Discover The Stay You’ve Always Wanted In The High Country

Stay at Banner Elk Black Lodge and explore all the High Country of North Carolina has to offer. Within 15 minutes of Banner Elk’s lone stoplight, enjoy outdoor adventures, family fun, winter sports, shopping, museums, wineries, breweries, spas, and more.

Seasonal Adventures and Unique Spots

During spring and summer, visitors flock to Banner Elk for its beautiful scenery and pleasant temperatures. At 3,701 feet above sea level, Banner Elk is a cool getaway as warm weather blankets the South. Warmer months provide opportunities for hiking, biking, rafting, tubing, horseback riding, antiquing, festivals, and gallery tours-all just minutes away from your Banner Elk vacation home.

Spring and Summer Adventures

Spring and summer bring vibrant life to Banner Elk. The town's cool climate makes it a perfect retreat from the Southern heat. Outdoor enthusiasts can embark on various activities such as hiking, biking, rafting, and tubing. Horseback riding, antiquing, and attending festivals or gallery tours are popular among visitors. Edge of the World outfitters in downtown Banner Elk offer exhilarating whitewater and river adventures, as well as thrilling rock climbing excursions.

Relax and Unwind

For a more relaxed outdoor experience, visit Wildcat Lake—a free 13-acre public lake featuring a white sand beach, swimming area, fishing pier, canoe, kayak, and paddle board rentals, picnic shelters, and a playground park. Swimming is available from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with lifeguards provided by the local YMCA.

Unique Attractions

North Carolina's first alpine roller coaster, Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, promises excitement for all ages, offering a unique thrill ride year-round. Downhill mountain biking at Beech Mountain Bike Park also adds to the adventure. Additionally, iconic mountain attractions such as Grandfather Mountain, Linville Caverns, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Tweetsie Railroad, and The Blowing Rock are just a short drive away, making for an unforgettable visit. Grandfather Mountain also offers exclusive lodging packages, providing a perfect blend of comfort and adventure, ideal for exploring the beauty of the surrounding area.

Winter Sports and Recreation

Winter transforms Banner Elk into a haven for snow sports, just 10 minutes away from the two largest ski resorts in the South: Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resort. Both resorts feature excellent terrain for skiing and snowboarding, complete with the latest rental equipment. They also offer ice skating and snow tubing. Sugar Mountain boasts North Carolina's only double black diamond slope, while Beech Mountain features the state's only mountaintop sky bar.

Unforgettable Adventures

A unique winter experience awaits at the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, open year-round. Other notable winter destinations include Hawksnest Resort, home to the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast with nearly 30 lanes for tubing, and Appalachian Ski Mountain, North Carolina's first ski resort, offering skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating along with the renowned French-Swiss Ski College.

Wedding Venues

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this area offers a variety of breathtaking wedding venues. Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic barn, a charming vineyard, or a scenic outdoor setting, you’ll find the perfect backdrop for your special day.

View Wedding Venues

Top 4 Snow Tubing Spots in the NC Mountains

Hawksnest Resort
Appalachian Ski Mountain
Sugar Mountain Resort
Beech Mountain Resort

Culinary Delights

When it's time to eat, Banner Elk's culinary scene doesn't disappoint. Banner Elk is home to some of the top chefs in North Carolina. Known as the "Culinary Hot Spot of the High Country," we offer a range of dining options from five-star white linen experiences to upscale casual spots, down-home cooking, and tasty delis. Local craft spirits are available at Kettell Beerworks and Banner Elk Winery, with more wineries and craft breweries within easy reach.

Restaurant List

The Mountains Are Calling

Banner Elk is your perfect escape to unwind and indulge in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. With so much to offer, you'll find every visit to be a new adventure. Book your stay now and experience the mountains like never before.

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