Are you are looking for best things to do in Elkin North Carolina? You have come to the right place! Elkin is a small town tucked away in the Yadkin Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
This is the perfect hidden gem of a small town and sits almost directly in the middle of two mountain ranges offering stunning views any way you look. For the outdoor lover, you can enjoy hitting the many trails, and kayaking down the Yadkin River while setting up camp at one of the many campgrounds in the area.
It is also a popular stop along a scenic road trip in North Carolina. If you are looking for new towns to visit. If you are not into the outdoors Elkin also has world-class wineries nearby. Spend your day tasting wine while gazing out at the blue mountain ranges in the background.
There is also plenty of historical sites and culture to take in the downtown section of Elkin. No matter what you are looking for, Elkin has a little something for everyone.
15 Best Things to do in Elkin NC You Shouldn’t Miss!
Visit the Historic Reeves Theater & Cafe
One of the best-hidden gems in Elkin North Carolina is the Historic Theater and cafe. They have amazing live music a few nights a week in various genres. Many people come in before the show to grab a bite at the cafe. You can find your favorite cafe food like paninis, burgers, and wraps and a little something for your sweet tooth. The Cafe does stop serving 30 minutes before show time, so plan accordingly.
If you are visiting during the week every Wednesday you can head in for open mic night to join in on the fun. Be sure to check their website to grab a show, it is one of the best things to do in Elkin North Carolina.
Hike the Trails at Stone Mountain State Park
There are over 12,000 acres of forest to explore at Stone Mountain State Park. To get there from Elkiin is only about 30 minutes away and the scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway is always a treat. There are plenty of different hikes to choose from. The most popular is the 4.5-mile loop trail the Stone Mountain Loop. The payoff after your 2-3 hour walk is the stunning viewpoint on top of Stone Mountain.
For an easier path try the Wolf Rock Trail. This short 1.5-mile hike will also lead you to a viewpoint. It is still rated moderate in difficulty but only should take you about 2 hours to complete. The Cedar Rock trail is also a short 1.1 hike, and the Black Jack Ridge hike is the longest at 6 miles and is also one of the best hikes in Elkin to explore.
Explore the Yadkin Wine Trail
Did you know that there are over 40 wineries in Elkin? The best way to experience these wineries is what is known as the Yadkin Wine Trail. They have it all figured out and made it so easy for you to explore. For a trail tour, all you have to od is head to the hoppy.
The Hoppys is a local trolley service with hop-on and-off features taking you to the wineries you want to visit. Take your pick from the four different trolly lines all with their different pit-stops and experiences. Be sure to plan this for the weekend, the hopper only runs Friday-Sunday.
Take a Kakak or Caneo Paddle down the Yadkin River
Taking a kayak down the Yadkin River is one of the best things to do in Elkin. The Riber flows almost 200 miles and runs right through Elkin, which is one of the most beautiful valleys in North Carolina. While on your ride, you will paddle through forests, rolling hills, and plenty of animals to spot along the way.
Plan to spend at least a few hours out on the water. If you are not experienced enough to navigate down the Yadkin by yourself you can always book a tour for the day. If you go alone there are plenty of spots to tie up for a picnic along the river. You will also want to bring your fishing pole because the Yadkin River has amazing bass and catfishing opportunities, in the right season. Exploring the Yadkin is one of the best Elkin NC activities for outdoor lovers.
Visit the Farmers Market
If you are visiting from May to October the best activity in Elkin NC is the local farmers market. Every Saturday the downtown area transforms into a bustling day market full of vendors. You can find local produce, freshly made jams, baked goods, and artisan-crafted items.
Stop by for a workshop on gardening after you purchase your new spring plants. Most Saturdays the town also has live music performances with special booths every weekend. You are going to love spending visiting the Elkin farmers market to start your day.
Walk Around Downtown Historic District
If you are looking for things to do in Elkin at night, head to the historic downtown. Here is where you will find the largest variety of restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, local art, breweries, and wineries.
If that is what you are in the mood for you can also hike the trails or check out the mural hike. The historic district is also very dog friendly with a big park dedicated for them to run around at. There is also a children’s play area at Crater Park with bathrooms close by. You are going to want to head straight Downtown for all the best things to do in Elkin North Carolina.
Take a Drive on SkyLine
When you are done checking out downtown, go for a ride along Skyline Drive, also known as the Blue Ridge Parkway. This road runs through the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah National Parks. If you drove the entire Blue Ridge Parkways one way is 105 miles it takes over 3 hours. Even just exploring a small section is a great way to see how beautiful this area is.
