🏞️ Top 5 Free Things to Do in Watauga County, NC
Discover the Best Free Outdoor and Cultural Experiences in the North Carolina High Country
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Watauga County is best known for the lively college town of Boone, the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and a strong sense of Appalachian tradition. The best part? You don’t have to spend a dime to experience some of the area’s most rewarding sights and sounds.
Here are our Top 5 Free Activities in Watauga County that combine natural wonder, history, and culture—perfect for a weekend getaway or family road trip!
1. 🚶‍♂️ Walk the Greenway Trail in Boone
The Boone Greenway Trail offers miles of flat, paved and natural paths that wind along the New River. It’s a local favorite for walking, jogging, biking, and even spotting wildlife.
Ideal for: Families, cyclists, dog walkers, bird watchers
Access points include Clawson-Burnley Park and Watauga County Recreation Center.
2. 🏞️ Visit the Moses Cone Manor & Trails
Located just outside of Blowing Rock on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this historic estate features free access to the Flat Top Manor, scenic mountain views, and more than 25 miles of carriage trails for hiking and horseback riding.
Ideal for: Scenic walks, history buffs, photographers
Open year-round with peak views in spring and fall.
3. 🎶 Enjoy Free Concerts in Downtown Boone & Blowing Rock
From Summer Concerts at the Jones House to Blowing Rock’s Concerts in the Park, these free, family-friendly events bring music and community together under the stars.
Ideal for: Evening outings, couples, families
Don’t forget a lawn chair and picnic blanket!
4. 🎨 Explore the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts
Operated by Appalachian State University, this contemporary art gallery in downtown Boone is always free to the public. It features rotating exhibits by regional and international artists across two buildings.
Ideal for: Art lovers, rainy day fun, students
Open Tuesday through Saturday, free guided tours available.
5. 🧺 Relax at Bass Lake in Blowing Rock
A scenic loop trail surrounds this peaceful lake located just below the Cone Manor. With picnic tables, blooming rhododendrons in the spring, and a flat trail perfect for strollers, it’s a great stop for all ages.
Ideal for: Picnics, easy walks, nature photography
Open dawn to dusk, free parking available.