North Carolina

Whitewater Paddling magazine named North Carolina, as a “Top 10 Whitewater State.” ABC’s Good Morning America and National Geographic Adventurer named NC the “#1 Vacation with a Splash”, Tripadvisor has recognized Edge of the World with their prestigious excellence award each year since 2016.

Fun Day Trips Near Banner Elk NC

After a fun day rafting, climbing and kayaking with Edge of the World team, and you are looking for some fun and relaxing things to do within 50 miles of Banner Elk, North Carolina, you have plenty of options to choose from. You can explore the natural beauty and wildlife of Grandfather Mountain State Park12, where you can hike, picnic, or cross the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. You can sample some local wines and beers at Banner Elk Winery or Kettell Beerworks, or enjoy some fishing and gem mining at Sugar Creek Gem Mine or Grandfather Trout Farm. You can also experience some adrenaline-pumping activities like whitewater rafting with Edge of the World Whitewater Rafting, skiing at Sugar Mountain Resort during cooler seasons or riding the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster. No matter what you choose, you will find something to suit your taste and budget near Banner Elk.

 

Biltmore Estates

Play in the 8,000-acre backyard. There are breathtaking views, carefully preserved forests, and activities for everybody; Biltmore is an outdoor enthusiast’s delight.

Blue Ridge Parkway

A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is nothing like any other drive, a slow-paced and relaxing ride revealing spectacular long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and green landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. Protecting a range of plants and animals, the Parkway meanders for 469 miles, providing areas for the enjoyment of all that makes this region of the country so unique.

Battleship North Carolina

Moored in quiet dignity and splendor, the Battleship North Carolina, across the river from downtown Wilmington, beckons visitors to tour her decks. Imagine the daily life and vicious combat her crew faced in the Pacific Theatre during World War II.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

Wind, sand, and a vision of flight brought Wilbur and Orville Wright to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina where, after four years of methodical testing, they achieved the first successful airplane flights on December 17, 1903. With bravery and resolve, these self-taught engineers relied on cooperation and use of the scientific process. What they achieved altered our world forever.

Nascar Hall of Fame

Located in Uptown Charlotte, N.C., the 150,000-square-foot NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue is designed to inform and amuse race fans and non-fans alike.

North Carolina has 10 National Parks and 2,880 National Register of Historic Places.

Fort Raleigh/Roanoke Island

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site protects and conserves known portions of England’s first New World settlements from 1584 to 1590. This site also preserves the cultural legacy of the Native Americans, European Americans and African Americans who have lived on Roanoke Island.

Great Smoky Mountains

Ridge upon ridge of woodlands straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Celebrated for its assortment of plant and animal life, the splendor of its prehistoric mountains, and the quality of its leftovers of Southern Appalachian mountain traditions, this is America’s most visited national park.