Avery County: Mountains, Trails and Culture

Grandfather Mountain State Park is located in Avery, Caldwell and Watauga counties. Its trails connect with the 0.4-mile Asutsi Trail. More than 13 miles of trails are accessible free of charge in the park; check which trails are currently accessible before your visit.

Nature Trails and Distinctive Structures

The Profile Trail passes through seven distinct natural communities and intersects the Grandfather Trail at Calloway Gap on the ridge of Grandfather Mountain. The landscape is also the focus at Linville Falls: the trails pass through the remains of an old-growth hemlock forest. A 1.4-mile trail to Linville Gorge starts at the visitor center; this distance includes the round trip. Weather and restoration work can affect trail conditions and access.

The Linn Cove Viaduct was completed in Avery County as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The curving structure spans 1,243 feet and runs along an ecologically sensitive area of Grandfather Mountain. The Mile-High Swinging Bridge also brings its measurements and location together: the suspension bridge is 228 feet long and hangs 80 feet above the ground. It is accessible by elevator; a paved, 50-yard path leads from the Top Shop to the bridge.

The wildlife at Grandfather Mountain’s Wildlife Habitats is another part of the natural experience. Pumas, black bears, bald eagles, river otters and elk can be seen there; the animals on view may change. The Wilson Center for Nature Discovery complements this experience with interactive exhibits on the natural history, flora, fauna, geology and weather of Grandfather Mountain. Wildlife viewing and nature-related topics are presented side by side, but they are not the same experience.

Mountain Sports and Seasonal Differences

Sugar Mountain Resort offers several activities. Its ski area covers 125 acres and has 20 slopes; 14 are lit for night skiing and snowboarding. When conditions permit, tubing sessions lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes are also offered. Weather and maintenance affect operations. The seasonally operated Summit Express takes pedestrians and mountain bikers to Sugar Mountain’s 5,300-foot summit. Check the season and current operating status when planning your visit.

Mountain biking also differs between the resorts: Sugar Mountain’s bike park has trails for experts as well as beginners and intermediate riders. Beech Mountain Resort’s summer offerings include mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides. Seasonal offerings and operating periods at both resorts may 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; dates may change. Here, the focus is on crafts and hands-on participation, while the Avery County Historical Museum offers a different window into the past.

The historical museum is located in the original county jail. Its exhibits cover local railroads, military history, medical and educational development, and mountain music and dance. The region’s industrial history is also part of the story: the Cranberry Mines were worked 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 the Pisgah National Forest in Avery County.

Events add to these historical and cultural themes. The Woolly Worm Festival is held annually in Banner Elk and is co-hosted by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce and the Banner Elk Kiwanis Club. Food vendors are part of the festival; their participation may vary from year to year. The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in Avery County feature competitions in athletics, bagpiping, drumming and dancing. When planning your trip, it’s worth checking the event dates for the relevant year.

You can tailor your search to the experiences you’d like to include in your trip.

Discover more destinations: Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Newland, Linville, Robeson County, Beaufort County, Johnston.

For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.