Outbound Collective logo

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

  • 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.
    Read more
  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Hike to Tip Top on Buffalo Mountain

    4.0
    5.4 mi / 1388 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...
    Read more
  • 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 ...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Bike the Tweetsie Trail

    3.3
    20 mi
    The course gravel trail begins just east of downtown Johnson City. The trail maintains a flat grade throughout the 10 miles towards the city of Elizabethton. There are restrooms 3 miles in from the Johnson City trailhead. You can also park at Lions Field in Elizabethton and head west towards John...
    Read more
  • 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 ...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Lone Oak to Tip Top Trail

    3.25 mi / 1253 ft gain
    Lone Oak to Tip Top Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Johnson City, Tennessee.
    Read more
  • Erwin, Tennessee

    Martin's Creek Falls

    3.0
    2.06 mi / 522 ft gain
    Martin's Creek Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Erwin, Tennessee.
    Read more
  • Bluff City, Tennessee

    Kayak or SUP the South Fork

    5.0
    There is a mud parking area on Lakeview Drive underneath the 11E bridges with a cleared mud parking area with access to the the South Fork of the Holston River. There is a gradual drop to the water where kayaks, canoes, or SUPs can be placed in the water. To the east, the river is more narrow at ...
    Read more
  • Burnsville, North Carolina

    Deep Gap Trail at Mt. Mitchell State Park

    5.0
    8.24 mi / 2310 ft gain
    I personally find this trail to be more difficult and have more rewarding views than the Mt. Mitchell summit trail. The Deep Gap Trail starts near the Mount Mitchell summit and heads into a forest of spruce and balsam fir trees. The trail then climbs along the ridgeline to neighboring summits. E...
    Read more
  • Old Fort, North Carolina

    Green Knob Lookout Tower

    4.8
    0.76 mi / 292 ft gain
    Green Knob Lookout Tower is an abandoned fire tower near Mt. Mitchell and located directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The tower boasts a full 360-degree, unobstructed view of Mt. Mitchell, Craggy Mountains, Table Rock, Grandfather Mountain, and the Parkway. Unlike most fire towers, this tower is...
    Read more
  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Lake Ridge Trail and Lakeside Trail

    5.0
    4.56 mi / 669 ft gain
    Lake Ridge Trail and Lakeside Trail is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Bristol, Tennessee.
    Read more
  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Lake Ridge Trail to Cross Ridge Trail Loop

    5.0
    4.68 mi / 1368 ft gain
    Lake Ridge Trail to Cross Ridge Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Bristol, Tennessee.
    Read more