Location: Laurel Springs
Top Things to do in Laurel Springs
- 1. Stone Mountain State Park
- 2. Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
- 3. Ashe County Cheese Factory and Store
- 4. New River State Park
- 5. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
- 6. Riverside Canoe and Tube Rental
- 7. Saint Mary's Episcopal Church
- 8. Thistle Meadow Winery
- 9. Zaloo's Canoes Kayaks and Tubes
- 10. Dusty Trails Outfitters
Top Restaurants in Laurel Springs
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Laurel Springs, United States
Laurel Springs is an unincorporated community in Alleghany County, North Carolina, United States. Laurel Springs is located at the junction of North Carolina Highway 18 and North Carolina Highway 88 near the Ashe County line, 10.2 miles (16.4 km) southwest of Sparta. Laurel Springs has a post office with ZIP code 28644.
Restaurants in Laurel Springs
1. Stone Mountain State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
This 15,000-acre North Carolina state park offers trout fishing, hiking, climbing and scenic waterfalls.
Reviewed By Steven M
TripAdvisor found this park for us. It is pretty secluded area and some really good hiking. We hiked the loop to see the waterfall and it was a nice walk. Not too strenuous but it does get your heart rate going a bit. We started at the bottom and worked our way up to the falls. You go by a nice homestead and can see what it was like to live back in the day with no conveniences. We saw some wild turkeys and deer on our visit which was pretty cool. There is a vending machine for water and restrooms at the beginning of the trail and the parking was free as well as the entrance to the park. The park hours are good too. It didn't close until 8:00 pm so plenty of time for our visit. Plan on staying at least a couple hours if you are going to hike to the falls.
2. Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
North Carolina scenic state park offering hiking, birdwatching, wildlife, a wide variety of trees and rare plant life.
Reviewed By Rick B - Clayton, North Carolina
What outstanding and picturesque views from this one!. Mt Jefferson towers over the towns of West Jefferson and Jefferson in NC. Very neat views. Three overlooks along the road although I didn't stop to look because I was hiking down the Mountain then back up. What you say? Why would one do that. Well at the bottom is the "office" with a small lot. and restroom. Since this is a natural area and not a full blown State Park it doesn't have a visitor center other then this and with my propensity to arrive before the rangers or anyone of authority I didn't know if I could leave the truck there all morning or if it was just for business. I am guessing the later because although the trail starts/ ends here everyone encountered was going down then back up. Anyway you can just drive up if that's what you are into and stop at the overlooks then. These are some of the better over looks I have been to. The Blue Ridge Parkway has nothing on these overlooks. All are beautiful and have ample parking off the road. Named the sunrise Overlook towards the east and sunset Overlook looks west. The other is just the Jefferson Overlook but has the broadest view.Then you get to the top. Now here ya gotta walk a bit to get to the summit at 4600+ feet. Ignore the cell tower and weather station behind you just take in the view. By the way the tower was very handy. I had service all day and my battery didn't run down like it normally does. a short walk out the Rhododendron Trail brings you to another cliff and view at Luther Rock a secondary but lower peak of the mountain. There is a fairly large and nice picnic area here near the top The shelter is accessible and there was one table on a deck right off the paved trail that was accessible. But here's the catch the restrooms may not be accessible. The way I entered was down steps. The ladies room was down steps unless there is another back way to these facilities they are not accessible but the one 2 miles down the mountain at the park office is. All in all a very enjoyable park
3. Ashe County Cheese Factory and Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
North Carolina's oldest and largest cheese manufacturer. Watch cheese being made in our factory viewing room. Our retail store has all our cheeses available plus our fresh country butter, fresh fudge and hand-dipped ice cream. Something new for the kids (and kids at heart) is our Kandy Korner with over 150 varieties of new and traditional candies. We also have a great selection of NC Wines, and imported cheeses as well as Amish Foods.
Reviewed By Keith H - Belmont, North Carolina
Ashe County Cheese Factory has grown into a local destination point. They have expanded the gift shop to house wines, cured meats, jelly and jam, and other home style goodies. You will find hard to get items here, and the factory cheese is second to none.
