Day Trips

Mount Jefferson State Park, West Jefferson

This can definitely be a full day excursion - plan ahead, pack snacks, water and food! State Park rising to more than 1,600 feet above the surrounding landscape, Mount Jefferson is a national natural landmark with a rich history. Five hiking trails, including a child-friendly TRACK trail and a strenuous scramble along the mountain’s ridgeline, allow exploration of rare geology and plant communities.  

Winter Skiing, Blowing Rock

If you’re looking for the perfect winter experience, we suggest a trip to Appalachian Ski Mountain where you can take advantage of the snow and ice. Skiing or snowboarding on slopes designed for all ages. Equipment rentals provided. You can try ice skating, too! App Ski Mtn is the closest option to our cabin rentals! There is also Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain (bigger mountains, but 1+ hours away).

RiverGirl Fishing & Outfitters, Todd

This can definitely be a full day trip! Our recommendation for fishing and tubing! Located in Todd, Kelly McCoy's dedication is to adventure with RiverGirl. Rent gear for kayaking, canoeing, tubing & fishing the South Fork of the New River. Rent bicycles for a ridge along the river. Take lessons, buy a fishing license - they'll outfit you with what you need.

Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia

History, hiking, vistas, wild ponies and amazing scenery! This remarkable park (top-rated!), just over the line into Virginia, is only 40 minutes drive from West Jefferson in Mouth of Wilson VA.

Virginia Creeper Bike Trail, VA

This doesn't need to be a full day excursion, but definitely can be! Pack snacks, water and food and make a day of it! More than 30 miles of trails, from Whitetop, VA (just over the county line) to Abingdon, Virginia. Bring your bike or rent one in Damascus. It's an hour drive, but worth the trek! Don't want to drive, try riding Railroad Grade Road along the New River.

Boone Day Trip!

Below is a full day trip planned for you! From restaurant recommendations, a couple activities and some Main Street shopping adjacent to Appalachian State University. If you are only spending a few days in West Jefferson, Boone may not be a high priority, but if staying the week, find the time to spend the day here!

Blowing Rock Day Trip

Full day planned for you! If we had to plan your one day in Blowing Rock, the below is what we would recommend. A couple good restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a couple activities and we would recommend squeezing in some Main Street shopping. Blowing Rock is an affluent town, bring your pocketbook!

Grandfather / Linville Day Trip

Mission Impossible. Should you choose to accept it. Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls AND Linville Caverns in one day. You will return exhausted. But you will see it all!  Grandfather and Linville are definitely full day trips, start early and although there is great food on Grandfather Mountain, the areas are rather sparse, pack snacks!

Banner Elk Day Trip

Full day planned for you! If we had to plan your one day in Banner Elk, the below is what we would recommend. Could you squeeze in Grandfather Mountain, YES! Otherwise, we recommend a couple good restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a couple activities and maybe some shopping... Lastly, did you know we have a gravity propelled roller coaster in Banner Elk!??!