Category: Banner Elk

Enjoy Whitewater Rafting at Highmountain Expeditions this Spring

With Spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to be looking forward to activities to do during the season for the family. And a perfect one to fit the season in the Boone area is Whitewater Rafting!

At Banner Elk, not far from Boone, is High Mountain Expeditions, a white water rafting company who have 30 years of experience with guiding adventurers through the area’s rivers.

The most family friendly river rafting is the Watuga River. The fast moving river is dam controlled so the river is consistent throughout the season. The course itself is a 3 to 5 hour trip and a deli buffet lunch is provided. Every raft will have a trained guide so it is enjoyable for those even without any rafting experience.

Wilson Creek is perfect for those who are looking for something a bit faster but still is family friendly. it is a 2.5 mile trip, which drops 85 feet every mile. Some drops are between 5 and 10 feet. The trip itself takes 2 to 6 hours and there is no previous experience required.

These routes and more, such as multi day adventures, can be found at Highmountain Expeditions over in Banner Elk near Boone!

William Kradel 2 Comments on Enjoy Whitewater Rafting at Highmountain Expeditions this Spring Banner Elk, Boone, Outdoor Fun, Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater Rafting at High Mountain Expeditions

A very exciting adventure to be had in the Boone area is white water rafting! At Banner Elk, not far from Boone, is High Mountain Expeditions, a white water rafting company who have 30 years of experience with guiding adventurers through the area’s rivers.

The most family friendly river rafting is the Watuga River. The fast moving river is dam controlled so the river is consistent throughout the season.


The course itself is a 3 to 5 hour trip and a deli buffet lunch is provided. Every raft will have a trained guide so it is enjoyable for those even without any rafting experience.


Wilson Creek is a fun river for those who are looking for something fast! Over its 2.5 mile trip, the creek drops 85 feet every mile. Some drops are between 5 and 10 feet. The trip takes 2 to 6 hours and the best time to experience it is in the spring and early summer.


For those who want a truly epic experience, there is the 2 day Nolichucky Rafting Adventure. All meals are provided for beforehand and include many healthy, fresh choices. Travel through the Nolichucky River Gorge is regarded as one of the highest rated whitewater in North America and is considered very unforgettable.

For more information on some of the other rafting adventures you can check out their website https://highmountainexpeditions.com

William Kradel Leave a comment on Whitewater Rafting at High Mountain Expeditions Banner Elk, Outdoor Fun, Whitewater Rafting Tags , ,

2020 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

On Grandfather Mountain this July will be the 65th annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games!
Running from July 9-12, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games at MacRae Meadows is a very entertaining event combining traditional Highland games with a mountain flair.

To start it off on July 9, at 2pm is a very delightful wine tasting event at the Best Western Mountain Lodge in Banner Elk.

At 4:30, at MacRae Meadows, will begin the traditional Scottish entertainment and Celtic music. At 7 will be The Bear: Assault on Grandfather. This is a 5 mile foot race climbing from Linville up to the summit of Grandfather Mountain, a 1,568 foot climb
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Friday July 10 starts off at 9am at MacRae Meadows with a series of preliminary athletic activities. Sheep herding and music and dancing competitions will begin then too.

These will continue throughout the day and starting at 6:30pm through 11 will be a Celtic rock concert at MacRae Meadows. For another unique highland musical option is the Scottish Country Dance Gala at Appalachian State University.

On Saturday July 11, starting at 7:30am will be plenty of competitions such as track and field, piping, drumming, Scottish dancing, and many more. At 6:30pm will be Celtic Jam at MacRae Meadows.
Finally, on Sunday July 12, starting at 8am, a Scottish cultural village will open. Also on Sunday will be a Children’s Border Collie demonstration.

These and many more events are things to look forward to at the 2020 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. 

William Kradel Leave a comment on 2020 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Banner Elk, Concerts and Events, Outdoor Fun Tags ,