Blue Ridge
Things to do in Boone
Things to do in Boone, North Carolina: public beaches, parks, and landmarks. Unchecked businesses stay off the list.
Last updated October 15, 2026.
Downtown and the campus
King Street is the walkable center. The Appalachian State campus is public university grounds you can walk when classes aren't using a space. Visitors use the Rivers Street Parking Deck. The university parking office says weekday evenings after 5 p.m., and weekends, are free unless a sign says otherwise. Daytime rates are on parking.appstate.edu. A football Saturday is a different town from a Tuesday in March.
Boone Greenway
The town's greenway is paved or gravel and mostly flat, an easy walk or bike when you don't want a trailhead or a lecture about elevation. Dogs stay on a leash. The town posts the current map and any closure.
Tweetsie Railroad
A historic narrow-gauge railroad and theme park between Boone and Blowing Rock. It's built for a family afternoon, and it's mostly outdoors. You can hear the whistle before you see the gate. Hours and tickets are on the railroad's own site.
Horn in the West
The Southern Appalachian Historical Association produces this summer outdoor drama at Daniel Boone Park, 591 Horn in the West Drive. The 2026 season ran June 26 through August 8 and has ended. The 2027 dates are not posted yet. Check horninthewest.com. Bring a layer. Mountain nights cool off even when the poster looks sunny.
Blue Ridge Parkway day trips
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Price Lake, Rough Ridge, Beacon Heights, and Linville Falls are all Parkway outings from Boone. Grandfather Mountain State Park is the longer hike. The Mile High Swinging Bridge is a separate attraction that charges admission.