#high country

Vibrant Autumn Colors Are Currently Captivating the Region, with the Blue Ridge Parkway Largely Accessible for Scenic Three-Day Trips.

Vibrant Hues Are Visible on Mountain Ridges, While Lower Elevations Continue Their Transition, Driven by Precise Weather Conditions.

Vibrant Fall Colors Are Now Appearing at Lower Elevations, Even as Highest Mountain Peaks Pass Their Prime, with Drought Conditions Posing a Risk to the Season's Remaining Displays.

Snowflakes Arrived Across the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mt. Mitchell on Saturday, Oct. 17, Amidst Vibrant Fall Colors.

A Strong Cold Front Brings Significantly Colder Temperatures, Strong Winds, and Potential Frost and Freeze Conditions to the North Carolina Mountains and Foothills This Weekend.

Sub-Freezing Temperatures Are Expected Across the Region From Late Saturday Night Through Sunday Morning, Potentially Impacting Sensitive Plants and Outdoor Plumbing.

The Yearly Festival on October 17 Will Showcase a Curated Selection of Handmade Crafts, Local Food, and Harvest Traditions, While Continuing Its Substantial Charitable Contributions to High Country Communities.

The National Weather Service Reported Significant Rainfall and Strong Winds Across Watauga and Ashe Counties Over the Weekend, Leading to Local Flooding and Road Closures.

Watauga, Ashe, and Avery Counties Are Under Flood Watches and Wind Advisories Today as the Post-Tropical Cyclone Moves Through the Region, Bringing Substantial Rainfall and Gusty Conditions.

Appalachian State University Will Host a Variety of Homecoming Celebrations on Campus, Complemented by Sugar Mountain Resort's Annual Oktoberfest.

The Region Can Expect Significant Rainfall and Potential Localized Flooding From Saturday Afternoon Through Sunday Evening, with Cooler Temperatures Arriving.

Extreme Drought Expands to 10 Counties Statewide, While Watauga and Surrounding Areas Remain in Moderate Drought or Abnormally Dry Status.

Regular Unleaded in the Boone Area Rose 29 Cents in a Week to $4.18 Per Gallon, Driven by Crude Oil Climbing Back Above $100 Per Barrel and Unusual Seasonal Increases.

Residents and Visitors Can Look Forward to Free Meals, Film Screenings, Chess Meetups, a Fall Picnic, Collegiate Tennis, and a Unique After-Dark Mountain Experience.

The Latest Weekly Update From the North Carolina Drought Management Council, Released Thursday, September 17, 2026, Shows a Broad Reversal of Improving Trends and Increased Drought Severity Across the State, Including for Several High Country Counties.

Melania Trump's Upcoming Visit to Ashe County Marks the Fifth Such High-Profile Trip to the Region in Recent Decades, with Boone and Ashe County Seeing Prior Presidential and Vice Presidential Attention.

Regular Unleaded and Diesel Prices See Significant Increases This Week, Driven by Global Oil Market Volatility.

Student Groups Are Working to Protect Declining Mallard Duck Populations and Vital Wild Turkey Habitats Through Campus Initiatives and Community Events.

A 200-Degree Aerial Walkway, Picnic Shelter, and Expanded Parking Area Were Added to the Beloved High Country Park in June, Enhancing Visitor Experience.

A Recent Transfer of 60 Acres, Designated by NC State Parks as “critical,” Grows the Protected Area in the High Country to 1,270 Acres.

Boone-Area Regular Unleaded Prices Climbed 17 Cents Since Late July, Driven by Volatile Oil Markets Stemming From Geopolitical Conflict.

The Latest Update From the North Carolina Drought Management Council Shows a Reversal of Recent Gains Statewide, Though Local Conditions Remain Consistent.