Things to do in Banner Elk

Activities, attractions and tours

Colorful North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains sunset in Autumn from Sugar Mountain
Aerial View of Elk River Falls in Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina
Camping Max Patch
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What to do in Banner Elk

Stay near popular Banner Elk attractions

Sugar Mountain ski resort town park with view of ski chair lift slope and beautiful green lush foliage and clouds in North Carolina Blue Ridge Appalachia

Sugar Mountain Resort

8.8/5 (572 reviews)
North Carolina's largest ski area offers 21 slopes and a 1,200-foot vertical drop. Glide down the state's only double-black-diamond run or enjoy the 10,000-square-foot ice-skating rink.
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Where to stay in Banner Elk

Find the best Banner Elk areas for the activities you enjoy most.
Photo by Laura Tutterow
Open Photo by Laura Tutterow

Downtown

While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Elk Statue and Tate-Evans Park.

Blue Ridge Parkway, scenic autumn view, Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina

Charter Hills

While Charter Hills may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Beech Mountain Resort and Land of Oz.

From the top of Sugar Mountain looking at Tyne Castle in Banner Elk North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains

Tynecastle

While visiting Tynecastle, you might make a stop by sights like Grandfather Mountain State Park and Watauga River.

blue ridge mountains near mount mitchell and cragy gardens

Mill Ridge

Though Mill Ridge may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Grandfather Vineyard & Winery and Julian Price Park.

A panoramic view of the vivid fall colors along the shoreline of a secluded Northwoods lake. Vilas County, WI.

Vilas

Winter waterfall near Blue Ridge and Boone

Seven Devils

Collettsville

Collettsville

Elk Park

Elk Park

Frequently asked questions

Is Banner Elk worth visiting?
Known for its hiking and skiing, discovering fun things to do in Banner Elk is a cinch. Be sure to add Grandfather Mountain to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Banner Elk?
Once you've visited major attractions like Land of Oz and Apple Hill Farm, spend some time exploring Banner Elk's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Banner Elk?
Grandfather Mountain is one of the top tourist attractions in Banner Elk and deserves a place on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Banner Elk?
Three days in Banner Elk is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many guests spend three days on average. Grandfather Mountain, Land of Oz and Hawksnest Tubing Park are highly rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots like Boone.
Is Banner Elk a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to do and see in Banner Elk. Several key attractions, like Land of Oz, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around one of Banner Elk's vibrant neighbourhoods, Charter Hills is 5 kilometres away from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Banner Elk with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all ages, take a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Banner Elk with kids.

What to do in Banner Elk for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Banner Elk for adults including Banner Elk Winery and Grandfather Vineyard & Winery.
Are there free things to do in Banner Elk?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Banner Elk is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without getting your cash out. Grandfather Trout Farm is one spot that doesn't charge an admission fee.