everyone is a birder
Planning a vacation to the high country?
Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or simply a nature enthusiast, Boone is a fantastic place to get away for the weekend, thanks to its unique charm and stunning scenery, and of course noteworthy birding!
I spent five years calling Boone my home, so I wanted to provide you with a 2.5 day itinerary for the perfect weekend of NC Birding Trail site visits in the area.
…And also coffee shops, because a birding trip wouldn’t be the same without coffee đ
Welcome to Boone! Thereâs no better way to get an introduction to this incredible town then to simply explore the downtown AND make your first coffee stop.
Nestled in downtown Boone between the campus and the shops of King Street is Espresso news (âE Newsâ) on Howard Street. Youâll find it next to the outdoor rock climbing wall at Footsloggers. This Boone favorite has upstairs and downstairs seating, or you can take your cup on the go and enjoy the town.
Suggested drink: Caramel Latte (the best Iâve ever had!)
If youâre staying in downtown, there are TONS of places you could check out. A few suggestions are:
Rise and shine with the Boone Greenway, a beautiful, quiet set of trails. Park in the gravel lot, then you can either follow the dirt path past the play ground, or you can explore some of the short trails off the main road before taking the main path. The latter is certainly recommended! To get to these shorter paths, head back to the road and take a left. Trails will appear on your left. These are very short, all less than half a mile. But they have some gorgeous views.
During spring and late summer, look for migrating shorebirds along the river and in the recreational fields, including rarer Semipalmated Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper, Wilson’s Snipe and Least Sandpiper. Migrating warblers are common, and so are several different Vireo species especially in the fall. Summer breeders include Willow Flycatcher and Eastern Kingbird, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Osprey regularly occur in April, and from August through October.
Travel time: 5 min (1.5 mi)
After a couple hours on the Greenway, visit the nearby Local Lion for coffee and a (life-changingly great) donut. Local Lion has a drive through, but I suggest you go in. They have their coffee roaster out in the seating area, and the whole store has a cozy, rustic feel to it.
Suggested order: Drip coffee and a donut (they usually have 2-3 coffees you can choose from)
Travel time: 15-20 min (8 mi)
This next stop is a few minutes outside of Boone, but itâs worth the short drive. My friend that used to work at Valle Crucis Community Park said she frequently ran into birders, and they frequently offer guided bird walks. Itâs vast and varied with trails, wooded areas, open fields, and the unbeatable mountain backdrop.
Noteworthy birds include Least Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Yellow-throated Vireo, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow Warbler, Baltimore Oriole.
This stop is noteworthy beyond its highlight attraction. When you park, youâll see the large white manor, overlooking the valley. Savannah and Vesper Sparrows have been found in the pastures above the Manor House and are possible breeders here.
But the real joy in birding here is down the large gravel road. Youâll head down it with the valley on your left until the narrow paths appear, carved into the woods. Not even five minutes from the manor, youâll find yourself in the thick forest.
Take your time down the path. Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireos, Scarlet Tanager, Song and Chipping Sparrows, and Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Hooded and Canada Warblers may be spotted here.
Travel time: 5 min (2.5 mi)
Yes, this coffee shop is also adjacent to a Footsloggers! You can order your coffee then head to the lofted lounge area above the Footsloggers if you have some time to relax before the next stop. This place feels like an outdoor enthusiasts coffee shop dream.
Suggested orders: Lavender Latte or Sâmores Mocha
Travel time: 7 min (4 mi)
Hop back on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and get ready for a jaw-dropping view! Price Lake will be impossible to miss as the large lake with the silhouetted mountains appears on the left. The 2.7mi loop offers an easy-going hike and birdwatching that includes songbirds and waterfowl. Note the Price Lake campground if you like camping.
Large rafts of waterfowl, including Common Loon, Hooded and Red-breasted Mergansers, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, and Pied-billed Grebe can be found in early spring and late fall during migration. Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers are possibilities in the spring. Unusual birds sighted here have included Sora, Red-throated Loon and Great Egret.
We hope you enjoy your Beans and Birds tour in and around Boone!
If you choose to venture farther, note there are several other Birding Trail sites that are driving distance away, including Elk Knob State Park, Shady Grove Gardens at the Peak, Meat Camp Environmental Studies Area, Grandfather Mountain, and several noteworthy overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I hope you savor the crisp mountain air, several flawless cups of coffee, and the company of the worldâs most accessible wildlife đ
– Paula from the NCBT
Click below to see complete lists noteworthy birds you might spot at these locations (birds noted in the “Description” section and the “Birds” section of each of these sites)