Last Updated on March 24, 2026 2:13 pm
BOONE — The Great Mother March, a 500-mile women's empowerment pilgrimage making its way from Asheville to Washington, D.C., will pass through the High Country this weekend, with walkers traveling through Watauga and Ashe counties from Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29.
Motorists are asked to be mindful of pedestrian traffic along the route.
The march launched on the Spring Equinox, March 22, from Asheville's River Arts District and is expected to arrive on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Earth Day, April 22. The 32-day pilgrimage was founded by Whitney Freya, an artist, author, and sacred activist, who described it as a gender-inclusive journey honoring the Earth and the feminine. Participants may join for a single day, several days, or the full journey.
The following roads will be affected:
Friday, March 27 (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.): NC Highway 105 from Linville, Poplar Grove Road, Burrell Street, and West King Street to the Jones House in Boone.
Saturday, March 28 (9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.): West King Street, NC-194 North, and Todd Railroad Grade Road.
Sunday, March 29 (9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.): Carter Miller Road to NC-194 North (Ashe County), Baldwin Road, Beaver Creek School Road, Black Mountain Circle, Beaver Drive, Buck Mountain Road, South Jefferson Avenue, and East 2nd Street.
