North Wilkesboro Outdoor Activities
Are you looking for some wonderful North Wilkesboro outdoor activities? Well, you have come to the right place! North Wilkesboro’s close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway makes it an oasis for nature lovers and adventures. It’s about a 30-minute drive to the Parkway, and the town is lush with gorgeous scenery.
If you like hiking, biking, or just walking, the area offers numerous parks and trails to enjoy. Outdoor fun and activities are easy to find if you are an active adventure seeker. In this post, we’ll explore the numerous outdoor activities near North Wilkesboro.
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Top North Wilkesboro Outdoor Activities
Stone Mountain State Park
Stone Mountain State Park is a destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. With over 18 trails, it’s a place where you can explore fantastic waterfalls, engage in fishing, pitch a tent at one of the campsites, and take a step back in time at the historic Hutchinson Homestead and Garden Creek Baptist Church.
As seasons change, the park reveals its diverse beauty—from the opportunity to cool off in its creeks and streams in the warmth of spring and summer to embracing the crisp autumn air amid a lovely tapestry of fall colors.
Notably, the park is home to Stone Mountain Falls and more intimate waterfalls like the Middle and Lower Falls and Widow Falls. Additionally, the park features serene spots perfect for picnicking or indulging in the tranquil ambiance. Remarkably, Stone Mountain State Park comes with no admission or parking fees, making it a truly exceptional haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an escape without expense.
Check out our “Exploring Stone Mountain State Park” video on YouTube
W. Kerr Scott Dam
Nestled in the heart of Wilkes County, the W. Kerr Scott Dam Reservoir has an interesting past of transforming adversity into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Constructed as a bulwark against the devastating floods that ravaged the region in the 1900s, the area around the dam has since blossomed into a lovely retreat.
Today, visitors are drawn to the reservoir for its stunning views and exciting recreational activities. Whether your interests lie in a serene day of boating on the glassy waters, exploring the numerous trails on foot or by mountain bike, or spending a starlit night camping on its banks, this locale offers a tranquil escape from the hustle of everyday life. As one of North Wilkesboro’s hidden gems, the W. Kerr Scott Dam Reservoir invites adventurers and nature lovers alike to delve into its beauty again and again, discovering new joys with each visit.
Carter Falls
Carter Falls is a breathtaking waterfall that cascades over 60 feet into a crystal-clear pool below, surrounded by lush green foliage and large rock formations. The .5-mile trek to this secluded waterfall is an adventure in itself, with a moderate hike that takes you through a quiet forest, with the final part of the trail being a somewhat tricky downhill climb.
But the journey is well worth it, as Carter Falls offers a peaceful retreat from the outside world. Whether you’re seeking solitude or adventure, this natural wonder will not disappoint. So take a stroll along the trail and immerse yourself in the beauty of Carter Falls.
Cascade Falls
Another hidden gem is Cascade Falls. Cascade Falls is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Deep Gap, NC. The falls are only about a 30-minute drive from North Wilkesboro.
You can find the trailhead to the falls at EB Jeffress Park, just past the restrooms, open from May through October. The trail is relatively easy until you get close to Cascade Falls and then it becomes more narrow and difficult. The hike to the falls is less than a mile round trip, and you can enjoy a stunning view of the falls off the mountain for your efforts.
This past spring, when we visited, the park service had made numerous improvements to the trail. The improvements include wider pathways, more open water views of the creek along the way, plus some pretty bridges. Follow this link to access a great interactive map of the trail.
Explore Boone
Boone, North Carolina, is a charming mountain town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With its scenic beauty and endless outdoor activities, it’s no wonder that Boone has become a popular destination for tourists and adventure seekers. It’s also a perfect day trip from North Wilkesboro and the Wilkes County area.
Boone is just a 40-minute drive from North Wilkesboro and features activities for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts, and waterfall lovers will enjoy Laurel Creek Falls, Hebron Falls, and nearby Otter Falls. Plus, you can explore Appalachian State University and enjoy shopping, art galleries, and terrific eateries in town.
Boone is a favorite day trip of mine, and I think you will love it too.
Find Everything You Need to Book Your Trip to Wilkes County Here!
Hiking, Biking, and Walking Near North Wilkesboro
Of course, hiking can be found all over Wilkes County and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. As mentioned in the previous section, Stone Mountain State Park and W. Kerr Scott Dam offer numerous hiking trails. Not only can you find easy trails, but there are moderate and strenuous trails as well.
