North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains Foothills Hides This Cute Town With Trails, Wineries, And Charm

Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, less than two hours north of Charlotte, sits the small town of Elkin. It's home to just a few thousand people, yet the town manages to hold a wealth of amenities appealing to visitors of all tastes. Whether you're interested in rugged hikes, refined wineries, or relaxing in a historic theater, Elkin is bound to surprise. More than a dozen wineries and breweries can be found in the area, and with three iconic trails meeting in and around Elkin, nature lovers have plenty of options when it comes to exploration. You're also a short drive to a state park right off North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway.

Despite being surrounded by the untouched wilderness of the Blue Ridge Mountains, getting to Elkin is easy for most travelers. Regional airports dot the landscape, and larger airports with more flight options can be found south in Charlotte or an hour east in Greensboro. Lodging is a bit scarce, though both Three Trails and Elk Inn provide affordable accommodation right in town. Camping is a more popular option — Stone Mountain State Park is just down the road, and you'll find a wealth of rugged campsites scattered throughout its 14,000 acres. But no matter where you choose to lay your head at night, Elkin and the surrounding landscape promise to be a wonderful escape into the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Elkin puts the best Blue Ridge Mountain trails at your fingertips. In fact, it's often referred to as a "Trail Town," so be sure to pack a good pair of hiking boots for your visit. There are plenty of wild trails to explore, but three stand out from the pack: Overmountain Victory Trail, Yadkin River Trail Blueway, and Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

The Overmountain Victory Trail starts at Elkin Municipal Park before rolling along the Yadkin River. It stretches for a remarkable 330 miles through Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina, so most travelers only walk a portion of it while visiting Elkin. Keep your eyes peeled for the commemorative markers on posts along the trail, as they make for excellent photos. You might also try hiking a portion of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The entire path runs over 1,000 miles out to the ocean, and the segment through the Elkin Valley is quite picturesque.

Yadkin River Trail Blueway is a bit different — instead of lacing up your hiking boots, you'll be jumping into the water. It can be accessed via a launching point at Crater Park in Elkin. Interested in paddling down the blueway? Grab a rental or sign up for a tour with Yadkin River Adventures or North Carolina River Riders. Much like a North Carolina state park with beachy barrier islands, this is one of the best places to kayak in the state.

Elkin might be a "Trail Town," but even folks who leave their hiking boots at home can enjoy its relaxing ambiance. Wineries and breweries can be found just about everywhere you look in Elkin. Carolina Heritage Vineyard and Winery is a popular choice, as the family-owned destination sits on a gorgeous 23-acre green space and runs tours for anyone interested in learning more about the winemaking process. Just outside of Elkin is Shelton Vineyards — with over 700 Google reviews, it has earned an impressive 4.5 stars. Visitors love its well-manicured grounds, including a small pond, walking paths, and an on-site grill. If you're planning a drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains, be sure to make a pit stop at a gorgeous vineyard near Asheville with jaw-dropping views.

More interested in craft beer? Head back into town and visit Angry Troll Brewing on Main Street. The massive brewpub is a mosaic of exposed wooden beams and brick walls, while the bar is littered with TVs airing live sports. Along with innovative craft beer, it serves pizza, burgers, and other hearty pub food. If you need a change of scenery, grab your next drink down the road at The RailYard or Embers Eclectic Pub — the former is a spacious outdoor beer garden, while the latter is a vibrant bar serving unique drinks. Take some time to stroll the rest of Main Street, as all of downtown is lined with historic buildings and undeniable charm. This is especially true of Reeves Theater, a renovated Art Deco movie house that now hosts live music (and also has a popular on-site bar).