🎉 Labor Day Weekend in the Carolina Mountains: Your Ultimate Guide to End-of-Summer Fun 🌄
West Jefferson • Jefferson • Lansing • Wilkesboro • Boone • Blowing Rock • Piney Creek • Sparta
As summer winds down, there’s no better place to celebrate Labor Day Weekend than the Carolina Mountains. Whether you’re chasing outdoor adventure, relaxing by a fire, or exploring quaint mountain towns, this is your chance to soak up the last sweet days of the season in the North Carolina High Country.
🌿 1. Soak in the Views at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Just outside West Jefferson and Jefferson, Mount Jefferson offers panoramic mountain views, peaceful picnic spots, and well-marked trails. Hike the Summit Trail or Luther Rock for unforgettable overlooks—ideal for families, photographers, and sunrise seekers alike.
🚴‍♂️ 2. Explore Scenic Drives & Backroads
Labor Day weekend is perfect for a relaxing cruise through the mountains. Wind your way along the Blue Ridge Parkway, famous for its awe-inspiring overlooks and quiet beauty. Or take the scenic byways and backroads between Lansing, Piney Creek, and Sparta, where you’ll pass rolling farmland, old barns, river crossings, and roadside farm stands. Stop at a country store, grab some local honey or late-summer apples, and enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.
🛶 3. Float the New River
Cool off with a lazy float, kayak, or canoe trip down the New River—one of the oldest rivers in the world. Outfitters like Zaloo’s Canoes, RiverGirl Fishing Company, and New River Outfitters offer rentals and shuttle service. It’s the perfect way to relax and take in the mountain scenery from the water.
🥾 4. Hit the Trails and Explore the Outdoors
Lace up your hiking boots and enjoy late-summer mountain air:
Elk Knob State Park (Boone): Hike to the summit for sweeping long-range views and cool temps.
Grayson Highlands (near Grassy Creek): Spot wild ponies while exploring high-elevation balds and rocky trails.
Moses Cone Memorial Park (Blue Ridge Parkway): Wander carriage trails through forests, meadows, and past Bass Lake.
🎣 5. Go Fishing or Chase Waterfalls
Labor Day is prime time for casting a line in the New River, Little River or Helton Creek—all known for their cool, clear waters and peaceful settings.
Looking for waterfalls? Head to Stone Mountain State Park to explore several cascading falls, trout streams, and rugged trails. Or visit Glen Burney Trail in Blowing Rock, which rewards hikers with a series of scenic waterfalls just steps from town.
🎨 6. Explore Mountain Towns Full of Charm
Take a slow stroll through our local treasures:
West Jefferson: Visit the Ashe Arts Center, mural trail, and unique art shops.
Blowing Rock: Enjoy boutique shopping, wine tastings, and sidewalk cafes with sweeping views.
Sparta & Lansing: Discover handmade crafts, Appalachian heritage, and friendly hometown vibes.
🍻 7. Taste the Mountains
Dine, sip, and savor the season with locally made goodness:
Boondocks Brewing & New River Brewing for craft beers.
Molley Chomper Cider House for hard cider and food trucks.
Don’t forget a stop at Ashe County Cheese, ice cream shops, and delicious restaurants throughout the High Country.
✨ 8. Relax by the Fire or Under the Stars
End each evening the mountain way—beside a crackling firepit, soaking in a hot tub, or gazing at the starlit sky. Some towns even offer outdoor concerts or movie nights—check local calendars in Boone, Blowing Rock, Lansing, Sparta, West Jefferson, and Wilkesboro for final summer events.
🏡 Where to Stay
From mountaintop log cabins with breathtaking views to cozy retreats near downtown, Carolina Mountain Vacation Rentals has the perfect place for your holiday weekend. Whether you’re nestled in West Jefferson, Lansing, or near Boone and Blowing Rock, you’ll enjoy easy access to nature, town, and everything in between.