1 minute read
High Country Map
COVERING WATAUGA, AVERY AND ASHE COUNTIES
There’s roughly a 50-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway that runs through the High Country. A drive along America’s favorite roadway is a scenic wonderland. No stoplights, no trucks, no commercial buildings, just beautiful scenery. Read about some of the favorite stops on page 48.
Advertisement
The speed limit is 45 MPH and there’s a different view around every curve.
Travel the High Country’s Designated Scenic Roadways
HWY 194 VALLE CRUCIS LOOP
17 miles through Watauga & Avery Counties
Begin driving where Hwys 421 and 194 converge in Vilas. Follow Hwy 194 into Valle Crucis and out of the valley. You will come to a triple S curve, in front of the Sweet Retreat B&B. Continue through Matney and eventually, you’ll arrive in Banner Elk, home of Lees-McRae College. Then, continue your drive along the winding road to Elk Park - site of the 60-foot Elk Park Waterfall. HWY 221 FROM BLOWING
ROCK TO LINVILLE
18 miles through Watauga & Avery Counties
Take Hwy 221 south from Blowing Rock; you’ll pass a Parkway turnoff and a quaint park. Later, you’ll pass under a huge rock that
*MAP NOT TO SCALE*
BLOWING ROCK TO BOONE
Distance: 8 miles Estimated Time: 14 minutes
BANNER ELK TO BOONE
Distance: 18 miles Estimated Time: 31 minutes
BANNER ELK TO BLOWING ROCK
Distance: 24 miles Estimated Time: 42 minutes
hangs over the road. Look up for a view of the Linn Cove Viaduct on the face of Grandfather Mountain. Past another Parkway entrance, you’ll arrive at Grandfather Mountain. The byway ends in Linville at the intersection of Hwys 221 and 105. HWY 194 & 88: FROM BOONE TO LAUREL SPRINGS
18 miles through Watauga & Ashe Counties
It starts in Boone at the New Market Shopping Ctr. You’ll first pass the Meat Camp community. Turn left on Meat Camp Road and travel 5.5 miles to visit Elk Knob State Park. Then, retrace your route back and turn left on 194 toward Todd. The byway route temporarily ends at the intersection with Hwy 221. Head north to Jefferson and Mt. Jefferson to pick up the byway at the intersection of Hwys 16 and 88. Follow Hwy 88 to Laurel Springs.
