WHAT'S NEW AND WHAT'S OPEN THIS SPRING IN THE NC HIGH COUNTRY

North Carolina’s High Country is celebrating the return of spring (and the bounce back from Hurricane Helene) with new events and activities!  Enjoy the mountain’s fresh air and take in the spring blooms while enjoying new activities or taking part in your favorites. Here is a list of when and where to find them:

The Inaugural Sounds of Nature: Kids’ Music Day will celebrate the beauty of the natural world at Grandfather Mountain in Linville on April 26th.   The event will feature lively performances, eco-themed songs, and hands-on activities that teach kids about conservation. This experience is included with park admission.

View the new Ben Long Frescoe installations at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church in downtown Blowing Rock.   One frescoe is a depiction of the 23rd Psalm while the other depicts The Good Shepherd. The frescoes will be open for viewing every Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Take a hike at the newly opened Blue Ridge Conservancy Paddy Mountain Park near downtown West Jefferson. Take in views of surrounding mountains and spring wildflowers on the parks’ three easy trails that total 3.4 miles.  

Beginning the first week of April, High Country businesses that close for the winter will reopen. See the first spring buds from the tree canopies starting the first week of April with High Gravity Adventures Aerial Adventure Park or Sky Valley Zip Tours in Blowing Rock.  Go bird watching and fishing on the scenic New and Watauga Rivers with Zaloo’s Canoes in West Jefferson and High Mountain Expeditions starting mid- April.   Favorite attractions on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Price Lake Boat Rentals, the Parkway Craft Center at Moses Cone Manor and the Historic Orchard at Altapass will also reopen in April and May.

“The region is ready to welcome spring visitors.  Spring is a great time to experience the mountain views, bird watch and enjoy the attractions with less crowds ,” said Candice Cook, executive director of the N.C. High Country Host, a tourism organization serving the Northwestern mountain counties of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Watauga and Wilkes.

For a full list of spring events and attraction openings in 2025, call the High Country Host Regional Visitor Center at 828-264-1299 or click to VisitNCHighCountry.com.

The Inaugural Sounds of Nature: Kids’ Music Day will celebrate the beauty of the natural world at Grandfather Mountain in Linville on April 26th. The event will feature lively performances, eco-themed songs, and hands-on activities that teach kids about conservation. This experience is included with park admission.

View the new Ben Long Frescoe installations at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church in downtown Blowing Rock. One frescoe is a depiction of the 23rd Psalm while the other depicts The Good Shepherd. The frescoes will be open for viewing every Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Take a hike at the newly opened Blue Ridge Conservancy Paddy Mountain Park near downtown West Jefferson. Take in views of surrounding mountains and spring wildflowers on the parks’ three easy trails that total 3.4 miles.