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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Bakersville, North Carolina
Grassy Ridge Bald in the Roan Highlands
5.04.84 mi / 932 ft gainOnce you've parked at Carver's Gap (5500'), the trailhead is pretty easy to find. Simply cross the highway and jump onto the Appalachian Trail, right on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Head north on the AT as you head through the Roan Mountain Balds. In the very beginning of the hike,...Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Round Bald via Carver's Gap
4.31.72 mi / 338 ft gainThis super easy hike to the campsites near Round Bald is the perfect intro to backpacking for kids or newbies, but serves just as well for the more experienced backpackers who can't squeeze a longer trip in over the weekend. This short (.5 mile) hike in leads to a grassy opening with amazing vie...Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Backpack to Overmountain Shelter in the Roan Highlands
5.05.5 mi / 900 ft gainStarting from the Carver Gap Parking area (do not leave belongings visible in your vehicle) head North on the Appalachian Trail (cross the road and head up the hill past the kiosk). Stay on the Appalachian Trail for 5.5 miles climbing across open balds and treking through forests and wildflower p...Read more -
Roan Mountain, Tennessee
Jane Bald via Appalachian Trail
4.82.64 mi / 581 ft gainThis journey begins at Carvers Gap, on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. At a beginning elevation of 5512 ft. you will cross the road from the parking area to the trailhead, on the Appalachian Trail, northbound. The trail climbs gently through grasslands and rhododendron before enter...Read more -
Roan Mountain, Tennessee
Roan Highlands: Carvers Gap to US 19E via Appalachian Trail
5.015.47 mi / 2598 ft gainThe Roan highlands, possibly one of the best sections of the Appalachian Trail, is a section of grassy balds that range from 5000-6000 feet following the A.T. Start at Carvers Gap ( Highway 261 NC / Highway 143 TN) on the TN/NC border. You can either leave a car at Highway 19E or arrange for a s...Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Yellow Mountain Barn
12.28 mi / 2720 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Yellow Mountain Barn is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Bakersville, North Carolina.Read more -
Linville, North Carolina
Shortoff Mountain Summit
4.84.64 mi / 1178 ft gainStart your hike from the Shortoff Mountain Trail off of Wolf Pit Road at the base of Lake James. From the summit there is a small grassy area off a side trail that provided awesome cliff side views of the Gorge and Linville River! You can setup after making the hour and a half trek (maybe just in...Read more -
Morganton, North Carolina
Camp on Shortoff Mountain in the Linville Gorge
5.0The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, also known as the Grand Canyon of the East, is one of the wildest, most rugged gorges in the eastern United States. It's also an outdoor paradise for hikers and backpackers. Camping here is always a treat and you are sure to enjoy your time spent in the gorge.D...Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Cloudland Trail
5.02.46 mi / 276 ft gainCloudland Trail is an out-and-back trail offering up expansive views of the surrounding area especially from Roan Bluff. This trail is located near Bakersville, North Carolina. With minimal ups and downs, this makes for a decent family-friendly option. The trail is also dog friendly on-leash.Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Hiking from Carver's Gap to Hwy. 19 on the AT
5.020.7 miThe AT from Carver's Gap to HWY 19 is about 14.5 miles, but with side adventures, it could be roughly 20 miles. The trail crosses the road and continues up about a 400 ft. elevation gain to the first of the balds. This section of the AT is beautiful at near 6000 ft. above sea level and you will g...Read more -
Roan Mountain, Tennessee
Hughes Gap to Roan High Bluff
10.92 mi / 2986 ft gainHughes Gap to Roan High Bluff is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Bakersville, North Carolina.Read more -
Hampton, Tennessee
Appalachian Trail: Dennis Cove to US 19E
21.27 mi / 4843 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Dennis Cove to US 19E is a point-to-point trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Roan Mountain, Tennessee.Read more -
Hampton, Tennessee
Laurel Falls via Appalachian Trail
5.02.43 mi / 449 ft gainLaurel Falls via Appalachian Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Hampton, Tennessee.Read more -
Hampton, Tennessee
Appalachian Trail: Dennis Cove to Watauga Lake
8.08 mi / 1955 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Dennis Cove to Watauga Lake is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Hampton, Tennessee.Read more -
Hampton, Tennessee
Hike to Laurel Fork Falls
4.62.6 mi / 600 ft gainFrom Hampton, Tennessee, take US-321S for about 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Dennis Cove Road and travel for 4 miles on this steep and very curvy mountain road. The trailhead is where the Appalachian Trail (AT) crosses the road at a small gravel lot on the left. Take the AT north on the trail lea...Read more -
Hampton, Tennessee
Hike and Traverse the Cables to Dennis Cove Falls
5.03.2 mi / 300 ft gainThe Hike to Dennis Cove Falls includes three water crossings and passes several small waterfalls. Sturdy cables spanning the width of the water crossings provide a fun way of traversing the creek without wading. It is completely possible to wade through the creek while holding onto the cables for...Read more
