Local Hiking

The Appalachian range reaches its Apex in western North Carolina, the crowning glory of the eastern mountains.  Mt Mitchell, at 6,684 ft is the highest point in the eastern United States and is companion to dozens of other peaks almost as high.  Millions of years ago this region boasted a great mountain range, far higher than the Himalayas of today. What we find this century are old and weathered remains of that vast range, mountains formed from the debris of eroded summits that once soared over 30,000 ft.

Countless outdoor areas within sixty minutes of Boone provide everything from recreational to wilderness hiking.  Listed below are several notable hikes.  For further information stop by Footsloggers for a map.

General Disclaimer:

Never drink directly from water sources. Always filter, boil, and/or chemically treat (iodine) water before cooking or drinking. Always let someone know where you intend to hike and how long you plan to be out. Always have a map of the area. Always have a light jacket for shelter from wind, sun, cool temperatures, and rain. Always have a light snack for backup energy. By thinking out your plans ahead of time, you will greatly reduce the chances of spending the night in the woods unexpectedly (which has happened in the past in these areas). In addition, we live here, and many people in addition to ourselves love to visit. PLEASE carry out ALL trash, including cigarette butts and food remains. Help us keep the mountains clean and healthy.

Julian Price Park

From Footsloggers, follow HWY 321 South toward Blowing Rock. Before Blowing Rock, the Blue Ridge Parkway passes over HWY 321. Take the BRP South and drive about 10-15 minutes (depending on traffic) till you see signs for Julian Price Park picnic area on the right.

There is a 4.9 mile loop that is accessed across the bridge behind the public restrooms at the picnic area. The loop is for the most part easy terrain, with a few short moderate ups and downs. The neat characteristic about this loop trail (named the Boone Fork Trail), is that it takes you along a creek with swimming holes, as well as along a hilly prairie with decent views and exposure. Not many trails in the area offer both conveniences in a short distance of hiking. The Boone Fork Trail can be run in less than an hour, or allow 1.5-2.5 hours if you take your time and play along the way.

Just past the picnic area entrance (about a quarter mile) is the car camping area. Camping areas are all designated and there is a fee per night for each site. Between the picnic area and the camping area is Price Lake , where you can rent canoes. There is a loop trail around Price Lake (about 2.5 miles) that is all easy terrain. One should allow 1-1.5 hours for this loop hike.

Wilson Creek Trails

Disclaimer: Wilson Creek area has a lot to offer. Be forewarned that many of the trails in this area are poorly marked, so it is important to have a map of the area with you, and be alert as to trail changes and turns.

The fastest way to get to Wilson Creek Area: From Footsloggers take HWY 321 South a couple of miles to the intersection of 105/321. Take a right to head South on HWY 105. You will travel about 21 miles to the intersection with HWY 221. Proceed straight through 221 intersection, and the next stop will be at a 4-way stop sign in about a quarter mile. This stop is the intersection of HWY 105 and Roseboro Road (also spelled Roseborough Road ). Take a left onto Roseboro Road and in about 2 miles you will intersect the BRP. To access the Lost Cove area in Wilson Creek (access to Jonas Ridge is next), continue straight across the BRP. Roseboro Road turns to gravel. Follow Roseboro Road down about 4 miles to access trails. There are many trails in the area, and several can be linked together to form loops, extended day hikes, or overnight hikes. Just before crossing the first bridge you come to (which crossed Prong Creek), on the right there is a dirt area with trees where you can park. The Prong Creek trail follows the creek downstream with a white circle-blazed trail. The trail crosses the creek several times, and at most of these points there are two white circles, one above the other, which indicates ‘heads up’ or ‘turn now.’ This trail is mostly easy, with some tricky footing here and there. Be prepared to walk through creeks depending on water levels. There are good camping spots fairly often along many of the trails in this area. The Prong Creek trail is only one of many Lost Cove area trails. There are also waterfalls indicated on the Wilson Creek Area map that may be of interest.

To access Jonas Ridge :

At the intersection of Roseboro Road and the BRP, take a right and travel 2.2 miles. You will be traveling South on the Parkway. On the left you will see a wooden fence at the end of which is a gravel road named Old Jonas Ridge Road . To access Jonas Ridge , take this left. Drive approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on your destination, taking a left when there is a question of which direction the road goes. The most tricky spot is where the road seems to curve to the right (there is a white church on your left at this curve) but you actually continue straight. This road accesses the Big Lost Cove Cliffs, the Little Lost Cove Cliffs, and several other trails, which are indicated on the Wilson Creek Area map. Water is not available on this ridgeline in many areas, so be prepared. Also, seek shelter early-on if you see a storm rolling in...lightning is dangerous on ridgelines. North Carolina records the third-highest number of lightning strikes annually in the US .

Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain offers some of the easiest-access ridgeline trail in the area. The mountain is privately owned but maintained very well. There is a fee for hiking-only trails, and a slightly more expensive rate to drive into the main entrance. You can purchase permits for Grandfather Mountain at Footsloggers and at the Exxon about 1 mile past the Profile Trail sign.

