Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Blowing Rock, North Carolina is a true gem, offering a multitude of experiences for all kinds of visitors. From breathtaking mountain views to a variety of outdoor activities, everyone can find something to enjoy in this beautiful location. Popular attractions in and near the area include Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors can take a leisurely nature walk at Moses Cone Memorial Park, or embark on an exciting journey hiking the Tanawha Trail or the Appalachian Trail. With its stunning scenery and array of attractions, Blowing Rock, North Carolina will satisfy all kinds of visitors.

Top Spots in and near Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Boone Fork Trail

4.0

5.06 mi / 1030 ft gain

Boone Fork Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Boone, North Carolina.
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Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Price Lake Loop Trail

5.0

2.23 mi / 387 ft gain

Price Lake Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
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Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Camp and Paddle at Price Lake

This campground is all kinds of amazing, and if you get one of the sites in the A loop, you will have lakefront property (just be warned, if I see you there, I'll have to crash with you ;-). Price Lake is a gorgeous lake right off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and perfect for canoeing...
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Banner Elk, North Carolina
Calloway Peak via Daniel Boone Scout Trail

5.0

6.31 mi / 1991 ft gain

At 5,946 feet, Calloway Peak provides hikers with perhaps the best view of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. You'll have to earn this view - it is a tough climb up, although not terribly long. Begin at the trailhead for Tanawha Trail in the Boone Fork Parking Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway....
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Banner Elk, North Carolina
Explore Boone Fork Creek

0.25 mi / 75 ft gain

Boone Fork Bridge and creek is situated at the base of Grandfather Mountain, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost 299.9. Elevation 3905'.The trailhead is at the left side of Boone Fork Creek parking area and the trail is a gentle meander through Rhododendrons and a hardwood forest.As you head tow...
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Linville, North Carolina
Rough Ridge Lookout

4.3

0.5 mi / 92 ft gain

The trailhead for Rough Ridge will be on your righthand side when driving the Blue Ridge Parkway from Boone, NC. This trail gets busy in the warmer months, but parking usually is not too much of an issue. This trail is not open in the winter. Rough Ridge will take you around 30-45 minutes to rea...
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Linville, North Carolina
Profile Trail to Calloway Peak

5.0

6.2 mi / 2300 ft gain

If you're looking for a challenge and hoping to escape the crowds at Grandfather Mountain, this is the hike for you. Climbing up the back side of the mountain (opposite the famed mile-high swinging bridge) this trail is fee-free and easy-to-access with its own parking lot. The trail, marked w...
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Seven Devils, North Carolina
Calloway Peak via Profile Trail

7.11 mi / 2493 ft gain

Calloway Peak via Profile Trail is an out-and-back trail with waterfall views located near Banner Elk, North Carolina in Grandfather Mountain State Park.
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Newland, North Carolina
Beacon Heights Overlook

5.0

0.71 mi / 105 ft gain

Beacon Heights is the perfect hike when you're on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville and Grandfather Mountain, Milepost 305.2. The trail is a steady climb uphill for less than a half mile. The last section being fairly steep and rocky. Once at the top, there are several rock outcroppings, but...
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Linville, North Carolina
Rough Ridge via the Tanawha Trail from Beacon Heights

5.0

7.49 mi / 1280 ft gain

If you're feeling frisky, set your alarm for the early am and park at the Beacon Heights Parking area about 30 minutes before dawn. Put on your head lamp and hike the short trip to Beacon Heights, bask in the glory of the warm morning sun, then head back down and connect with the Tanawha Trail. A...
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Linville, North Carolina
Hike the Flat Rock Trail (NC)

5.0

0.6 mi

Flat Rock Trail is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 308. There is a pull-off from the Parkway with a sign designating the location. There are several picnic tables around the pull-off, but I would recommend taking your lunch up to Flat Rock. The wide, clear trail is practically flat...
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Collettsville, North Carolina
South Harper Creek Falls

5.0

3.46 mi / 564 ft gain

South Harper Creek Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Collettsville, North Carolina.
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Todd, North Carolina
Hike the Elk Knob Summit Trail

5.0

3.8 mi / 1000 ft gain

There are no bathrooms at the trailhead, so if needed, drive a little past it to the park bathrooms on the left. Park at the summit trailhead and start your hike on the new gravel path. The trail gains 1000 ft in elevation in just under 2 miles so take your time if need be - and bring plenty of w...
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Purlear, North Carolina
Cascades Trail

5.0

0.86 mi / 220 ft gain

Cascades Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Deep Gap, North Carolina.
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Elk Park, North Carolina
Elk River Falls

4.6

0.35 mi / 62 ft gain

The coordinates for the parking area are 36.198288, -81.970137. You'll see a parking area that's dirt/gravel on the right side of the road. At the far end of the parking lot is a sign that says Elk River Falls with an arrow pointing up the hill. From this point its about a .2 mile long walk to th...
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Newland, North Carolina
Linville Falls Trail

4.1

0.98 mi / 177 ft gain

Linville falls is one of North Carolina's treasures and perhaps the most photographed water fall in the state. Bring the whole family out and explore the area surrounding the falls. There are about 4 total miles of trails meandering around and through the gorge and right up to the falls. There ar...
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