Location

Sunalei Preserve is located in Watauga County in the northwestern corner of North Carolina, an area known as the "High Country." The mountain is referred to locally as Snake Mountain because of the curved shape of the top of the ridge-not because of abundant snakes in the area. Approximately 750 acres of Sunalei Preserve lie in Watauga County and the remaining 240 acres spill into Johnson County, Tennessee.

Located just 12 miles north of Boone, North Carolina, Sunalei Preserve can be easily accessed via US HWY 421 and Rich Mountain Road. Those arriving from east of Boone, can access Sunalei Preserve from State Road 194, Meat Camp Road, and Rich Mountain Road. Driving time from both directions is approximately 20 minutes from Boone.

The town of Boone offers restaurants, shopping, churches, medical facilities, and Appalachian State University. The local public school system is highly regarded statewide. National parks, ski resorts, golf courses, Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad, and other area attractions are within a short drive.

Sunalei Preserve, with elevations ranging from 3800 feet to over 5500 feet, offers cool refreshing summers and chilly winters. While snow is common in the higher elevations, winters are generally much shorter than at similar elevations in the northeast. In January, the coldest month of the year, the temperature averages in the low to mid-30 degrees. Summers, on the other hand, are delightful with low humidity and temperatures in July in the mid 70's.