The ridgeline can be accessed by hiking up the Profile Trail from HWY 105. This trail is located about 16 miles South of HWY 321 in Boone. There is a yellow and brown sign on the left. The Profile Trail is moderate for the first 2 or so miles, then becomes more rugged and technical toward the top. You should allow 3-4 hours for a round-trip day hike to the top and back.

The ridgeline can also be accessed by hiking up the Nuwati Trail or the Daniel Boone Scout Trail. To reach these trailheads, follow HWY 321 South toward Blowing Rock. Before Blowing Rock, the Blue Ridge Parkway crosses 321. Take the BRP South for about 15 minutes and the trails are accessed from the Daniel Boone pullout on your right. The Grandfather Mountain area map is free, and contains logistical information as well. Available anywhere permits are sold.

Table Rock

From Footsloggers, take HWY 321 South to the intersection of 321/105. Take a right to follow 105 South. Drive to the intersection of HWY 221 (about 21 miles). Take a right to follow HWY 221 South. In about 3-4 miles, take a left onto HWY 181. Follow HWY 181 South. It is right at 9.9 miles from your right turn from 105 to your right turn onto Gingercake Road . There will be a yellow and brown sign that says ‘Table Rock’ on it. Follow the signs. Takes about 45 minutes to get there from Boone, but well worth it. At the parking area there is primitive camping, and you can hike out toward the chimneys or up onto Table Rock from the parking area. During the winter, the gate may be closed to access the parking area. You can park outside the gate, but it is a steep hike up to the parking area from there.

Linville Gorge Wilderness

There are quite a few access points for Linville Gorge. Table Rock area is one of them. Consult a map to decide which to take. Also, keep a map with you during your hike in the ‘Gorge. Linville Gorge is a beautiful but wild place, and it may take several hours to access some areas. Please practice your common sense and be prepared for incoming weather of all types, flash flooding, and encounters with wildlife. It is possible to hike/backpack several days through the ‘Gorge, as well as day hike however far you desire.

The Appalachian Trail

The A.T. is a 2,169-mile-long trail beginning at Springer Mountain in GA and ending atop Mount Katahdin in Northwestern Maine . It skirts Boone to the West, and there are four access points closeby. One is located on HWY 19-E, just across the TN state line. Take HWY 321 South to HWY 105. Take HWY 105 South 17 miles to HWY 184. Take HWY 184 all the way until it “T’s” into HWY 19-E. Take a right on 19-E and travel across the state line. The A.T. crosses the road toward the bottom of the first long hill (there is a brown sign on your right). The A.T. can also be accessed by continuing past this road crossing to Roan Mtn. TN. Take a left to enter Roan Mtn. State Park , and follow road up to Carver’s Gap where the A.T. crosses. A third access is on HWY 321 about 15-20 minutes out of Boone at Watauga Lake . A fourth is in Damascus , VA , where the A.T. goes through town.

Harpers Creek Trail

In Wilson Creek Wilderness Area.  No Permit required.  This hike is 5 miles and is rated easiest.  Waterfalls.

Big Lost Cove Cliffs

In Wilson Creek area.  No permit required.  The hill is 1.5 miles and is rated easiest.  Vistas.

Steels Creek

In Wilson Creek Wilderness area.  No permit required.  The hike is 4.5 miles and is rated moderate.  Trout fishing with permit.

Boone Fork

Blue Ridge Parkway.  No permit required.  Hike 2 miles on old logging road to beautiful campsite.  Several short hiking opportunities radiate out.

Glen Burney Trail

Blowing Rock.  No permit required.  The hike is 3 mile round trip and is considered moderate.  Trail follows creek.

Bass Lake

Blue Ridge Parkway.  No permit required.  This hike is 1.7 miles and is rated easiest.  Walk around beautiful mountain lake.

Price Lake Loop

Blue Ridge Parkway.  No permit required.  This hike is a 2.3 mile loop around the lake.  Rated easiest.  Milepost 297.

Profile Trail (Permit Required)

Grandfather Mountain.  2.7 miles.  Lower part of trail is easy, upper section is fairly strenuous.  Links with Calloway Trail.

Calloway Trail (Permit Required)

Grandfather Mountain.  Strenuos .3 mile trail linking profile trail and grandfather trail.

Moses Cone Carriage Trails

Blue Ridge Parkway.  25 Miles of gently sloping carriage trails of varying lengths.  Milepost 294.

Tanwha Trail

Blue Ridge Parkway, near Grandfather Mountain.  An end-to-end walk of trail section is 2.7 miles, and round-trip hikes

of 1.1 and 2 miles lead to the peak of Ruogh Ridge.

Tablerock Trail

Near Linville Gorge Wilderness and the town of Linville Falls.  Tablerock Mountain is 2.2 miles round trip and considered moderate.

Linville Gorge Trail

Located in Linville Gorge Wilderness near Linville Falls.  Strenuous trail descends along west side of the river for almost 11.5 miles.