Warrior Creek Mountain Bike Trail is considered one of the best in the world by the International Mountain Bike Association. Located in W. Kerr Scott Dam Park, this trail is popular amongst bikers, runners, and hikers. You can learn more about the rating of this trail here.
Yadkin Valley Greenway extends all over North Wilkesboro along the Yadkin River and consists of primarily flat paved surfaces. Those who want to walk and bike but are not necessarily up to strenuous mountain hiking will love this Greenway.
Spirited Activities Around North Wilkesboro
NorthWilkesboro Distilleries
Enjoy a Moonshine Tasting
North Wilkesboro was once named the “Moonshine Capital of the World” by the head of the ATF. Obviously, this little piece of North Wilkesboro history makes the area so much more fun and exciting. Of course, you will want to visit a Distillery as part of your itinerary if you visit North Wilkesboro. Well, you are in luck! There are two that happen to be located here.
First, Call Family Distillers is family-owned and has been making moonshine since 1868. The family has a long and fascinating history, including Reverend Dan Call’s teaching Jack Daniels how to make whiskey. Plus, Willie Clay Call was nicknamed “the Uncatchable” because he was never caught in his high-speed chase with the law.
Copper Barrel Distillery was founded in 2013 by George Smith and Buck Nance. George, President and CEO, envisioned crafting legal Moonshine in the beautiful town of North Wilkesboro. Buck, Master Distiller, is a long-time moonshiner who was also a fabricator for NASCAR. Buck designed & fabricated the world’s first legal steam-injected distillation system, which is used to make Copper Barrel Shine. In fact, the two together have made Copper Barrel the success it is today.
Each distillery has its own unique origin story and offers tours and tastings. The Copper Barrel is open for tours every day from 11- 6 pm, and the Call Family Distillers offer tours and tastings on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Explore the Wineries in and Around North Wilkesboro
When it comes to outdoor fun and activities in North Wilkesboro, you must visit at least one Winery and Vineyard. There are multiple to choose from, and each has its own unique style and flair, but all are enjoyable.
A few others that are worth mentioning are as follows:
Raffaldini Winery and Vineyard
Whether you are a connoisseur of wine or not, I highly recommend visiting Raffaldini Winery. When you arrive at the property, you will think you have been transported to Tuscany, Italy. The Italian villa and the lush vineyards are simply magical.
Raffaldini Winery is known for its stunning Tuscan-style tasting room and breathtaking views of the Yadkin Valley. It’s also recognized as one of the finest wineries in the area.
Piccione Vineyards
With family roots in Marsala, Sicily, Piccione Vineyards is located next to Raffaldinni Winery and features gorgeous vineyard views. They are open every day and feature live entertainment and food trucks on the weekends. Piccione Vineyards also hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
Shadow Springs Vineyard
Shadow Springs Vineyard is another beautiful winery in the area with a motto of “Fine Wines. No Snobbery. Shadow Springs offers a variety of wine options and events throughout the year. It’s a perfect spot for enjoying wine and a picnic with friends and family.
Stardust Cellars
A unique Artisanal winery and meadery, this wonderful winery is North Carolina’s first biodynamic winery and meadery. Stardust Cellars utilize traditional wine-making practices such as foot stomping and crafting in small batches manually. They are also committed to sustainability and environmentally friendly production and processes.
The Old World European atmosphere also makes Stardust Cellars a unique and lovely wedding or special event venue.
Grassy Creek Vineyard
Grassy Creek is a friendly and charming winery located in Elkin, N.C. The property was formerly a Dairy Farm, and the Dairy Barn is now the winery. One of the things I love about Grassy Creek is the Grassy Creek Trail and having the option to hike before or after your tasting.
Grassy Creek also offers cabins for rentals and events and hosts numerous events year-round.
Roaring River Vineyards
Located just outside North Wilkesboro, Roaring River Vineyards is a must-visit for its beautiful setting alongside the Roaring River. With over 14 acres of vines, you can stroll through the vineyards or relax on the patio with a glass of their award-winning wine.
Additionally, Roaring River Vineyards offers a Restaurant, Bed & Breakfast and hosts events as well. Summer Tours & Tastings are Thurs-Sunday. Fall & Winter Tours & Tastings are Fri-Sun.
Slightly Askew Winery
Definitely not your typical winery, as they say. They have a fun and funky vibe and use local juices to flavor their wines. They have wines for everyone but favor the “sweet” side, which is my favorite.
