Guide to the High Country

Welcome to the high country!

In the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina is a collection of small towns affectionately known as the High Country. We love spending time in this area, and we hope you'll explore it during your trip. We've put together a list of unique sites and outdoor excursions for you to enjoy below, and please use this link if you’d like to book activities through Eseeola Lodge (hiking, fishing, canoeing, etc).

Please don't hesitate to let us know if you have any questions!

HIKING & SIGHTSEEING

grandfather mountain

Grandfather Mountain has 11 trails varying in difficulty from a gentle walk in the woods to a rigorous trek across rugged peaks (and don't forget the Mile High Swinging Bridge). 

rough ridge overlook trail

Along the 0.8-mile steep uphill trail, hikers will come to a series of extraordinary stone overlooks and see long-range views of Grandfather Mountain, the Linn Cove Viaduct, and Linville Gorge. 

linville falls

Linville Falls is the most popular waterfall in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Falls Trail distance is 1.6 miles round trip and easy. The Gorge Trail distance is 1.4 miles round trip and strenuous. The Plunge Basin Trail is 1 mile round trip and moderate. 

bass lake loop

This flat loop trail has horseback riding and beautiful views of the lake and the manor house high up above on the mountain. The loop makes for for an easy hike or a connection to the other trails winding through Moses Cone Park.

thunder hill overlook

Thunder Hill is one of the most visited overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway (and the site of our engagement photos!). It affords one of the best long-range views of the Piedmont of North Carolina. From this point, it has been said that you can catch the best sunrise available along the Parkway.

julian price park

Located at Milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Approximately 3900-acre park with picnic area, lake, fishing, and hiking. Canoe and boat rentals available. 

SHOPPING, DINING & RELAXATION

blowing rock

The picturesque main street of Blowing Rock offers great shopping, fun restaurants and an art museum. Favorite restaurants include Woodlands BBQ, The Speckled Trout, The New Public House, Blowing Rock Brewing and Sunset & Vine. Westglow has wonderful spa services and beautiful views.

boone

A few of our favorite spots in Boone include The Cardinal (great food & fun drinks), Stick Boy Bakery, Booneshine Brewery and Appalachian Mountain Brewery.

linville, banner elk & VALLE CRUCIS

Head to nearby Valle Crucis to check out the old Mast General Store and get your ham fix at the famous Ham Shoppe. Back in Linville, stop by the Tartan Restaurant or Reid's Cafe lunch or Mountain Grounds for a coffee.