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 The High
Country has some of the most beautiful hiking
trails in the area. Whether you are an
experienced hiker looking for a challenge or a
family with small children looking for a
leisurely stroll through the forest to enjoy the
scenery, there are all levels of trails in
the Boone NC area. There are three main hiking
areas in Boone and the surrounding areas of the
High Country, namely the Boone Greenway, the
Blue Ridge Parkway trails, and the Grandfather
Mountain hikes. Take a moment and browse
our inviting
NC Mountain Vacation Rentals. All are
located near all the fun things to do in the
High Country and very close to several great
places to hike!
The Boone Greenway is an excellent option for
inexperienced hikers or those looking for a more
leisurely stroll, as it is relatively flat and
paved. It is a favorite jogging location for
locals and dog owners looking for some exercise.
The whole area surrounding the Greenway is
landscaped and relatively well-exposed. It is
more of an in-town view of the Boone area that
does not venture out into the deep, mountainous
woods of the surrounding areas. The path of the
Greenway runs alongside the New River’s South
Fork for a time and winds through a few
neighborhoods within Boone. The Greenway trail
also passes the Watauga Humane Society, so many
volunteers use it as an opportunity to exercise
dogs that are looking for homes. This trail is a
great option when it has been raining or during
inclement weather, since worrying about mud or
poor terrain is not an issue. Contact the Town
of Boone for Greenway maps or additional
information by calling 828-262-4560.
The Blue Ridge Parkway trails are accessible
from a few different locations on the Parkway
and cover a range of difficulties. Mile marker
294 offers the trails surrounding the Moses Cone
property and features the Moses Cone Park Figure
Eight trail, which is considered an easy trail,
good for any ability level and is only a
half-mile round trip. Also, the Flat Top
Mountain Carriage Trail, created for the Cone
family carriages, is a moderate 2.8 mile trail,
and the Rich Mountain Carriage Trail is a
moderate 5.1 mile trail. These
carriage trails stay clear and easy to navigate during
inclement weather. Many equestrians also use
these trails, so keep your eyes out for horses
along the way.
 If you travel to mile marker 296.7, you will
reach the Julian Price Memorial Park and the
Price Lake hiking trail. This trail is a
moderate 2.3 mile loop through the woods
surrounding Price Lake. The Price Lake trail has
a tendency to be wet due to its rocks and
streams that trickle into Price Lake and cross
the trail, so bring your hiking shoes and
appropriate clothing. When you're done hiking,
rent a canoe and enjoy an afternoon on the lake.
Or just stop at the Boone Fork Overlook to enjoy
a picnic and the view.
Farther along the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile
marker 302 and 303, the Tanawha Trail will take
you to the Raven Rocks Overlook and the Wilson
Creek Overlook. The Raven Rocks hike takes you
to the falls of the Boone Fork and through a
forest with an extremely tropical feel. This
trail is classified as moderate and is a one-way
3.2 mile expedition. The Wilson Creek Overlook
on the Tanawha Trail is a 1.45 mile, one-way
trail considered strenuous. If you hike this
trail, be sure to have correct footwear and
bring water along for the trip.
In addition to the Parkway trail system,
Grandfather Mountain has its own system of
hiking trails and nature walks. The nature walks
are accessible via the summit road and are free
of charge. These are mild trails that offer
visitors an option to view the mountain without
making an all-day adventure out of the trip. The
Backcountry Hiking Trails, on the other hand,
are accessible only with a paid permit. Permits
are available daily or for the season. Contact
Grandfather Mountain for more information on
hours and permits. The Backcountry Hiking Trails
are considered strenuous and often include
assisted climbing ladders to ascend or descend
rock faces. Be sure to plan your hiking so as to
be finished by dark, because hikers not
returning to their cars will have a search party
sent out after them. While hiking, enjoy the
flora and fauna within Grandfather Mountain’s
Nature Conservancy. Be sure to “leave no trace”
by carrying any trash with you until you are out
of the park.
Take time while on your Blue Ridge Vacation
to enjoy all the hiking the High Country
of North Carolina has to offer. Take a
moment and view our
NC Mountain Vacation Rentals, the finest
lodging in the High Country. We know you’ll
enjoy your stay with us at Blue Ridge Vacation
Cabins. Blue Ridge
Vacation Cabins is the premier cabin rental
company and vacation specialists in the High
Country, click to see some of the other
wonderful NC Mountain Cabins in our directory.
We offer numerous Sugar Mountain Cabins,
Banner Elk Rentals, Boone NC Rental Cabins,
Valle Crucis Cabins,
Seven Devils Lodging and even
Blowing Rock Vacation Rentals. Click to see
some great rentals and check out our wonderful
Guest Services. We invite you to visit the
High Country, check out all of the great
Things to Do in Boone NC right now!
Click on the links below for more information on
things to do in the High Country.
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questions or would like more information, please contact us
866-880-1372, 828-963-2393,
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