Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Looking for the best hiking in Blowing Rock? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Blowing Rock. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Blowing Rock

  • Connelly Springs, North Carolina

    High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail

    4.83 mi / 1043 ft gain
    High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Connelly Springs, North Carolina.
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  • Connelly Springs, North Carolina

    Chestnut Knob via River Trail

    4.0
    5.9 mi / 1115 ft gain
    The journey begins at the Cicero Branch Parking Area along South Mountain Road, following Jacob Fork River Trail. The trail runs along the Fork before ascending Chestnut Knob. After completing the trail, you will find yourself on the highest peak of the South Mountain chain, where there are breat...
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  • Bluff City, Tennessee

    Spelunk Worley's Cave

    5.0
    3.5 mi / 100 ft gain
    Worley’s Cave, also known as Morrill Cave, lies just outside of Boone across the Tennessee border. It is the second longest cave in the state of Tennessee at a whopping 4.4 miles in total length. It is a non-lit cavern that’s path is lit only by those who venture in its depths (i.e. headlamps, la...
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  • Green Mountain, North Carolina

    Hike to Beauty Spot Gap

    5.0
    2.13 mi / 1277 ft gain
    Beauty Spot Gap is located on the Appalachian Trail on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The bald offers a panoramic view of Cherokee National Forest and the city of Erwin. This is a popular destination for hikers of the AT to set up camp and watch the sunset. From the Tennessee side, t...
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  • Green Mountain, North Carolina

    Appalachian Trail: Indian Grave Gap to Chestoa

    4.0
    8.05 mi / 1165 ft gain
    Appalachian Trail: Indian Grave Gap to Chestoa is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Unicoi, Tennessee.
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  • Burnsville, North Carolina

    Backpack the Black Mountain Crest Trail

    12 mi / 5390 ft gain
    The Black Mountain Crest Trail is legendary among hikers in the southeast. It is the highest trail east of the Mississippi, as it traverses the summit of several peaks over 6,000 feet. It is also widely acknowledged as one of the premier hikes on the east coast. To whit, the trail immediately asc...
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  • Burnsville, North Carolina

    Roaring Fork Falls

    1.31 mi / 249 ft gain
    Park at the work center but don't block the gate. Hike around the gate and head up the grassy and gravel road. Once you get to the creek a narrow path leads upstream to the base of the falls.  gps: n35 46.101/ w82 11.713 
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    White Rock Loop

    5.0
    4.94 mi / 1457 ft gain
    White Rock Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Johnson City, Tennessee.
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Tip Top via White Oak Trail

    4.3
    4.97 mi / 1640 ft gain
    Tip Top rests on one of the highest points of Buffalo Mountain. The overlook features tree coverage perfect for hammocking and benches while providing views of Downtown Johnson City as well as the other side of the mountain range. The hike from the trailhead to Tip Top is moderately steep. The tr...
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    White Rock Overlook

    5.0
    2.85 mi / 876 ft gain
    The White Rock trailhead is less than a 10 minute drive from downtown Johnson City. When pulling up Highbridge Road, take a left at the fork. You will shortly encounter a vehicle gate where you will park to the side of the road (do not block the yellow vehicle gate). You have the option to walk ...
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Fork Knob, White Rock and The Noggin Loop

    5.0
    3.12 mi / 1220 ft gain
    The Fork Knob and White Rock Loop in Johnson City, Tennessee, is a moderately challenging hiking trail that spans approximately 3.12 miles. The trail is marked by a variety of natural features, including a prominent rock formation known as White Rock, which offers panoramic views of the surroundi...
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Sunset Point

    5.0
    0.65 mi / 223 ft gain
    Sunset Point is an overlook located in Buffalo Mountain State Park. The trail is a short hike up along the White Rock loop trail then a short walk off the trail to get to the overlook. There is a clearing with a few benches that has wide open views to the west. The short hike up to the point shou...
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  • Unicoi, Tennessee

    Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower via Fire Tower Road

    5.0
    3.47 mi / 663 ft gain
    Pinnacle Mountain hosts one of the nicest fire towers on the East Coast of the United States. The fire tower is relatively new, sturdy, and has a large 360 degree viewing area at the top. The tower overlooks the Downtown Johnson City area, Elizabethton, Erwin, and the rest of the Buffalo Mountain...
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  • Traphill, North Carolina

    Hike the Stone Mountain Loop

    4.5
    This is a strenuous 4.5 mile hike beginning from the Lower Parking Lot in Stone Mountain State Park (for a 5.2 mile hike, begin at the Upper Parking Lot). From the lot, take the trail by the bathroom. Keep right at the first trail intersection, then left at the second trail intersection to stay ...
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  • Traphill, North Carolina

    Hike to Wolf Rock and Cedar Rock

    5.0
    This easy 3.0 mile hike begins at the Lower Trailhead Parking Lot at Stone Mountain State Park and includes a 400' ascent to two granite outcrops with nice views. This hike can be combined with the Stone Mountain Loop hike for a 6.5 mile strenuous hike.From the parking lot, walk towards the strea...
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  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Lone Oak to Tip Top Trail

    3.25 mi / 1253 ft gain
    The Lone Oak to Tip Top Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience in the scenic mountains of Johnson City, Tennessee. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about this captivating trail system. Trail Overview Located in the heart of No...
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