NC High Country Group Tour Itinerary | 3 Day Mountain Tour 
This 2-3 day group tour highlights the Blue Ridge Mountains unique physical beauty, mountain culture and most popular natural and commercial attractions.  The tour is suggested for groups of 2-50 and for the months of May-October.  This tour has been edited for 2026 to accommodate the Blue Ridge Parkway closures projected to last until the end of the year

>> High Country 3 Day Mountain Group Tour Handout

DAY 1

• LINVILLE CAVERNS
  Marion
  The only show caverns in North Carolina and a constant 12˚C (55˚F) year round, this guided tour will show you the unique fish living in the underground stream, and many stalactite & stalagmite formations. Bathroom and gift shop on site. Group rates (1 hour)
  
  
• ORCHARD AT ALTAPASS
  Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 328, Spruce Pine
  Visit this historic apple orchard on the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy live mountain music and dance daily. A storytelling hayride features stories of early mountain settlers. Lunch, restrooms and mountain made crafts on site. Handicap Acc (2 hours)
  
  
• GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN
  Linville
  Visit this International Biosphere Reserve featuring the highest swinging foot-bridge in Eastern America, the “Mile High Swinging Bridge.” You will also discover a native animal habitat with bears, mountain lions, otters, elk and eagles. A museum of the mountain highlights priceless gems, unique weather, colorful wildflowers, and birds. Guided tours, restaurant, and gift shop on site. Handicap Acc Group Rates (3 hours)
  
  
• DAN’L BOONE INN
  Boone
  Enjoy “family style” traditional mountain cooking with country decor. Menu includes fried chicken, country style steak, country ham biscuits, stewed apples, and more. Handicap Acc (1.5 hours)
  
  
• OVERNIGHT
  Boone or Blowing Rock
  Find hotels, resorts, bed & breakfasts or cabins offering amenities such as group rates, complimentary breakfast or full-service restaurants, pools and fitness centers, spas and more.

DAY 2

• MAST GENERAL STORE
  Valle Crucis
  Visit a historic mountain general store built in 1883. Play checkers by the pot-bellied stove, mail a postcard home or shop for unique mountain goods and crafts. (1 hour)
  
  
• OUTDOOR RECREATION
  High Country
  Enjoy the outdoors (or the indoors!). Canoe, zipline, horseback ride, gem mine, fish and much more. Visit the oldest state attraction, The Blowing Rock or take on the aerial adventure park, High Gravity Adventures. There is an activity for everyone. View a detailed list of activities HERE. (4 hours)
  
  
• HORN IN THE WEST
  Boone
  Enjoy an open air dinner at Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, followed by a performance of the outdoor drama on the Revolutionary War, Horn in the West. (3.5 hours, June-August only)

DAY 3

• ST. MARY'S CHURCH BEN LONG FRESCO
  West Jefferson
  View a fresco in a quaint mountain chapel by world-famous frescoe painter, Ben Long. Audio available. FREE (.5 hour)
  
  
• ASHE COUNTY CHEESE FACTORY
  Downtown West Jefferson
  Visit North Carolina’s first cheese factory. Watch cheese being made in the factory viewing room. Visit the cheese shop for fresh cheese curds, mountain fudge and old-fashioned candy. (30 minutes)
  
  
• DOWNTOWN MURAL WALK
  Downtown West Jefferson
  Take a walking tour of the 15 murals throughout downtown West Jefferson. Designed and painted by local artists, the murals celebrate Appalachian Mountain culture. (1 hour)
  
  
• OH RESTAURANT
  Downtown West Jefferson
  Have lunch at the OH Restaurant, located at the Historic Old Hotel.  The restaurant is located along the Mural Walk. (1.5 hours)
  
  
• CALL FAMILY DISTILLERY
  Wilkesboro
  Visit the Birthplace of Moonshine and learn about the history of one moonshiner family at Call Family Distillery. View former backwoods stills, Moonshine running cars and more in the museum followed by a moonshine tasting. (1.5 hours)