Skyline is always open, except for bad snow days, is easy to navigate, and is one of the best free things to do in Elkin NC. Driving along the Blue Ridge is full of winding roads with lookouts and stopping points every few miles. Grab some snacks from the local stores along the way and relax on the lookout while taking in the view.
Art Galleries on The Yadkin Valley Art Trail
The Blue Ridge Craft Trail is one the newest paths for visiting places to visit in Elkin. It runs throughout the blue ridge and is a collection of small businesses with handmade treasures on display. Along the tour, there are over 20 small businesses showcasing their crafts.
You can take your pick from visiting basketry stores, old fashion blacksmith shops, modern glass blowing, and in-the-moment pottery making. There should be stops along the way to make any crafter happy. Driving around looking to discover your new favorite artists is one of the best things to do in Elkin NC.
Head to the Wine Festival
The Wine Festival in Elkin NC is no small event. Over 20 wineries from the region wait all year to show off their best products in May. You can sample crisp whites to bitter reds until you find your favorite blend. But that’s not it, you can grab a bottle and relax with your friends at one of the tables after you do. Be sure to check out the unique booths. After a few drinks, you may be ready to try the grape stomping display for yourself.
Or stay clean and grab a partner for the popular corn hole tournament. Even just walking around in the sunshine for a few hours while sampling a few local wines is never a bad idea. Plan on visiting in late May to catch the Wine Festival, it is one best things to do for adults in Elkin NC.
Go Zip-lining at Carolina Ziplines
Carolina Zippers is in the nearby town of Westfield NC and is one of the top things to do in Elkin with kids. They offer a few different zip lines so everyone can have a bit of fun. Try the shorter one that lasts about 200 feet long. Or for the thrill seekers, you can try the 40 mph, 1,200-foot long zip-line.
Each line has amazing views above the Blue Ridge Mountains. While at the park you can also try out the rope bridge and giant swing. Children must be at least 3 years old to ride and everyone is required to wear real shoes, no sandals.
Visit the Pilot Mountain State Park
One of the top attractions in Elkin is the ironic rock formation in Pilot Mountain State Park. This huge rock is over 2000 feet high and can be seen for miles around. Plus, Pilot Mountain is known to have some of the best rock climbing adventures in the Southeast.
There are also over 15 miles of different rails. The most popular trail is the Jomeokee Trail where you will hike to the top of Pilot summit to take in the views. You can sign up for one of the ranger-led hikes or programs if you want to learn more about the area, or need help guiding your way along the trails.
If you are planning on visiting Elkin on a camping trip you can pitch your tent at one of the 42 campsites at Pilot Mountain. And you will want to bring your water toys because there is a big lake in the center of the campground. If you are looking for an adventurous day, visiting Pilot Mountain State Park does not disappoint.
Play a Round of Golf
In a small town like Elkin, there are 3 amazing golf courses to play. For a casual day stop by the Elkin, Municipal Golf Course is a quick 9-hole round that is perfect for families or beginners. If you are a seasoned pro the championship course by Ellis Plamples at the Cedarbrook Country Club is a challenging course with beautiful views and perfectly manicured greens.
Another course to try is the Roaring Gap Club. There are two different courses here. The Old Course has been ranked as one of the top courses in North Carolina and is quite challenging. And the newer side offers an easier and more modern day. All three of the golf courses in Elkin have stunning backdrops and that is what to do in Elkin on a sunny day.
Visit the Blue Ridge Music Center
Just a short drive away in Galax, Virginia you will find the home of the Blue Ridge Music Center. There is a new amphitheater where big and small concerts take place throughout the year. Inside the music center, you can also explore the history and importance, and roots of how Appalachian music started.
It started with influences from both African banjo and European stings to evolve into the sound that it is today. Plan to spend at least one night at Blue Ridge Music Center it is always one of the fun things to do in Elkin NC.
Take Place on the North Carolina Trail Day in Elkin
The First weekend in June Trail Day kicks off in Elkin and everyone heads to the trails. Join in on one of the many joined hikes and bike rides or bring your boat for a ride down the river. This multi-day festival celebrates the summer with live speakers, music performances, and special events every night.
It is very family friendly with things to do for children of all ages. For your accommodation, during the Trail Days, there are campsites available nearby to host events or try the Historic section of town for a more luxurious stay.
Visit the Crater Falls
Another thing to do outside in Elkin is to take a trip to see the Crater Falls. The walk to the falls from the parking lot is only about 10 minutes. That being said there are a few tricky spots along the way, especially the last few hundred feet where it gets steep. It is best to get down where the rope will help guide the way.
Once you get down there is plenty of room to relax around the majestic waterfall. Keep an eye out for the ramp that takes you across the other side for a different view of the falls. The water is always cold no matter what time of the year it is. Jump in and try it out yourself!
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