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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Burnsville, North Carolina
Camp at Snaggy Mountain
Snaggy Mountain is privately owned land that offers a beautiful camping spot located just outside of the Pigsah National Forest. It's completely secluded by an Apple Orchard and is a great home base for several hiking adventures in the area. The location on the map will get you to the parking spo...Read more -
Mouth of Wilson, Virginia
Twin Pinnacles Loop
5.01.35 mi / 157 ft gainPark at the Visitor Center; don't stress when you get to the parking lot and can't see it, it's up the hill. From the parking lot hike across the road and find the staircase. Follow this up to the Visitor Center. If you're standing in front of the Visitor Center, the trailhead will be to the left...Read more -
Unicoi, Tennessee
Camp at Unaka Mountain Overlook
4.00.1 miUnaka Mountain Overlook is one of the highest locations in the Cherokee National Forest. Easily accessibly by vehicle, the overlook towers over the surrounding mountains, including Beauty Spot Gap, and is an ideal spot to camp overnight. Take Rock Creek Road until you meet the border of North Car...Read more -
Bristol, Tennessee
Explore the South Holston Dam
5.0Coming from US-421 turn off on Emmett Rd and keep left to get on Holston View Dam Rd and continue straight on this road by the river. There are parking spaces by the river below the dam and short easy trails to walk on next to the river. You’ll see fly fishers in the river below the dam on early ...Read more -
Mouth of Wilson, Virginia
Photograph Sugarland Overlook
Located just inside the park entrance of Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia, Sugarland Overlook provides an outstanding easterly view of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The Sugarland Overlook is located about a mile up from the ranger station and is on the righthand side of the road....Read more -
Bristol, Tennessee
Bouton Loop Trail
5.01.45 mi / 157 ft gainThe Bouton Trail Loop is an approximately 1.5 mile round trip on TVA land. There is a gravel parking lot with an information sign and trail map. Sections of the trail are gravel and sections are dirt. There are multiple places along the trail that cut off and lead down to the river for prime fish...Read more -
Mouth of Wilson, Virginia
Twin Pinnacles via Big Pinnacles Trail
5.02 mi / 525 ft gainTo reach the Big Pinnacle Trail Head, park at the Massie Gap Day Parking area, and then follow the road west (away from Massie Gap) until you reach the trail head located on the left side of the road. Follow the Big Pinnacles Trail for 0.4 miles until it intersects with the Twin Pinnacles Trail....Read more -
Mouth of Wilson, Virginia
Wilburn Ridge and Massie Gap Loop
5.02.32 mi / 318 ft gainTo reach the trail head, park in the Massie Gap Parking Lot. This is the parking lot for most of the trails in the park, so it can fill up very quickly, but you are able to park along the side of the road. Massie Gap as two parking areas: one intended for overnight hikers and one for day hikers...Read more -
Mouth of Wilson, Virginia
Rhododendron Trail to Rock Croppings
5.01.77 mi / 289 ft gainIn order to go when the Rhododendron are blooming you'll need to aim for the first three weeks of June. Starting from the Massies Gap parking area in the Grayson Highlands State Park, follow the trail through the field and towards the base of a large hill. You will see a fence that runs along t...Read more -
Mouth of Wilson, Virginia
Hike and Fish Cabin Creek Trail
5.01.8 mi / 400 ft gainStarting at the Massie Gap Parking Area follow the paved road down towards the woods. You will see a gravel dirt path off the side of the road to your right that heads back towards the woods. A couple steps down the trail you will see a metal pole with "Cabin Creek Trail" written on it. Follow th...Read more -
Mouth of Wilson, Virginia
Photograph Wild Horses at Grayson Highlands State Park
4.61.8 mi / 306 ft gainThe wild horses gather on top of the bald at the end of Horse Trail North located in Grayson Highlands State Park. Because they are wild, it is important to remember not to touch or feed the horses. The horses are accustomed to hikers and will allow you in their near proximity, but bring a zoom l...Read more -
Troutdale, Virginia
Hike the Appalachian Trail from Elk Garden to Buzzard Rock
5.06.6 mi / 1000 ft gainStarting at the Elk Garden Parking Area hike the Appalachian Trail south (do not cross the road, follow the trail from the parking area). Hike along the trail following the white blazes and at 2.4 miles you'll reach a campsite on your left. This is a great place to camp overnight if you decide to...Read more -
Mouth of Wilson, Virginia
Mount Rogers via Appalachian Trail
5.09.1 mi / 1549 ft gainFirst of all, who doesn't love wild ponies! There are tons of ponies here, and although they are wild, they are not afraid of people and you can get pretty close (just don't feed them!). Once you enter Grayson Highlands State Park, you will see a parking lot for Massie Gap a few miles in, par...Read more -
Mouth of Wilson, Virginia
Backpack the Grayson Highlands
4.89.1 mi / 1549 ft gainSpanning roughly 4500 acres, located in a portion of Jefferson National Forest, looming under the highest peak in Virginia lies the Grayson Highlands. A part of Virginia’s State Parks system and a United States National Landmark, located in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, the Highlands are home to wil...Read more -
Mouth of Wilson, Virginia
Mount Rogers Loop
5.015.6 mi / 1079 ft gainFor an awesome 2-3 day trip, start hiking at the Massie Gap trailhead, which can be reached from Grayson Highlands State Park. Take the Rhododendron Trail up the ridge to connect with the AT, keeping an eye out for wild ponies in the Massie Gap area as they like to hang out here. Some of these po...Read more -
Bristol, Tennessee
Osceola Island Loop
5.01.52 mi / 95 ft gainThe Osceola Island Loop is a 1.50 mile gravel loop on an island in the South Holston River. There are multiple benches along the loop to stop and observe the wildlife. Fishing is a common activity along the edge of the trail. There is a large parking area and bathrooms at the start of the trail.Read more
