Blue Ridge Mountains ropes course experience

HIGH MOUNTAIN EXPEDITIONS

BANNER ELK, NC

High Mountain Expeditions’ Banner Elk Outpost is the company’s main meeting point for guided whitewater rafting, caving and wilderness hiking adventures in the North Carolina High Country and surrounding region. Guests checking in here can prepare for rafting trips on waterways such as the Watauga, Nolichucky and Wilson Creek, explore the underground passages and natural formations of Worley’s Cave, or head out on guided hikes through the Blue Ridge Mountains and along portions of the Appalachian Trail. The exact departure point varies by activity, so visitors should check their reservation confirmation before arriving. Unlike the company’s New River Outpost, the Banner Elk location does not serve as the meeting point for tubing or canoe and kayak rentals.

High Mountain Expeditions has been leading outdoor adventures since 1986 and is well regarded for its experienced guides, strong safety standards and friendly, organized service. Visitors frequently appreciate how the staff makes challenging activities feel approachable, whether they are taking a family rafting trip or trying caving for the first time. Depending on the adventure, the company provides transportation to the activity site, safety instruction, helmets, personal flotation devices, paddles and other necessary equipment. Some longer rafting excursions also include a freshly prepared riverside meal featuring meats, cheeses, breads, fruits, vegetables and homemade desserts. The Banner Elk Outpost offers a convenient home base for travelers looking for a professionally guided mountain adventure without needing to supply all their own specialized gear.

ACTIVITIES AT THIS LOCATION

Hard-bottom river tubes floating down the New River near Boone

HIKING HIGH MTN BANNER ELK NC

High Mountain Expeditions offers customizable half-day guided hikes from its Banner Elk Outpost, with possible routes along the Appalachian Trail, to mountain waterfalls and through other scenic parts of the North Carolina High Country. Current prices are $50 for adults and $40 for children, with a minimum age of three and routes ranging from approximately one to ten miles according to the group’s interests and ability.

Scenic New River tubing trip through the North Carolina High Country

WHITEWATER RAFTING HIGH MTN BANNER ELK NC

High Mountain Expeditions offers several guided rafting experiences from its Banner Elk Outpost, including family-friendly Class I–III rafting on the Watauga, full-day Class III–IV trips on the French Broad and Nolichucky, an overnight Nolichucky expedition and an extreme Wilson Creek funyak adventure. Current advertised prices range from $80 for a child on the Watauga trip to $249 for the two-day Nolichucky journey, with equipment, guides and transportation included and meals provided on the featured itineraries.

Family-friendly outdoor river tubing experience in Boone North Carolina

CAVING HIGH MTN BANNER ELK NC

High Mountain Expeditions’ $85 Worley’s Cave adventure begins in Banner Elk and takes guests on a professionally guided, three-hour underground journey filled with natural formations, narrow passages, boulders, mud and flowing water. No previous caving experience is required, but participants must be at least seven years old and should come prepared for a physical, wet and wonderfully messy wild-cave experience.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

Click the link to visit the official website.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

Click the link to visit the official website.

RELATED LOCATIONS

Aerial view of Fantasy Lake Adventure Park and water attractions in Wake Forest North Carolina

FANTASY LAKE ADVENTURE PARK AT WAKE FOREST NC

Fantasy Lake Adventure Park is a Wake Forest lake adventure destination with inflatables, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, pickleball, cabanas, shelters, and group-friendly amenities. It is a strong option for families and outdoor groups looking for a full summer day on the water without having to drive to the coast.

Burlington City Park in Burlington, North Carolina

Burlington City Park NC

A historic carousel, family rides, trails, playgrounds, sports courts and seasonal events make Burlington City Park a flexible day out for all ages.

picnic and trout fishing near Bryson City

Coopers Creek Trout Pond NC

Cooper Creek Trout Farm & Pond is a peaceful mountain fishing destination just outside Bryson City, NC, where anglers of all ages can enjoy stocked trout fishing in a scenic outdoor setting. With easy access, provided gear, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a great choice for a relaxed day in the Smokies.

Scuba diving the Hyde and Markham wrecks near Wilmington

AQUATIC SAFARIS WILMINGTON NC

Aquatic Safaris is a longtime Wilmington dive center offering scuba instruction, offshore wreck charters, equipment rentals and sales, fills, repairs, technical-diving support, and organized dive travel. Its location near Wrightsville Beach gives certified divers access to an unusually broad collection of shipwrecks, natural ledges, marine life, and seasonal shark encounters.

catfishing near Gastonia NC

Robinson Catfish Lake NC

Robinson Catfish Lake in Dallas, NC is a peaceful, country-style pay lake known for big catfish, friendly regulars, and a relaxed atmosphere. With open banks, night-fishing opportunities, and a true down-home feel, it’s a great spot for anglers looking to enjoy simple, quiet time outdoors.

Featured image for largest snow tubing park on east coast.

Hawksnest Snowtubing and Zipline

Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline, located in Seven Devils, North Carolina, is renowned for being the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast. The park boasts up to 30 lanes, each ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet in length, spread across four distinct tubing areas to cater to various thrill levels.

Buckhorn Gun Club NC

Buckhorn Gun Club in Mebane, NC is a traditional outdoor shooting club with public trap and skeet opportunities. With multiple trap fields, one skeet field, and a central NC location, it’s a solid place for both experienced shotgun shooters and beginners looking to learn.

Hatley Pointe

Hatley Pointe stands out with its upgraded facilities, boutique atmosphere, and welcoming year-round environment. The resort blends modern comfort with intimate mountain charm, creating a uniquely polished experience in the region.

Woman and child on mountain coaster near Greenville, SC.

Highlands Outpost

Highlands Outpost, located in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of Scaly Mountain, NC, is a premier outdoor adventure park offering year-round fun for all ages. Conveniently situated near Clemson, SC, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, it’s the perfect getaway for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and thrill-seekers looking for a unique mountain experience. With a wide variety of activities, from high-speed thrills to relaxing outdoor fun, Highlands Outpost stands out as a must-visit destination in the region.

pond fishing in Rowland North Carolina

Lowrys Fishing Farm and Sadies Channel Cats NC

Lowrey’s Fish Farm & Sadie’s Channel Cats in Rowland, NC is a relaxed, family-friendly outdoor destination with scenic fishing ponds, boat access, tournament opportunities, and overnight camping. With wide open spaces, shaded picnic spots, and plenty of room to spread out, it’s one of southeastern North Carolina’s most welcoming spots for anglers and outdoor lovers alike.

Grandfather Trout Farm and Gem Mining NC

Grandfather Trout Farm and Gem Mining offers a peaceful mountain setting with trout ponds, gem mining flumes, and plenty of space to relax outdoors. It’s a laid-back Banner Elk attraction perfect for families looking for easy, hands-on fun in the High Country.

Ski Sapphire Valley NC

A calm and family friendly ski and snowboard resort that is perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers.