Todd, NC, straddling the county line of Watauga and Ashe counties in the NC mountains, lies at about 3000’ elevation and is a 12-mile drive to Boone heading south or 10 miles to West Jefferson to the north.
In Todd, you are so close to town, yet you feel like you’re away from it all while enjoying plenty of outdoor activities during the busy season of May to October. Even in the wintertime, the area is perfect for a mountain hike, wood fire, and hot toddy.
Headwaters of the New River
Todd is located at the headwaters of the ancient New River. It is thought to be the second oldest river in the world, after the Nile in Egypt.
The New River is one of only three rivers in the world that flows north. The South Fork of the New River starts in Blowing Rock, meanders through Boone and Todd, flows north into Virginia, comes back into North Carolina, and then back into Virginia two more times.
From the New River continues to West Virginia meeting up with the Kanawha River which turns into the Ohio River, meets with the Mississippi River, and empties into the Gulf of Mexico!
Fun on the Water
The town offers a gentle stretch of the river offering recreational fun on the water for all ages and great for first-timers.
Rent tubes or kayaks from one of the local outdoor expedition companies in Todd for a day trip or a short float down the river.
Mountain Biking
There are plenty of outdoor adventures on the Headwaters of the New River and Todd, North Carolina. Not all of them require water!
River Girl Fishing Company, located in the historic train depot in downtown Todd, offers fly fishing lessons, guided trips, equipment sales, kayak, and tube rentals, as well as bike rentals.
From downtown Todd, you can bike 11 miles each way along the flat Todd Railroad Grade Road, once a part of the tracks of the Virginia-Carolina Railroad (Virginia Creeper Trail). Famously known as part of the course known as the Blood, Sweat, and Gears race.
New River Marathon
Rather run it out? The New River Marathon, an official Boston Marathon qualifying race, runs along the banks of the historic New River in Todd.
Over 17 miles offers pastoral views of the River, Christmas tree farms, and horse and cattle farms. For the miles that wind away from the New River Valley, the course offers a few hills, rolling country roads, and “the most beautiful race venue ever!”
Green Valley Community Park.
Todd is also home to the Green Valley Community Park. The area offers a picnic shelter, playground, playing fields, hiking trails and canoe/kayak ramp, and a .28-mile walking track right on the banks of the New River!
The park is a great place for the family to spend a day on the water. Open from dawn til dusk.
Historic Downtown Todd
Todd hosts many opportunities to take in local and national music acts including their Community Summer Concerts. The free, family-friendly concerts are held in Cook Memorial Park in historic downtown Todd.
Todd has hosted musicians from Doc Watson and the Kruger Brothers to local acts to the High Country like Wayne Henderson and friends, King Bees, Lucky Strikes, and Amantha Mill.
The Todd New River Festival, held in October, offers all-day entertainment including music, storytelling, bluegrass jams, puppet shows, vendors, and of course barbeque.
Todd Mercantile
Go from the free music in the park to kicking up your heels at a monthly community dance! Todd Mercantile in downtown Todd hosts Contra, Reels, Squares, Waltzes, and a little bit of flat footing.
No experience is necessary, the caller runs through all the steps before each dance. Bring the family! Todd Mercantile offers handcrafted art, gifts, and other merchandise made in the Appalachian Mountains, many by local artists. It’s also been noted that visitors come from near and far to sample the famous cinnamon rolls from the bakery, not to mention its’ bread, pies, cakes, cupcakes, scones, cookies, and more!
Todd General Store
The next stop is the historic Todd General Store. Established in 1914, The Todd General Store (originally Cook Brothers General Store) was built by Walter and Monroe Cook in anticipation of the arrival of the Virginia Creeper railroad.
After being closed for a few years, Todd General Store re-opened in July of 2019, much to the delight of locals and visitors alike! Part General Store, part deli and ice cream, part local musician gathering hole, the Todd General Store is now open Thursdays through Saturdays and is a great place to take in a bit of nostalgia.
One of only five authentic general stores remaining in North Carolina, the Todd General Store is in Todd’s Historic District which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
A Day in Todd, North Carolina
Todd, with its rich history, outdoor recreation, music, arts, and a sense of community is a delightful place to visit and a wonderful place to live. If you’re looking for things to do during a day in Todd, North Carolina, let this blog be your guide!
