The Profile Trail passes through seven distinct natural communities; at Calloway Gap on the ridge of Grandfather Mountain, it intersects the Grandfather Trail. This combination of habitats and trails makes Avery County an interesting place for nature exploration. Hiking trails are also a focus at Grandfather Mountain State Park: they connect with the 0.4-mile Asutsi Trail, and the park offers free access to more than 13 miles of trails. More than 70 rare, threatened and endangered plant and animal species are found there. The state park is located in Avery, Caldwell and Watauga counties.
Mountain Trails, Bridge and Wildlife Viewing
The Mile-High Swinging Bridge is a 228-foot-long suspension bridge that hangs 80 feet above the ground. It is accessible by elevator; a paved, 50-yard path leads from the Top Shop to the bridge. Grandfather Mountain’s Wildlife Habitats are home to cougars, black bears, bald eagles, otters and elk. The species present may change. For a different perspective on Grandfather Mountain’s natural history, visit the interactive exhibits at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, which explore flora and fauna as well as geology, weather and natural history.
At Linville Falls, trails pass through the remains of an old-growth hemlock forest. The trail to Linville Gorge starts at the visitor center and is 1.4 miles round trip. Weather and restoration work can affect trail conditions and access. Check conditions before hiking; the stated distance covers the full round trip.
Winter Sports and Seasonal Offerings
Sugar Mountain Resort has 125 acres of ski terrain and 20 trails. Fourteen are lit for night skiing and snowboarding. When conditions allow, the resort offers tubing sessions lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes each; operations are affected by weather and maintenance. This duration gives you a specific point of reference when planning your time for this activity.
Mountain activities also shape the summer offerings: the Summit Express carries pedestrians and mountain bikers to Sugar Mountain’s 5,300-foot summit. Lift operations are seasonal and may change. The bike park has trails for experts as well as beginners and intermediate riders; trail routes and operating hours may vary. Beech Mountain Resort’s summer offerings also include mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides. These seasonal offerings may also change.
Crafts, History and Events
Crossnore Weavers was founded to preserve the Appalachian art of handweaving. Visitors are invited to explore the living museum, meet the women in the weaving room and shop there. The Heritage Arts Program offers public workshops in Appalachian mountain weaving and other art techniques; workshop dates may change. This lets you experience the craft not just as a finished textile, but also as a living technique.
The Avery County Historical Museum is located in the original county jail. Its exhibits explore local railroads, military history, and the region’s medical and educational development, among other subjects; mountain music and dance are also featured. The Cranberry Mines in Avery County were mined from around 1826 through the 1930s and supplied iron to the Confederacy. The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail passes over Yellow Mountain through Avery County and intersects the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Pisgah National Forest.
Engineering and landscape come together at Linn Cove Viaduct: the curved structure was completed in Avery County as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It stretches for 1,243 feet and runs along an ecologically sensitive area of Grandfather Mountain. The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in Avery County feature competitions in track and field, bagpiping, drumming and dance.
The annual Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk is jointly organized by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce and the Banner Elk Kiwanis Club. Dates vary from year to year; food vendors may also change from one edition to the next.
Find the Right Accommodation for Your Plans
For offerings with changing operating schedules, as well as workshops and events, check the dates and conditions for your planned visit.
Avery County includes Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Newland and Linville: Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Newland, Linville.
Discover more destinations: Caldwell County, Lenoir, Halifax.
Return to the main travel overview: North Carolina.
