Elk River Falls

One of the many places to visit in Elk NC is the dramatic Elk River Falls. It’s a beautiful waterfall that’s also popular for its cliff trails and beach area. You can also spend some time wading in the natural pools.

Elk River Falls is located near Banner Elk and is a short drive from town. Often called Big Falls, this waterfall cascades fifty feet over a rock cliff into an oval-shaped pool. A short, easy trail allows you to get up close to the falls. The waterfall itself is a beautiful sight, but you need to be careful as you approach it. A few falls have caused injuries or fatalities in recent years.

Visitors should be aware of the height of the falls, which can reach seventy feet in some areas. The rock surface is slippery and it’s not recommended to jump from the top. There have been several fatalities at Elk River Falls, so be extra careful when visiting this waterfall.

This beautiful waterfall is easily accessible and the trail is marked well. There are also newly installed wooden walkways. The falls are a spectacular sight, but it is important to remember that the river is very deep and can cause a serious fall. There are even cases where people have died while trying to jump off the falls, so be careful if you decide to swim.

Elk River Falls is one of the places in Elk NC that visitors should not miss. Located near Banner Elk, NC, Elk River Falls is accessible by a simple, curving country road. You can park your car here and take a short hike to the waterfall.

Grandfather Mountain

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or new to the area, you’ll love exploring Grandfather Mountain, places to visit in ElK NC. The area is home to more than two dozen exhibits, which tell the story of the mountain’s natural history. Exhibits range from a fine collection of North Carolina minerals and gems to Native American artifacts discovered on the mountain.

The mountain was formed about 750 million years ago, making it one of the oldest geological features in the world. In the late 1800s, John Muir visited the area. Eventually, the Linville Improvement Company began building trails to the summit and made a road wide enough for early automobiles. In 1952, Hugh MacRae Morton took over ownership of the mountain and opened it to tourism. He also purchased two female black bears and reintroduced them to the mountain.

The scenic mountain offers stunning views and a unique wildlife experience. Visitors can view black bears and bald eagles in their natural habitats. You can also take a trip to the historic Mile-High Swinginging Bridge, which is a 228-foot suspension bridge that spans an 80-foot gorge.

A few miles away is Boone, home to Appalachian State University. This small mountain town is also home to some of the best snow skiing in North Carolina. The town is 15 miles away from Grandfather Mountain. Another popular mountain village is Banner Elk, which is only 10 miles away. Its two ski resorts are close to Grandfather Mountain and offer some of the best skiing in the state.

A family-run winery is another place to visit in Elk. The Grandfather Vineyard & Winery offers delicious wine from five acres of grapes planted on the mountain. This winery is the first in the region to produce wine. The venue also offers wine-tasting in souvenir glasses and a food truck on weekends.

Sugar Mountain Resort

For thrill seekers, Sugar Mountain Resort offers four mega zip lines, two of which are 2,000 feet long and another over 1,500 feet. The zip lines travel over forests and lakes, and the resort also offers a mountaintop observation deck. This mountaintop lodge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding towns and Seven Devils. There is also an 18-hole golf course at Sugar Mountain. Located on 60 acres, this course features babbling brooks and native plants.

Visitors looking for a family vacation can take advantage of the many attractions of Sugar Mountain Resort. With twenty-one slopes and eight lifts, this resort offers something for everyone. Guests can also enjoy snow tubing at Hawksnest, the largest snow tubing park on the east coast. The lines move quickly, so you can perfect your form. Some attractions in Elk NC are seasonal, while others are year-round.

Sugar Mountain is a premier winter destination in North Carolina. Whether you’re a first-time skier or an experienced skier, this resort offers fun activities all year long. Snowshoeing, ice skating, lessons, and other winter activities are also available. Sugar Mountain also offers vacation rentals and mountain homes.

Sugar Mountain Resort is an ideal choice for a family vacation in Banner Elk NC. It offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, as well as scenic mountain views. Sugar Mountain is located within Banner Elk NC, and many lodging options are available in the area.

Beech Mountain Club

The Beech Mountain Club is one of the places you can visit in Elk NC. The mountain is a beautiful place, with cool temperatures and spectacular views. The Beech Mountain Club has 18 holes of championship golf and lodging facilities that offer stay and play packages.

The Beech Mountain Club features a tennis center and 10 Har-Tru composition clay courts. The center court has seating for more than 100 spectators. There are also three teaching professionals on site to provide individual lessons. Youth clinics and tennis camps are also available. Nearly 30 miles of hiking trails are available in the area.

Another place to visit in Elk NC is the Banner Elk Winery. The estate is a short drive away. In addition to wine tastings, the lodge offers a cozy restaurant and a wine tour. Visitors can also stay in one of the elegant villas on site. The lodge is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you’d like to take a break from hiking, try your hand at fishing in the two-acre Lake Coffey.

There are miles of hiking trails that can be enjoyed by anyone. Hiking trails lead to waterfalls and scenic views. There are trails that range from easy to difficult. You can also participate in guided hikes throughout the year. The guided hikes will rotate between the town’s 10 marked hiking trails. The trails vary in difficulty, and they are paved.

Beech Mountain Club is just one of the places to visit in Elk, NC. It is close to major metropolitan areas but offers a tranquil, mountain environment. It offers many amenities and entertainment, including a large pool.

Wildcat Lake

Wildcat Lake is a 13-acre lake located in Banner Elk. It is surrounded by Fraser firs and is a great place to go fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. While you’re at the lake, you can also picnic and enjoy the scenery.

Wildcat Lake is a popular spot for picnickers, hikers, and families. The lake was formed in 1933 when a dam was built on Wildcat Creek to create a reservoir. The original purpose of the dam was to provide emergency water for a hydroelectric plant and fire department. The dam and lake were made possible by donations from local and national groups. In fact, the Duke Endowment donated $2,000 toward the construction of the lake. In time, the Wildcat Lake has become a top family destination, attracting over 50,000 locals and visitors to the area each year.

The Wildcat Lake Festival takes place in the third week of October. It marks the start of the winter season and features 140 food and art stalls. The festival also includes contests and prizes. One of the best things about Wildcat Lake is its beautiful white sand beach. The lake also features a special bathhouse and a swimming dock, which makes it perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

There are many things to do in Elk, NC. One of the most popular places is Wildcat Lake, a 13-acre lake popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. It also has lifeguards on duty during the summer months. The park is also a perfect place for picnicking and playing outdoors.

Another place to visit in Elk is Banner Elk. This town is nestled between sugar and Beech mountains. It’s an excellent escape in the summer and a welcome respite in the winter months. Visitors will enjoy the beautiful scenery, quaint town, and diverse outdoor activities. It’s also home to Lees McRae College, which was converted into a full-time high school department in 1931.