureamericaziplinecanopytours.com/ptct.html.
Grandfather Vineyard & Winery:
Grandfather Vineyard was founded in 2003 when Steve and Sally Tatum, in search of a hobby, planted a small block of wine grapes for some home winemaking. After a few years they realized the High Country of North Carolina had a similar climate as many of the famous grape growing regions around the world. In 2005 Steve and Sally tripled the size of the vineyard. His hobby then became more than just a hobby. After years of hard work and many long hours with help from their family, Dylan Tatum , Jesse and Lance Blalock and the Dept. of Enology at Appalachian State University we opened our doors in May of 2011. NOW TASTING Thursday Saturday from 12:00pm – 6:00pm; Sunday from 1:00pm – 5:00pm or by appointment: 828-963-2400.
