Explore Boone: Preserve The Awe

Graphic promoting Boone County tourism sustainability. A hiker stands on a rocky cliff at sunset, silhouetted inside the shape of a reusable water bottle. Text reads: “Awe-Inspiring Boone is relying on us. Preserve the Awe.”

Explore Boone: Preserve The Awe

Explore Boone: Preserve The Awe

Picture standing atop the Blue Ridge, the crisp mountain air swirling around you and knowing your visit helps keep these views pristine.

Boone County’s “Preserve the Awe” campaign isn’t just travel advice; it’s a call to adventure and stewardship, transforming everyday choices into powerful acts that protect nature for generations to come.

Destination: Watauga County, North Carolina, USA

Organization: Watauga County District U Tourism Development Authority (WCTDA)

Consumer website

Boone County’s Preserve the Awe initiative encourages visitors to protect the region’s breathtaking Blue Ridge landscapes by embedding environmentally conscious practices into everyday travel.

The campaign centers around the “Outdoor North Carolina / Leave No Trace” principles covering everything from planning ahead and sticking to trails, to minimizing fire risk and respecting wildlife habitats. It educates tourists on essentials like carrying reusable water bottles (refilled at restaurants and attractions), turning off lights at eco-friendly lodgings, and packing out all trash, solidifying soft behaviors into travel habits.

Practical travel tips include: checking weather and park regulations before arrival, choosing eco-certified lodging and locally sourced eateries, using public transportation (like the free AppalCART bus system), and visiting mid-week to reduce crowds. The campaign also highlights voluntourism, so travelers can actively support conservation and cleanup efforts.

The “Preserve the Awe” empowers tourists to become mindful guardians, ensuring Boone’s natural beauty thrives for future generations.

Ailin Fei
afei@purdue.edu