High Country Life

High Country adventures are all about exploring the natural splendor of mountainous regions. From Boone’s historic small-town charm to Blowing Rock’s lively university community, there is no end to outdoor exploration adventures in this part of North Carolina.

Ascend Bogong High Plains Road from the carpark towards Wallace Hut and Cope Hut for an easy trail with beautiful native surroundings.

Hiking Trails

Mount Ashland boasts numerous beautiful hiking trails that are both day walk-able and multi-day trek-friendly, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience more intimate views of its wildflower-covered hillsides and explore further into nature. All trails are maintained well, while camping facilities are provided on-site.

Hikers should bring along a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and first aid kit on any hike, as well as dress appropriately to the climate – including wearing a hat, sun cream and plenty of warm clothing – due to limited tree coverage in some locations, hikers can expect strong winds in the afternoon; it would be wise to wear rugged hiking boots with sturdy soles as terrain can often be quite rocky in places.

Mount Cope offers several popular hiking trails, among them Vallejo Gantner Trail which starts from a carpark along Bogong High Plains Road and follows an old vehicle track before gradually ascending uphill towards Vallejo Gantner Hut, an A-frame backcountry hut built in 1971 in memory of an individual killed hunting. It offers excellent camping facilities all year round while water is available via Macalister Springs nearby.

Windy Ridge Trail provides breathtaking views of Victoria High Country while taking hikers through a beautiful loop trail that passes small ponds, North Fork Toutle River and up to 500-foot-tall hummock mounds. Hikers can marvel at spectacular 360 degree panoramas from multiple lookouts along its length.

Mount Cope Walking Track is an easy, moderate hike that ascends Mount Cope from Ryders Huts and passes by Ryders Huts. It makes a fantastic family outing suitable for children aged six years or above. This track is natural surfaced, crossing creeks along its route, offering stunning views across the high country as it winds past Ryders Huts. Remember though that its summit is off limits; climbers should not attempt to ascend Big Pinnacle as this can be hazardous!

Camping

Camping in Victoria’s High Country can be an extraordinary experience, whether you prefer pitching your tent under the stars or relaxing in your motorhome. Spend your nights among snow gum woodlands at Lake Catani, icy alpine clearings or historic cattlemen’s huts on Bogong High Plains – camping will become part of an incredible journey!

Mount Cope Walking Track from Falls Creek climbs and traverses over the Bogong High Plains and Great Dividing Range before arriving at Cope Hut. Not a typical high country hut, this modernist structure was specifically constructed for tourism purposes.

Warm sleeping bags are essential when hiking through the High Country for multi-day treks, and we suggest the Sea to Summit Spark -9 degree bag as the optimal choice. A 65L backpack will allow for plenty of room to store everything needed – including extra clothing and food – during your adventure.

Rafting

Water rafting down the Provo River is the ideal way to beat the summer heat! High Country Adventure offers various experiences ranging from basic rentals to an R&R BBQ-catered trip Monday-Friday.

Sleep under the stars in your swag or tent/motorhome at serviced campsites, secluded bushland clearings or historic cattlemen’s huts; pitch your tent among wildflowers at Lake Catani; camp in the snow-covered Alps on Bogong High Plains near Falls Creek or amongst wildflowers at Lake Catani; fish rivers and waterways around Mount Cope and explore alpine wilderness at Falls Creek/Kiewa Valley; pitch your tent in Mast General Store; remember it helps immensely when hanging with people better than you as this will accelerate learning/improvement significantly faster!

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking opens up a whole world of outdoor adventure. Not only can it get your heart rate pumping and take in breathtaking High Country views, it can also serve as an excellent way to rejuvenate after an exhausting hike or canoe trip and enable you to cover more territory in less time.

Virginia offers mountain bike trails that range in difficulty from beginner-friendly to expert-level – something which explains why Virginia boasts three International Mountain Bike Association Ride Centers; Harrisonburg, Roanoke and Massanutten all provide trails suitable for cyclists of every skill level.

Mount Cope’s mountain biking trail system is tailored for both beginner and experienced mountain bikers alike, offering a range of terrains. Newcomers can begin on easy and flowy XC trails while experienced riders can challenge themselves on technical single track routes or jump lines.

Are you looking to improve your riding skills? An introductory mountain bike clinic is ideal for all levels of riders. This session covers essential fundamentals like body positioning, trail navigation and how to handle tough features before leading you through challenging trails on the mountain with an instructor as a guide.

Experienced mountain bikers should check out the Bogong Alpine Way ride. Starting in Langford’s Gap and ascending Marum Point Paralyser before passing Wallace’s Hut and Cope Hut, it provides an unforgettable journey along stunning vistas and glacier terrain.

Mount Cope offers the ideal environment for mountain biking enthusiasts looking for adventure. Just bring along a working bicycle with all necessary safety gear – Red Tail Lodge’s Bike Center offers everything necessary for outdoor exploration as well as offering top brands of clothing and accessories in its Bike Center.