Ashe County, North Carolina, is a beautiful place to explore and offers many activities, both indoors and out! Here are some of our favorites. For even more ideas, visit the resources at the Ashe County Chamber and the High Country Back Roads websites.

Also, click on the Ashe County Visitor Guide for a comprehensive look at all Ashe County, NC has to offer as a vacation destination.

Outdoor Adventures

For those who like to get outside and explore, Ashe County and the High Country have many exciting options. The North Carolina mountains have miles of varied trails for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. There are also plenty of spots for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The Appalachian Trail, Virginia Creeper Trail, the New River, and area state parks are just a few of the many great places to start your adventure.

Burnt Hill Stables
Laurel Springs, NC
Trail riding, guided trail riding, horse boarding and riding lessons.

Jefferson Landing
Jefferson, NC 28640
An outstanding 4.5 star rated golf course located in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Fine dining at the clubhouse is also available.

Mountain Aire Golf Club
West Jefferson, NC
18 holes of well-maintained fairways, complimented by the natural, rugged beauty of the Appalachians.

Mt. Jefferson State Park
Jefferson, NC
This magnificent mountain offers hiking trails, educational seminars, picnicking and much more. Drive to the top by following Mount Jefferson Road, park and take a short hike to the summit.

New River State Park
Jefferson, NC
The tranquil New River is the centerpiece of New River State Park. Appreciate the peaceful scenery with many spots for canoeing, picnicking, fishing, and birdwatching.

River Girl Fishing Company
Todd, NC
Fly fishing supplies, lessons and guiding, fishing/hunting licenses, and kayak, canoe, tube and bicycle rentals on the New River.

Riverside Canoe & Tube Rentals
Crumpler, NC
Canoe, kayak, tube and bike rentals. Paddling lessons and guided canoe trips.

Virginia Creeper Trail / Adventure Damascus Bike Rentals
The Virginia Creeper Trail stretches 35 miles from Abingdon, Virginia thru Damascus to the NC state line near Whitetop, Virginia. The Virginia Creeper Trail is open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Adventure Damascus provides bike rentals and shuttles to the Virginia Creeper Trail.

Zaloo's Canoes
Jefferson, NC
Canoe and inner tube rentals, shuttle service to the New River.

Indoor Adventures

For those who prefer a more low-key, relaxing time, the area offers many shops, galleries, and arts and crafts venues to explore. The nearby town of West Jefferson offers several good restaurants, coffee shops, and art galleries. The towns of Sparta, Glendale Springs, Jefferson, Boone and Blowing Rock, have more shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Ashe Arts Center
West Jefferson, NC
The Ashe Arts Center in downtown West Jefferson features local artist's work in the Gallery Shop and offers changing visual arts exhibits, and frequent concerts.

Ashe County Cheese Company
West Jefferson, NC
Ashe County Cheese has been in business since 1930, and is the Carolina's only cheese manufacturer. Watch cheese being made, then select one of your favorites from the cheese and gift shop.

Ashe County Farmer's Market
West Jefferson, NC
Produce, nursery plants, jellies, cakes, breads, handmade items and more, all home grown and handmade. Saturdays 8:00 am - 1:00 pm from April 12 to December 13.

Mountain Music Jamboree
Jefferson, NC
Offers food, great mountain music, and dancing to watch or join in!

New River Wineries / Bohemia Gallery
Lansing, NC
The New River Winery, located in Lansing on Big Horse Creek, offers its red, white and fruit wines for tasting and sale at Bohemia in West Jefferson. Bohemia features both local & national artists, as well as live music on the weekends. An array of coffees and baked goods are also available.

Skate Zone Amusement Center
West Jefferson, NC
Skating, video arcades, air hockey, pool tables, PS2 gaming, and a snack bar in a clean, smoke and alcohol-free family environment.

Thistle Meadow Winery
Laurel Springs, NC
Thistle Meadow Winery offers individualized tours to include tastings of wines made from grapes grown around the world.