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.
How do I properly navigate and park a Class A motorhome rental in urban areas or tight spaces in Banner Elk, NC?
Class A motorhomes can be large and require a bit of practice and patience to navigate and park in tight spaces. When driving in urban areas, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and plan your route ahead of time to avoid narrow streets, low overpasses, or weight restrictions. When parking, look for spacious lots that allow for easy entry and exit. It may also be helpful to have a spotter help guide you into your parking spot.
Are there any special licensing requirements or restrictions for operating a Class A motorhome rental in Banner Elk, NC?
In most cases, a standard driver's license is required to operate a Class A motorhome rental.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on a Class A motorhome rental during my rental period?
As an RVshare customer, the only maintenance required is keeping the motorhome clean and returning it in the same condition it was received.
Do I need to know any weight restrictions or bridge height limitations when operating a Class A motorhome rental in Banner Elk, NC?
Yes, it's important to be aware of weight restrictions and bridge height limitations when operating a Class A motorhome rental. It's important to check with your RV owner or local authorities for any specific restrictions in your area.
Can I bring my bicycles or other outdoor equipment to use with the Class A motorhome rental, and what storage options are available for these items?
Yes, you can bring your bicycles or other outdoor equipment to use with the Class A motorhome rental. Many motorhomes come equipped with exterior storage compartments or bike racks for convenient storage. Check with the RV owner to see what storage is available to you.
How do I properly level and stabilize a Class A motorhome rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Sometimes stabilizing a Class A motorhome is needed to ensure a comfortable and safe stay at your campsite or RV park. Confirm the type of campsite you’ll stay at and any stabilizing actions or equipment necessary with the RV owner.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when operating a Class A motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Class A motorhomes typically have lower fuel efficiency due to their size and weight. However, there are ways to minimize fuel costs such as driving at a steady speed and avoiding abrupt stops and starts.
Do I need to bring entertainment equipment or appliances for the Class A motorhome rental, such as a home theater system or outdoor grill?
Most Class A motorhomes come equipped with basic entertainment equipment and appliances such as a TV, DVD player, and refrigerator. However, if you have specific entertainment needs or preferences, it's best to check with your RV owner to ensure these items are provided or if you should bring your own.
Are any unique features or amenities available in Class A motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Banner Elk, NC?
Class A motorhomes often feature high-end amenities such as leather seating, residential-sized kitchens, and luxurious bedding. Some may also feature high-tech entertainment systems or outdoor kitchens. It's best to check with your RV owner for any specific unique features or amenities that may be available in your rental.
