The NC High Country Group Tour Itinerary for a 3 Day Winter Tour highlights snow sports, the Blue Ridge Parkway National Park’s unique physical beauty and mountain culture found mid-November-mid-March. This tour is great for active groups from 2-50 people.  See details and links to group tour information at each attraction below.

NC High Country 3 Day Winter 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 wildlife, stalactite & stalagmite formations. Bathroom and gift shop on site. *Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. (1 hour)
  
  
• GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN
  Blue Ridge Parkway National Park Milepost 305
  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 accessible. (3 hours)
  
  
• MAST GENERAL STORE
  Valle Crucis
  Visit a historic mountain general store built in 1883. Warm up and play checkers by the pot-bellied stove or shop for unique mountain goods and crafts. (1.5 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 accessible. (1.5 hours)
  
  
• OVERNIGHT
  Boone or Blowing Rock
  Find hotels offering group rates, complimentary breakfast,
  heated pools, spa tubs and fitness centers.

DAY 2

• THE BLOWING ROCK
  Blowing Rock
  Visit North Carolina's Oldest Attraction. The place Ripley’s Believe It Or Not deemed “The only place in the world where snow falls upside down.” Come see this unusual phenomenon and take in the views of Johns River Gorge from the observation decks. (30 mins)
  
  
• APPALACHIAN SKI MOUNTAIN
  Blowing Rock
  Ski or snowboard 10 slopes with two terrain parks, or ice skate on a 6,000 square foot outdoor arena.  Ski, snowboard, clothing and helmet rentals on-site. French Swiss ski school group lessons available. Relax in the Bavarian-style base lodge with restaurant, ski shop and viewing deck. (6 hours)
  
  
• TIMBERLAKE'S RESTAURANT
  Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock
  Timberlake’s blends mountain ambiance with culinary excellence, serving seasonal dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, complemented by sweeping views of peaceful Chetola Lake. (2 hours)

DAY 3

• HAWKSNEST SNOW TUBING
  Seven Devils
  Enjoy affordable fun with no extra gear or skill needed.  Snow tubing features four different tubing areas with up to 30 lanes. The park features three conveyor lifts to easily bring your snow tube back to the top of the slope. Hot drinks, light food & snacks, and locally crafted beer available on site at our first floor cafe. (2.5 hours)
  
  
• WILDERNESS RUN ALPINE COASTER
  Sugar Mountain
  Take a ride on the first alpine coaster in North Carolina!  The track’s length of 3,160 feet includes three circular loops (you do not go upside down), a series of waves and several twists and turns for plenty of excitement. Fun for ages 3+, this thrill ride reaches up to 27 mph at the control of the rider. (1.5 hour)