If you’re traveling with kids or are a wannabe prospector yourself, stop 3 miles west of Boone to pan for semiprecious stones. Several gem-mining spots are located near the parkway, but this is a smaller operation, run by graduate gemologists who take their craft seriously. Buy rough stones by the bucketload – or even wheelbarrow-load! – and sift them in a flume line.
For additional fees, they'll cut and mount your favorite finds.
20.54 MILES
For a wonderful short hike, head up the hour-long Erwin’s View Trail to spectacular Linville Falls. This moderate 1.6-mile round-trip offers great close…
7.96 MILES
The highest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grandfather Mountain looms north of the parkway 20 miles southwest of Blowing Rock. As a visitor destination, it…
20.69 MILES
This state park encompasses 2006 acres of southern Appalachian forest at the base of 6285ft Roan Mountain. Wildflower hunters arrive in mid- to late June…
5.14 MILES
At this much-loved Wild West–themed amusement park, a 1917 coal-fired steam train chugs on a 3-mile loop past heroic cowboys and marauding Indians.
2.64 MILES
Bluegrass legend Doc Watson was born 10 miles east of Boone in 1923. He’s commemorated by this bronze statue downtown, which depicts him seated and…
2.64 MILES
Bluegrass legend Doc Watson was born 10 miles east of Boone in 1923. He’s commemorated by this bronze statue downtown, which depicts him seated and…
5.14 MILES
At this much-loved Wild West–themed amusement park, a 1917 coal-fired steam train chugs on a 3-mile loop past heroic cowboys and marauding Indians.
7.96 MILES
The highest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grandfather Mountain looms north of the parkway 20 miles southwest of Blowing Rock. As a visitor destination, it…
20.54 MILES
For a wonderful short hike, head up the hour-long Erwin’s View Trail to spectacular Linville Falls. This moderate 1.6-mile round-trip offers great close…
20.69 MILES
This state park encompasses 2006 acres of southern Appalachian forest at the base of 6285ft Roan Mountain. Wildflower hunters arrive in mid- to late June…