March in the High Country sits in that interesting transition: ski season is finishing its final runs at Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain Resort, the trails are still quiet before spring hiking season kicks off, and downtown Boone starts to stir with the early energy of a new semester wrapping up. Here's what's worth knowing about this weekend.
On the Slopes
Sugar Mountain Resort (Banner Elk) is in its final weeks of the 2025–26 ski season. Check skisugar.com for current conditions and trail counts. March can bring some of the best late-season snow — cold nights and sunny afternoons make for excellent spring skiing conditions when the weather cooperates. If you've been meaning to get up this season and haven't, this is your window.
Beech Mountain Resort (Beech Mountain) typically runs through late March depending on snowpack. At 5,506 feet, Beech holds snow longer than any other resort in the Southeast. Check beechmountainresort.com for current open terrain.
In Downtown Boone
King Street has its full weekend energy this time of year, with App State's semester in full swing. A few things worth knowing:
Farmers markets in the High Country run seasonally — the Watauga County Farmers Market typically resumes in spring. Check wataugacountyfarmersmarket.com for the current schedule. Local producers, honey, cheese, crafts, and more.
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts at App State hosts rotating exhibitions year-round. Admission is free and it's worth a look any weekend you're in town. Current exhibitions are listed at turchincenter.org.
Daniel Boone Native Gardens in Boone opens for the season in spring — a peaceful, undervisited gem right next to the Horn in the West amphitheater. Worth checking if they've opened for the year.
Outdoor Recreation
March is excellent for waterfall hikes in the High Country — runoff from winter snowmelt keeps streams full and powerful. A few accessible options this time of year:
Elk Knob State Park near Todd has trail access year-round. The summit hike (about 4 miles round trip) gives you 360-degree views and is typically snow-free by mid-March at lower elevations.
Moses Cone Memorial Park in Blowing Rock has 25 miles of carriage trails open year-round. The flat terrain makes it accessible when higher-elevation trails are still muddy or icy. The historic manor house (which houses the Parkway Craft Center) is open for the season.
Julian Price Park along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock is a good spot for a picnic and easy lakeside walk if the weather cooperates. The Parkway itself tends to be clear by March in most years, though check NCDOT for any closures.
Valle Crucis & Mast General Store
No weekend in the High Country is complete without a drive out to Valle Crucis. The original Mast General Store (est. 1883) is open year-round — you can mail a letter there, buy a pound of candy by the handful, and pick up gear for whatever season is coming. It's a 15-minute drive from Boone through some of the most beautiful farmland in the mountains.
Thinking About Real Estate This Weekend?
Spring is when the High Country real estate market starts to move. If you're visiting this weekend and thinking about buying — a mountain getaway, an investment property, a home near App State — I'm happy to talk. No pressure, just honest conversation about the market and what makes sense for your goals.
You can reach me at (770) 639-1233 or aplyler@brri.net. Enjoy the mountains this weekend.