Nestled in the woodlands of the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, High Point boasts a beautiful landscape and outdoor scene. You’ll find an array of lakes, rivers, and forests filled with natural wonders, as well as a range of outdoor attractions for all ages.
Take your pick of the fun options to follow! Learn about butterflies and pollinators at a local butterfly farm. Tour the scenic greenways in the area. Put your skills to the test in an outdoor laser tag game. Play the day away at High Point City Lake Park and so much more! Follow along as we highlight some of High Point’s most popular outdoor hot spots. We’ve put together a fun-filled, two-day itinerary with all the area’s must-visit attractions.
Day 1: Spend a Day in Nature
Morning
A full day of fresh-air fun awaits! Before jumping in, why not start things off with a fresh cup of coffee and delicious breakfast treat from Lil’s Coffee Bar at Congdon Yards? Savor the flavors of your locally brewed coffee and freshly made breakfast from the scenic courtyard just outside the door from Lil’s—the perfect outdoor oasis in the center of downtown High Point.
With a wholesome breakfast under your belt, let the fun begin! First up for the day is a private tour at All-A-Flutter Farms. The beloved butterfly farm offers an exclusive opportunity to learn about the majestic Monarch butterfly and other key pollinators, all in a quiet and peaceful space. The All-A-Flutter experience begins with an entertaining, fast-paced skit and continues with an up-close, hands-on interaction with butterflies and learn about their anatomy, life cycle, migration, and more!
Good news—there’s still time before lunch to explore High Point’s green spaces! Local sustainable tourism group, Triad Eco Adventures, offers private tours of the city by paddleboard, bike, segway, and trolley. Choose from multiple tour options in each category to explore downtown High Point, the city’s Greenway Trail, and local parks, lakes, and other natural spaces. They are available seven days a week via online or over the phone booking. If you prefer to embark on a self-guided adventure, Triad Eco Adventures also offers equipment rentals.
Lunch Time
There’s one more stop on the itinerary for the day, but first take time to refuel with a scrumptious lunch at a High Point eatery with outdoor seating. There are so many great options to choose from! Sweet Old Bill’s is a go-to for Southern favorites in a casual setting. REAL Kitchen & Market is a one-stop shop for quick and easy gourmet meals, all made from scratch. You can also check out the High Point Food Mob Facebook page for recommendations directly from locals. Whatever you’re craving and whatever kind of atmosphere you’re after, High Point’s got it!
Afternoon
Wind down from the morning fun with a slower paced afternoon at Oak Hollow Lake Marina. Cast a line from shore or boat on the park’s beautiful 800-acre lake. Paddle around and soak up the native flora and fauna. Make memories over a lakeside picnic. If you love to camp, the park is home to a great campground with 107 full hook-up RV sites and 13 tent sites. The Oak Hollow Campground also has a playground, boathouse, and outdoor pool for guests to enjoy.
Evening
After a peaceful afternoon at Oak Hollow, you’re just a quick drive away from a hearty meal at one of High Point’s premier restaurants. There’s a number of fantastic eateries with outdoor seating that dish out some unforgettable dinner experiences. The hardest part will be picking just one!
LuLu & Blu is known for their uniquely delicious gourmet appetizers and entrees—and full menu featuring a range of options for diners with dietary restrictions, including vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free dishes. You’ll find a savory selection at Steak Street, which pairs perfectly with the ambient setting on the outdoor patio. For a more exotic experience, indulge in some of the best Asian fusion cuisine at 98 Asian Bistro in a peaceful courtyard patio setting.
Day 2: Catch a Thrill at Top Outdoor Attractions
Morning
We hope you got some good rest because day two is going to be action-packed! Grab a tasty coffee and quick bite from 83 Custom Coffee LLC and get ready for one memory-filled day exploring High Point’s most popular outdoor attractions.
You may want an extra shot of espresso for the high-energy fun waiting for you at Kersey Valley Attractions! This family-friendly hot spot offers the full gamut of outdoor fun: a zipline tour, bomb bowling, and outdoor laser tag. If you can’t get enough, take the fun indoors with axe-throwing, escape rooms, and more!
Lunch time
After all the thrills at Kersey Valley it will be time to recharge and refuel! There’s still a lot of ground to cover—keep the day’s pace going with a quick and tasty lunch, al fresco. Enjoy American classics from favorites like Rixster Grill and Lone Star Burger. Or get your fill of mouth-watering pizza and ice-cold beer at Blue Rock Pizza & Tap.
Afternoon
After lunch, head to High Point City Lake Park for hours of fun! This long-time High Point hangout has it all—train rides, mini golf, a carousel, boating, paddling, and a brand-new, state-of-the-art pool and water slide. What more could you ask for?
If you prefer to create your own adventure away from the hustle and bustle, take the bridge across the lake, where you’ll find 11 miles of scenic trails to explore at the Piedmont Environmental Center and along the High Point Greenway and the Bicentennial Greenway. There’s no better way to end your outdoor adventure-filled weekend than with a leisurely hike.
The Piedmont Environmental Center is located on 375+ acres of beautiful hardwood and pine forest and features a 6.6-mile trail and breathtaking lakeside habitats. The High Point Greenway Trail offers nearly 5 miles of fully paved path and winds along local parks and Kirkman Park School. The Bicentennial Greenway is a larger trail connecting High Point with other nearby destinations, like Greensboro. The High Point portion of the greenway begins south of the Piedmont Environmental Center and runs to Gallimore Dairy Road.
It’s easy to plan your hikes and outdoor excursions when you download the free Piedmont Discovery app! Share your best shots of your High Point adventures using #YearoftheTrail and #VisitHP.
Evening
A full weekend of playing hard outside and discovering new favorite spots in High Point will leave your stomach grumbling. For a casual fine dining experience, Sammy G’s Tavern is just the ticket. And if you’re feeling fresh seafood, you can’t go wrong with Blue Water Grille. For something more laidback, catch your favorite football, basketball, or baseball game over a tasty meal at Kickback Jack’s. On your way back to your cozy accommodations, be sure to swing by Miso’s Ice Cream for a special frozen treat.
Read our blog to learn more about Year of the Trail and top trails to explore in High Point.