Slightly Askew is the perfect stop for enjoying a fun tasting after hiking in the area or spending the day shopping in Elkin.
Plan Your Visit
Of course, a stop at one of the wineries is one of the top outdoor fun & activities options in this area of North Carolina. Check each winery’s website for specific tour and tasting times, as well as any special events or restrictions. And remember, always drink responsibly and have a designated driver if needed. Cheers to exploring the wonderful world of North Wilkesboro wineries! Let me know which one was your favorite in the comments below.
More Fun Things to Do Near North Wilkesboro
Visit NASCAR’s First Raceway
Yes, the North Wilkesboro Speedway was the very first NASCAR raceway. It probably won’t surprise you that moonshiners built it. I guess they had so much fun outrunning the police while bootlegging moonshine that they wanted to make a sport of it. This Speedway was a proud host to NASCAR races from 1949 to 1996. It was also where many of the most famous NASCAR champions became stars, including Bobby Allison, Richard Petty, and Dale Earnhardt.
Even though the Speedway was abandoned in 1996, I am excited to announce that it is back in business! Recent efforts by Wilkes County, NASCAR greats, and the state of North Carolina have it up and running again! Therefore, you can enjoy a genuine Nascar Race as part of your vacation! It’s probably one of the most exciting outdoor activities near North Wilkesboro!
The track is located just outside of town on US 421, better known as Junior Johnson Memorial Highway.
By the way, there is one little fun fact about the North Wilkesboro Speedway after it was abandoned. The folks at Disney-Pixar thought it still had a unique appeal and would be the perfect ghost track. Consequently, this led to the Speedway being the inspiration for Thomasville Speedway in “Cars 3”.
Merlefest
If you are a music lover, then Merlefest is a must-visit event. Every year, Wilkesboro celebrates the memory of Doc Watson’s son with live performances from some of the best folk and bluegrass musicians in the country.
Doc Watson was an American guitarist known for his flat-picking skills and voice Create who passed the love of music on to his son Merle. Therefore, in honor of their shared passion, a small festival was born that eventually grew into today’s multi-day event.
So grab your lawn chair and head to Wilkesboro for a weekend filled with good music and great vibes. And who knows, you might even discover your new favorite artist at Merlefest! So mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!
For more information about tickets, camping options, and the complete lineup of artists, visit the official website, https://www.merlefest.org
Brushy Mountain Apple Festival
Of course, if you want to experience the charm of North Wilkesboro, then you must attend the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival. This annual event, which is held the first Saturday in October, draws in over 100,000 visitors to downtown North Wilkesboro for a day filled with fun, food, and festivities.
The festival features over 425 vendors selling everything from arts and crafts to delicious apple-themed treats. There are also multiple stages with live music, traditional dancing performances, and more.
But the true highlight of the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival is the local apples themselves. North Wilkesboro is known for its abundance of apple orchards, and during the festival, you can taste them in every form imaginable – from apple cider to apple pies.
Tips for Planning Your Trip to North Wilkesboro and Wilkes County
- Make sure to pack comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and biking.
- Bring sunscreen and bug spray to protect yourself from the sun and pesky insects.
- Be prepared for unpredictable weather, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip.
- Don’t forget your camera! The scenic views in Wilkes County are perfect for capturing beautiful moments.
- Explore the local cuisine and try some delicious southern dishes while you’re in town.
- Take advantage of nearby attractions such as Stone Mountain State Park, W. Kerr Scott Reservoir, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Support local businesses by shopping at the various boutiques, antique stores, and farmer’s markets in Wilkesboro.
Click Here to Plan Your Adventure Today
Final Thoughts on North Wilkesboro Outdoor Activities
North Wilkesboro and the surrounding areas are perfect for anyone who loves nature and the great outdoors. It’s the ideal destination for anyone seeking a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. Don’t miss out on all that this charming town has to offer. From incredible state parks to beautiful waterfalls and friendly locals, Wilkes County will surely win your heart.
Finally, you will easily be able to plan your trip with all these outdoor activities near North Wilkesboro. If you are interested in more things to do in North Wilkesboro, check out my post Things to Do in North Wilkesboro.
Additionally, you may like these posts as well:
- Beautiful Waterfalls Near North Wilkesboro
- W Kerr Scott Dam Reservoir, Wilkesboro, NC
- Fun Things to Do and Eat in Asheville
- Exploring Moses H Cone Memorial Park in the Fall
- Stone Mountain State Park – Camping, Hiking, Waterfalls & More
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