Appalachian Today

News and events at Appalachian State University

View larger image — Wispy clouds hover above the mountains of Valle Crucis — located fewer than 10 miles from Boone.

View larger image — Just steps from campus, an eclectic selection of restaurants and shops line historic King Street — the heart of downtown Boone. You’ll find yourself ambling between record stores, boutiques, antique shops and places to grab a latte on a fall day.

View larger image — Perhaps the most iconic section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Linn Cove Viaduct at the base of Grandfather Mountain provides sweeping views of the area’s Blue Ridge Mountains — especially as fall colors glow in the early morning and evening light. Tourists come from all over to witness the peak of the brightly colored leaves for what is known as “peak week” in the Appalachian Mountains.

View larger image — A herd of deer in an open field along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

View larger image — A foggy morning on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sections of the parkway are lined with traditional split-rail fencing, which is often made from old lumber.

View larger image — Flame azaleas native to the area bloom atop Grandfather Mountain, located approximately 40 miles from Boone. Grandfather’s neighbor and partner in flora and fauna, Grandmother Mountain, is visible in the distance.

View larger image — Both an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway and a popular camping site, Price Lake is a bustling nature spot in the warmer months. You can observe an Appalachian paddle boarding class or get out on the water yourself in a kayak or canoe — all the while being surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.

View larger image — A sunrise makes its way over the horizon to brighten Grandfather Mountain, one of the most famous mountains in North Carolina. Whether you choose to drive Grandfather Mountain’s winding road to the top or hike its famous Profile Trail to the peak, the destination offers astounding views and a Mile High Swinging Bridge.

View larger image — A daring group admires the view from the edge of Rough Ridge, a famous overlook located off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This spot is popular not only for its short hike and rewarding view, but for its Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.

View larger image — Tourists and locals alike can stand atop the highest peak of Grandfather Mountain — Linville Peak, at an elevation of 5,295 feet above sea level — and view the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Grandfather Mountain features a nature museum, wildlife habitats and numerous roadside parks.

View larger image — The morning sun peeks through tree limbs in the Pisgah National Forest, located approximately 8 miles from Boone. With over 500,000 acres of forestland, Pisgah National Forest offers numerous hiking trails, waterfalls and campsites to explore.

View larger image — An open, rolling meadow in Valle Crucis.

View larger image — A tree in MacRae Meadows, located near the entrance of Grandfather Mountain State Park, shows off its bright yellow leaves. Grandfather Mountain offers a vantage point nearly 6,000 feet above sea level from which to watch autumn unfold in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

View larger image — A sunrise on the horizon of the Blue Ridge Mountains illuminates the foggy, fall scenery.

View larger image — Grazing farm animals accentuate one of many barns situated off the High Country’s winding roads.

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Beyond the heart of Appalachian: The beauty of Appalachia

By Lauren Hempen

Posted Dec. 19, 2019 at 4:35 p.m.

BOONE, N.C. — Take a 10-minute drive from the heart of Appalachian State University’s campus, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the beauty and variety the High Country has to offer.

This photo gallery showcases some of the favorite getaways for Appalachian students within 15 miles of campus.

All photos were taken by university photographer Marie Freeman.

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About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
Events may be found in the University Calendar

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Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
Events may be found in the University Calendar

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