4. New River State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By calliesdq87
We were there this past weekend and really enjoyed the park. We saw the river. People coming in from canoeing and they had a great presentation by Ranger Doug that was about the American Woodcock. Ranger Doug was awesome! He was very informative about not only the American Woodcock but the other animals in the park as well as the maintenance and so forth that we asked about. He had a lot of patience and you could tell that he really loved what he does. If you get a chance to stop by I highly recommend it.
5. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By John W - Raleigh, North Carolina
That artists will devote their time to portray elements of their faith is likely inspirational to the faithful. Anyone to whom the Lord's Supper is significant may appreciate stopping by this quaint little church to hear a short presentation while viewing the frescos and other church artifacts. The building is old and may present issues for visitors with respiratory ailments, but the longtime devotion to the church is apparent. While in the area, visit Greenhouse Crafts across the street and another fresco church nearby.
6. Riverside Canoe and Tube Rental
Overall Ratings
5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By justkeepswimming8 - North Carolina
I took a group of 13 colleagues to Riverside Canoe for a 2-hour tubing trip down the New River. We had a wonderful time. The owners are very friendly and knowledgeable about river and weather conditions. I've been to Riverside several times before and I keep coming back because (1) it's a relatively easy float -- I have joint/mobility issues and I can handle it (2) the atmosphere is more relaxed and family/business friendly than some of the other outlets that are full of college kids and lots of alcohol (3) the owners work hard to make sure you have a wonderful, safe experience (4) getting in/out is relatively easy compared to other locations I've tubed at (5) much lower prices than other locations, and all of their tubes are "premium" with neck rests and cupholders. An all-around easy, affordable summer adventure!
7. Saint Mary's Episcopal Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Rick B - Clayton, North Carolina
By the time we got here on Monday evening during our trip it was well after dark. It amazes me that these frescoes can be viewed 24 hours a day. They are amazing works of art. The narrative although way to religious for me are informative and helpful about how these frescoes were ever put here and why the subject matter was chosen. If in Ashe County be sure not to miss these. You can go anytime so put it on the back of your schedule. The later you go the less people you will have to fight to get a good view. Absolutely phenomenal
8. Thistle Meadow Winery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
Family-owned winery located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just 2 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and near the New River. Featuring over 50 different kinds of red, blush, and white wines, ranging from dry to sweet. WiFi available. Porch and meadows are pet friendly. Feel free to bring a picnic. Annual wine festival the first Sunday in October.
Reviewed By kelkamp - Charleston, South Carolina
Stopped here while wandering through the area after visiting West Jefferson. So glad we stopped here! Great conversation with the owner as he educated us on wine and food pairings. Great story too behind him and his winery. So many wines to try, and every one so different! We felt very welcomed and enjoyed every minute. Took 2 bottles with us as well. A definite stop if you are in the area!
9. Zaloo's Canoes Kayaks and Tubes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Chip L - Raleigh, North Carolina
My wife and I along with a group of friends got together for a mountain weekend so we could beat the 100 degree temps in Raleigh, NC. The staff was friendly and professional although the wait was a bit long - perhaps 20 minutes. Normally that would not be bad but on a hot Summer day, you will be searching for some shade. The rafting itself was wonderful!. Bring a cooler with snacks and drinks and you will have a terrific time. This was certainly the highlight of our trip.
NOTES:
I suggest you bring a few lengths of rope so you can tie the rafts together. We opted to put the cooler in the middle and lash all of the rafts in a circle around the cooler. This kept anyone from drifting away and made the conversation easier. Don't worry about buying water shoes. They sell them for $12 at Zaloo's and I think we paid $20 for them in town. You definitely want water shoes. The rocks are pretty sharp in places.
10. Dusty Trails Outfitters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By waterNCfun - Raleigh, North Carolina
We had a great time canoeing and kayaking with Dusty Trails Outfitters in April. We saw geese swimming with their little ones, a couple of white tailed deer running beside the river, a bald eagle flying and another eagle on the nest. Quite the wonderful float on the New River. You can choose a brand new canoe or kayak or a heavy duty tube for your float. The New River has some rocks and some mild white water to add some excitement to a mostly calm float. There are many places to begin and end your float, so you have the option to choose the length of time you wish to be on the water before your ride meets you. I definitely recommend this experience for groups and families wanting a great water adventure. We will definitely do this again.
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