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
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Appalachian Trail, Tennessee
Jones Falls via Appalachian Trail
5.010.65 mi / 2484 ft gainStarting at the Appalachian Trail (AT) trailhead at US 19E, follow the AT north for 3.1 miles until you reach the intersection of the trail with Buck Mountain Rd. This section of the AT has an elevation gain of almost 1000 ft, and large sections of trail with significant meadows offering magnific...Read more -
Morganton, North Carolina
Hawksbill Mountain Trail
4.91.87 mi / 633 ft gainHidden far above the beautiful Linville Gorge stands Hawksbill Mountain, among many other fantastic hikes. The roughly 1.7 mile hike from the dusty gravel parking lot is steep but worth every step. It took me about an hour to conquer with a few water bottle-guzzling stops. At the top, you are al...Read more -
Morganton, North Carolina
Photograph Hawksbill Mountain at Sunrise or Sunset
5.01.5 mi / 860 ft gainThe trail to the summit of Hawksbill begins on an unpaved road for the Pigsah National Forest. In about a half a mile the trail turns left just before reaching the Jonas Ridge Trail. This turn is an clearly marked turn with a sign for "Hawksbill Summit". The trail then becomes steeper and rocki...Read more -
Purlear, North Carolina
The Lump Trail
4.00.27 mi / 82 ft gainThe Lump Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Purlear, North Carolina.Read more -
Newland, North Carolina
Hike the Conley Cove Trail into Linville Gorge
5.02.6 mi / 1200 ft gainFollow the gravel old 105 to the parking lot at the Rock Jock Trailhead. Follow this trail a short distance until it splits to the left for Conley Cove. The Conley Cove trail descends over 1,200 ft. into the Linville Gorge, providing a glimpse into the dense and wild Pisgah National Forest. Shor...Read more -
Creston, North Carolina
Three Top Mountain
4.2 mi / 1260 ft gainThree Top Mountain sits within the same vicinity of Elk Knob. The mountain gets its name from its three prominent rock projections at its peak. The highest point, unofficially named “Big Rock”, is at an elevation of 5020 feet. Prior to the originally named rock peak, you will arrive at Huckleb...Read more -
Morganton, North Carolina
Hike to Hawksbill Mountain
5.02.1 mi / 660 ft gainStarting at the Hawksbill Mountain Trailhead, which is clearly marked start hiking up! The trail starts out with some easy uphill switchbacks and leads you to the first lookout point. Enjoy sometime at the lookout point, but you'll want to keep going for a more incredible view. Keep hiking uphill...Read more -
Morganton, North Carolina
Hike to the Summit of Table Rock Mountain
4.62.2 mi / 572 ft gainOff of Highway 181, the trailhead is very clearly marked with a large parking lot. Although the trail is fairly short, make sure you have your footing, because the trail does switch back and forth in addition to gaining elevation -- it's pretty steep in some places! It's all worth it when you get...Read more -
Morganton, North Carolina
Little Table Rock Trail
5.02.73 mi / 1148 ft gainLittle Table Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Morganton, North Carolina.Read more -
Morganton, North Carolina
Camp at the Chimneys in the Linville Wilderness
5.01 mi / 138 ft gainThe Chimneys area is a lesser-known camping destination within the Linville Wilderness. The Chimneys are a series of rock formations that rise above Linville Gorge and provide unobstructed panoramic views of the gorge and surrounding mountains. These rocks sit adjacent to Table Rock which hosts w...Read more -
Newland, North Carolina
Big Hump Mountain via the Appalachian Trail
4.57.83 mi / 2021 ft gainTowering over Little Hump Mountain, Big Hump Mountain offers one of the clearest views on the Appalachian Trail. Big Hump Mountain is located in the Roan Highlands North of Bradley Gap. This peak is not as traveled as other popular hikes in the area despite its massive size because of the intense...Read more -
Newland, North Carolina
Hike to Bradley Gap along the Appalachian Trail
4.6 mi / 1339 ft gainBradley Gap rests along the Appalachian Trail overlooking North Carolina and Tennessee mountains. Part of the Roan Highlands, Bradley Gap can be accessed via Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead. Follow the Roaring Fork Trail from the trailhead until you intersect the Appalachian Trail (White Blaze) app...Read more -
Linville, North Carolina
Take in the View at the Chestoa View Overlook
5.00.1 miChestoa View Overlook is an extremely short hike located down a pull-off at milepost 320 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Park your vehicle in a designated spot then intercept the trail to the left of the lot. The trail will slowly descend down into a stone overlook. The panoramic view showcases the be...Read more -
Marion, North Carolina
Camp in the Linville Gorge via the Pinch In Trail
1.5 miWe are pretty notorious for passing up a good campsite but we are learning our lessons. We got a late but interesting start on Pinch-In trail. We climbed down a steep 600+ feet after passing this ledge only to climb right back to it a third of a mile in. If we come up to an awesome spot, we somet...Read more -
Marion, North Carolina
Hike the Rock Jock Trail
6 mi / 700 ft gainOne of the first things I noticed when researching this hike was the conflicting information regarding finding the trail head, length of the hike, and the hike's correct route. Hopefully, as of September 2017, this report will contain the most up-to-date information currently available. To find t...Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain
5.06.98 mi / 1204 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain is an out-and-back trail near Bakersville, North Carolina. This trail is not too crowded, so don't be surprised if you're the only one taking in the view. Keep in mind the 1200+ foot climb along this trail if you're accustomed to hiking a longer dis...Read more
