Town of Sparta

Sparta, North Carolina, is a step back in time, where you’ll meet friendly people, experience a relaxing atmosphere, and enjoy beautiful vistas. Sparta is located in the northwest mountains of North Carolina, an easy drive from Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro and Winston-Salem.

Sparta and Alleghany County offer many opportunities to experience the small town feel with local shops as a downtown mainstay, and an inviting venue for traditional mountain music and dancing at the Alleghany Jubilee.

Midway Along Two Scenic Routes

Sparta is located midway on two scenic routes – the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Historic Hwy 21 “Lakes to Florida” route.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers travelers a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. Protecting a diversity of plants and animals, the Parkway meanders for 469 miles, providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region of the country so special. Sparta can be accessed from several mileposts including Milepost 217.3 (at Hwy 18 North in Ennice, NC ), Milepost 229.7 (at Hwy 21 South in Glade Valley, NC), and Milepost 248.1 (at Hwy 18 South in Laurel Springs, NC).

Historic Hwy 21 Lakes to Florida 

Before the completion of Interstate 77, travelers from northern states headed south on Hwy 21 through Sparta on their way to warmer climates.

A revitalized effort to encourage travelers to “Take a Break from the Interstate” has been initiated recently, inviting folks to slow down and enjoy the ride. The travel distances on the two highways are the same, but the travel delights are miles apart. On Hwy. 21, meander leisurely through the same countryside that awes Parkway travelers. Discover small towns that retain their mid-twentieth century charm. Enjoy home cooked hospitality at local restaurants. Leave the stress behind. Return to a simpler time.

Sparta lies halfway on this historic ride from Jonesville, NC to Wytheville, VA.

Outdoor Adventures Abound

Sparta is minutes away from two state parks, Stone Mountain and Grayson Highlands, both of which offer outstanding hiking and forest experiences.

The New River is ironically an ancient river system, the oldest on the North American continent and second only to the Nile River in Africa as the oldest river in the world. Its calm flow is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, fishing and swimming.

A section of the Mountains to Sea Trail, a hiking trail approximately 1,000 miles long from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Atlantic, runs through Alleghany County.

Doughton Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway has more than 30 miles of hiking trails, a picnic area, campground, trailer sites, comfort stations, and drinking water.

Festivals and Events

The Mountain Heritage Festival is the third Saturday in September in celebration of the mountain heritage of craft and music in Alleghany County.

Events at Crouse Park:

• Monday night jams of the Crouse House Pickers, a group of local musicians who welcome folks to visit and listen, or join in the music making.
• Music in the Park summer series.
• Blue Ridge Mountain Fair, a two day event held each year on the 4th Friday and Saturday of July.
• Alleghany Farmers Market each Saturday from summer to fall.
• Trunk-or-Treat at Halloween.

View the complete sign gallery

The Alleghany Historical Society and Museum preserve the history of the county and tell the stories of the people whose lives have shaped the distinct personality of Sparta and the surrounding countryside.

The Blue Ridge Heritage Trail is a program of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership.