Originally named Banner's Elk after the first European settler, Martin Banner, Banner Elk is a quiet mountain town that comes alive each winter. That's because there are two ski resorts in this tiny town of 800 people, and they are two of the best in the southeast. Both Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain offer skiing and snowboarding all winter long, while in the summer, they offer mountain biking trails.
Looming in the background, Grandfather Mountain is the tallest mountain in the Blue Ridge Range. Coming in just a few feet under 6,000 feet, visitors can drive to the Mile High Bridge and walk across for magnificent views. There is also a small zoo that features local wildlife on the mountain.
On the backside of Beech Mountain, The Land of Oz theme park brings Frank L. Baum's writings to life. Follow the yellow brick road through this life-size recreation of the movie and enjoy interactions with the cast and staff. When you're finished, head back into Banner Elk for a fantastic meal at Reid's Cafe. Their menu features locally sourced ingredients prepared by a talented team of chefs.
Banner Elk also features a slew of creative outdoor adventures. While there are plenty of beautiful hikes around the area, there are also lots of eco-tourism opportunities. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a gravity-fed roller coaster that slings you down the side of a mountain. Silently racing through the forest, the coaster winds its way through twists and turns toward the finish. Hawksnest Zipline is an abandoned ski resort that was converted into one of the longest biplane courses in the country. The park features ziplines over 2,000 feet long. In the winter, Hawksnest turns into the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast.
The Highland Games - This festival celebrates the Scottish heritage of the original settlers in the area. Contestants try their strength in classic Scottish events like log tossing and disc throwing, while local vendors and artists provide food and entertainment. This event is held from May through September.
The Wooly Worm Festival - Similar to Groundhog Day, The Wooly Worm Festival predicts the severity of the upcoming winter for the North Carolina High Country. Held every October in Banner Elk, this festival features live entertainment and family activities.
Merlefest - Considered the premier bluegrass festival in the world, Merlefest was started by local bluegrass legend, Doc Watson. Featuring national touring acts and traditional bluegrass music, Merlefest is three days of excellent entertainment starting at the end of April.
New River Gorge National Park is just up the Appalachian Mountains from Banner Elk. This beautiful gorge was carved out over eons by the ancient New River. Outdoor adventures include hiking, biking, rock climbing, and white water rafting. There are plenty of opportunities to see the local wildlife and to see the breathtaking autumn leaves. Take a hike on the Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk for fantastic views of the gorge, river, and 900-foot bridge.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies on the western escarpment of the Appalachian Mountains in Tennessee. These beautiful mountains are filled with wildflowers, lightning bugs, and black bears during the summer. In the winter, light blankets of snow cap the mountaintops and dust the valleys. Take the Rainbow Falls Trail for views of the falls on your way to the top of Mount Le Conte.
Congaree National Park is in the heart of South Carolina. The state's only national park, Congaree, features a diverse ecosystem. There are forests, fertile valleys, and a winding river that lead into swamps and floodplains. Take the Fork Swamp trail for opportunities to see local wildlife, or hop in a canoe and follow the river. Afterward, explore the small ghost towns around the park for a glimpse into history.
Roan Mountain State Park straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. This massive mountain range tops out at 6,285 feet, which makes it one of the tallest mountains on the East Coast. High-elevation bluffs provide gorgeous views of the Doe River. In the summer, head over to Watauga Lake for swimming and boating in one of the most pristine lakes in the country.
South Mountains State Park is located just down the mountain from Banner Elk. This park is a transition from the foothills to the Appalachian Mountains. Miles of trails wind through the beautiful forests for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Take a trip to High Shoals Falls for an up-close view of the towering falls. Lake James is a beautiful place for fishing, swimming, and boating. Finally, the town of Morganton is next door, with fantastic restaurants, shopping, and local breweries.
Grayson Highlands State Park sits beside Mount Rogers, the tallest mountain in Virginia, and features high-elevation grasslands and meadows. The park is famous for its wild ponies that roam the grounds. Hiking trails wind through the park and lead to excellent picnic and camping areas.
Horn in The West is an open-air theater and historic recreation of frontier life in the heart of Boone, North Carolina. Annual reenactments of the Battle of Horn in The West bring visitors back to the triumphs of the Revolutionary War. The grounds also have multiple frontier-era cabins that were relocated from nearby locations.
Tweetsie Railroad is a family-friendly amusement park with a deep history in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The train ran from Winston-Salem, North Carolina to Johnson City, Tennessee before a great flood destroyed the tracks in the 1940s. Stranded in Blowing Rock, the train became a destination for tourists and locals. Now it features multiple rides, live theater, and a ropes course.
Linville Falls is a short drive from Banner Elk, North Carolina. These majestic falls drop over 100 feet as they lead into the Linville Gorge. Visitors can access the top, middle, and bottom of the falls through the many hiking trails.
Flintlock Campground is conveniently located on the edge of Boone, North Carolina. Within five minutes, you can be walking the streets of Downtown Boone or, in the other direction, heading out on an epic hike.
As its name suggests, Grandfather Campground is located on Grandfather Mountain. This one-of-a-kind RV campground features open meadows, deep forests, and hiking trails that lead to the summit.
Julian Price Campground features multiple RV sites and sits on the banks of Price Lake. The lake offers a launch ramp for canoeing and has a hiking trail that loops around the lake. Best of all, the campground is on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Banner Elk, NC, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Banner Elk?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Banner Elk from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Banner Elk?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
