The High Country offers plenty of outdoor activities during the wintertime. So get outside soak up the scenery for which the Blue Ridge Mountain region is renowned! Here’s a few ideas:
Take a Winter Night Hike at Mount Jefferson
Rising abruptly to more than 1,600 feet above the surrounding landscape, Mount Jefferson is often first viewed at a distance from the Blue Ridge Parkway and is a national natural landmark with a rich history. Five hiking trails allow exploration of rare geology and plant communities in Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, including a child-friendly TRACK trail and a strenuous scramble along the mountain’s ridgeline.
An investment of little more than an hour’s time offers a high return as the beauty and diversity of the park are best seen while hiking along its trails. Spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and a closer look at the park’s vegetation are just a small part of the rewards reaped from a walk in this mountain forest.
Go here for a list of trails: https://www.ncparks.gov/mount-jefferson-state-natural-area/trails
Where: 1481 Mt Jefferson State Park Rd
West Jefferson, NC
Beech Mountain Youth Sledding Hill
The sledding hill at Beech Mountain provides free sledding for children 12 and under. Sledding conditions are usually favorable thanks to Beech Mountain’s average annual snowfall of nearly 90 inches, plus a snow gun for making the white stuff when Mother Nature isn’t. It’s operated by the Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation Department with safety personnel on duty. Plastic sleds are required. Folks may bring their own, or they are available for rent or purchase at three stores within walking distance of the sledding hill.
Where: 403 Beech Mountain Parkway
Beech Mountain, NC
Hours: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and select holidays.
For more information, visit: https://www.beechmtn.com/things-to-do/winter-sports/sledding
Hawksnest Snow Tubing Park
Approximately, thirty-seven miles from West Jefferson, Hawksnest Tubing park is the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast. With over 30 lanes of snow tubing that span from 400-1000 feet long, Hawksnest Tubing offers a unique winter experience. The four different snow tubing areas provide an array of terrain that satisfies even the most advanced of tubers.
Hawksnest’s snowmaking facilities are able to provide the best possible conditions and fun for the whole family. It offers 100% lighting and snow tubing on all lanes, so the fun can continue into the night.
Where: 2058 Skyland Drive
Seven Devils, NC
Cost: $29 - $35 per session
For more information, visit: http://www.hawksnesttubing.com
