Altamont Lodge

04/23/2026

⚠️🔥 Attention Avery County and Mitchell County residents and visitors- Wildfire Update from Avery County Emergency Management :

"Good Morning Avery County, we are here at the County Line brush fire still. At this time we are at 45% containment, acreage burnt still being determined this morning. We have ALL the resources and staff on scene or on stand-by. The biggest thing for today is there will be TONS of smoke in the area. The Forestry Service and Fire Departments will be doing some controlled back burning to help contain the fire. You will see our spotter planes in the air, with other aircraft on standby locally. Thankfully all homes in the vicinity at this time are protected. We will update as we can..."

04/07/2026

04/01/2026

FYI

BURN BAN in EFFECT
6PM- 3/28/26

Due to increased fire risk, the North Carolina Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective at 6 p.m. Saturday March 28, 2026 until further notice.

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to the extinguishment of the fire.

The burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest service does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Local government agencies have jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling.

Avery County Fire Marshal’s Office has issued a local burning ban effective at 6 p.m. Saturday March 28, 2026. This ban will be in effect until further notice. This ban applies to any open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Campfires and fire pits are included in this ban and are not exempt.

Paul Buchanan
Avery County
Fire Marshal
828-733-8210
[email protected]
Avery County Fire Marshal

02/21/2026

01/01/2026

Wishing you all a Happy New Year! Thank you to all who were our guests in 2025! To those staying with us in 2026, we look forward to hosting you.

12/25/2025

09/04/2025

We always have a beautiful fall season. Our lodge is currently vacant during peak leaf season. We would love to have you as our guests!

Here, the journey is as meaningful as the views. 🍂

This High Country road trip map will lead you to 7 mountain communities—each at peak color during the first two weeks of October—filled with charm and experiences worth discovering.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to catch fall color in the Boone area, this is it.

07/15/2025

After many months, our new roof is complete! We would love to host you for your next mountain trip. This rental sleeps 16 comfortably, with 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 living areas, 2 kitchens, hot tub, pool table, and nearly 5 acres of lawn.

Conveniently located between Spruce Pine and Newland.

Altamontlodgenc.com

05/13/2025

05/02/2025

UPDATE - STATE OF THE GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES

We at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games are fielding questions several times a week from all over the country as to the ability of our area to support the 2025 Highland Games in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The answer is a resounding yes! Our roads and bridges are now in good shape, and area lodging and restaurants are definitely open for business.

The storm damage was extensive to be sure, but the degree of repair in the six months following the hurricane has been amazing. Things are now at the place where those attending the 2025 Games will find the North Carolina High Country much like we were for the 2024 Games.

Many of you have purchased packages or tickets, and secured your lodging for this year’s event. To those of you who have done so, we say thank you! This message is being sent in the hopes that you will help us share the news about the repair and recovery in our area.

Also, we have received official word that the Blue Ridge Parkway between Blowing Rock and Linville will remain open for the Summer and Fall. This is great news for the Highland Games and Avery and Watauga businesses.

Thank you in advance for helping us get the word out. We are really looking forward to seeing you “on the Mountain!”

July 10-13, 2025