Activities

Banner Elk NC is a vacation hotspot year round because there are so many fun activities you can enjoy amidst the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Many of the High Country’s attractions are located in Banner Elk or are within a short driving distance from anywhere in town. Grandfather Mountain, Linville Caverns, and Linville Falls are all located very close to Banner Elk and are must-sees for anyone coming to the area. Other attractions like Tweetsie Railroad, the Blowing Rock and the many NC gem mines are all within a very short drive from Banner Elk NC.

Banner Elk is located in the North Carolina mountains, which is a natural wonderland. Filled with lush forests, majestic peaks and breathtaking locations, this area is a nature enthusiast's dream. Virtually minutes from anywhere in Banner Elk you can enjoy a round of golf on a championship golf course, fish in one of the many clear mountain streams, hike the Appalachian Trail or horseback ride on an old mountain trail. Activities like mountain climbing, kayaking and whitewater rafting are also popular sports among the adventure seekers. During the winter months, snow skiing is one of the most popular activities in Banner Elk, as many of the NC ski resorts are located here.

The newly constructed YMCA of Avery County is located in Linville next to Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital as part of the hospital’s medical campus. The YMCA offers excellent personal health and wellness activities and programs for the whole community. The YMCA of Avery County has a very spacious 6,000 square foot wellness area, which features treadmills, elliptical machines, cardio fitness equipment, as well as free weights. Also, an indoor track was created using the newest running surface technology so you can walk, run or jog all year long in a climate controlled environment. The indoor aquatic center with a family adventure center will be completed in the last phase of the project and should be ready for summer 2008. The YMCA of Avery County also offers many programs and team sports as well. Join a class and exercise with a group, or enroll your child in one of the many youth programs available.

Banner Elk NC has an abundance of unique beauty that you cannot find anywhere else. With a bustling downtown area filled with cozy eateries and plenty of shopping, and so much to experience in the outdoors, Banner Elk has something for the whole family to enjoy.