Cross Country Skiing enthusiasts have been coming to the mountains for years to enjoy the snow and hone their skill. The Carriage Trails at Moses Memorial Cone Park in Blowing Rock offer 25 miles of trails that are wide and well maintained year-round.
Your National Park is getting some much-needed repairs through 2025! Funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, these repairs will help ensure that the Blue Ridge Parkway remains open and available to future generations. Work will be phased with a staggered series of closures, allowing continuous access to the recreation areas and attractions you want to experience! During the 2024 travel season, full construction-related closures are located in areas north of Blowing Rock. At these full closures, local detours will preserve access to individual attractions and recreation areas. The detours offer the chance to see more of our beautiful High Country and local towns like West Jefferson and Sparta. See all closures and disruptions, updated regularly, on the ROAD STATUS PAGE on the Parkway’s website. (Updated Monday, September 16, 2024) Current & Upcoming Parkway Projects in Blowing Rock There are currently no active closure areas near Blowing Rock. Phase 1 map (below) shows work area between mileposts 292 and 305 in yellow, but work in that area has not yet begun or been announced. Current Parkway Projects in Nearby Counties Current Full Parkway Closure: North of Deep Gap in neighboring Ashe CountyThis area begins about 18 miles north of Blowing Rock, between Deep Gap and Glendale Springs, mostly in Ashe County. Beginning September 16, expect a full closure of the mainline motor road between milepost 261 to milepost 269.8. Within the active closure area, all activity is prohibited for cars, bicycles, and hikers to ensure the safety of Parkway visitors and staff. A signed detour directs travelers around the full closure area from milepost 276.5 at Deep Gap to milepost 261 near Glendale Springs, via routes NC 16 and US 221. Access to Doughton Park, including the picnic area, campground, and The Bluffs Restaurant, is available via NC 18 and overlooks and trailhead access will remain open between milepost 269.8 and milepost 276.5 until the closure extends later this fall. More details at nps.gov/blri >> Current Site Closure & detour: Laurel Fork Bridge in neighboring Ashe CountyThis closure is about 46 miles north of Blowing Rock. Work is underway to replace the Laurel Fork Bridge at milepost 248.8 in Ashe County near Glendale Springs, NC. A one-mile full closure is in place between milepost 248.1 and 249.3. A signed detour directs through-travelers around the project site via route(s) NC 18, NC 88, NC 16 and Trading Post Road. Work is expected to take over two years to complete, with a target completion date of November 2024. See closure & detour map and more details at nps.gov/blri >> Current Full Parkway Closure: North of Doughton Park in Allegheny CountyThis closure is about 54 miles north of Blowing Rock. The closure area is located from mileposts 221.8 to 238.5 in Allegheny County. Three historic bridges are being reconstructed in the northern portion of the closure, and the Parkway will be closed to all activity (cars, bicycles, and hikers) there. Just south of the closure, access to Doughton Park attractions, including the Bluffs Restaurant (when open for the season in May), will be available via NC 18 and a short, 7-mile drive north on the Parkway. See closure & detour map and more details at nps.gov/blri >> News About Parkway Improvements Use these links to Blue Ridge Parkway pages to plan ahead and learn more! Blue Ridge Parkway Road and Facility Closures Critical repairs to three Blue Ridge Parkway bridges start January 29 Blue Ridge Parkway begins major road project in northwest North Carolina Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks, parking areas, and picnic areas in North Carolina set for pavement preservation treatment in 2023 Blue Ridge Parkway announces closure and detour information for Laurel Fork Bridge project in Ashe County, North Carolina Parkway to receive $127 million for infrastructure projects Blue Ridge Parkway News — More about the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock >>
The High Country’s beautiful streams, lakes, and rivers provide wildlife sanctuaries and many recreational opportunities- like fishing! The best times of year to fish for trout here in in the High Country are the spring, fall, and winter months, when the water temperature is between 45° and 65°. Our waters offer excellent opportunities for catching brown, brook, and rainbow trout.
Come to Blowing Rock and indulge in a mountain getaway! Take in the natural beauty of the High Country, experience local arts, shopping, and decadent dining options. This itinerary outlines 2.5 days of relaxation and recreation for couples or friends alike.
Lots of people ask about when the rhododendrons bloom, and that depends on species, elevation, and local climate. The Rosebay, also known as the white rhododendron, is a prominent rhododendron along the Blowing Rock areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The blooms vary from white to very pale pink/purple and typically begin to bloom in mid- to late-June in this area. Best viewing usually continues into mid July. This is later than the Catawba Rhododendron, the bright pink species found in masses at nearby Roan Mountain. Peak bloom for Roan Mountain is usually around mid-June. The darker, sometimes near-fuschia, blooms of the hybrid rhoddies in downtown Blowing Rock and in nearby parks and gardens peak in May. The Rosebay Rhododendron puts on a pretty show in Blowing Rock. The pale clouds of rhododendron along the local section of the Blue Ridge Parkway will be beckoning you to pull over. “Stop and smell the roses,” right? Where to see blooms: The blooms will be opening up into early July. There are many of these plants all over the Blowing Rock area. Price Park is an excellent location to see large collections of the shrub, and the sheer number of blooms during peak is stunning. Take a hike around the lake on the Lake Trail to get a real immersion into the rhoddie growth, or rent a canoe from the docks and enjoy the blooms from the water. The amphitheater is a nice spot to sit and enjoy, as rhododendron growth surrounds the seating. Also in Price Park, the Green Knob Trail offers a walk through a blooming tunnel when you access the trail by the Sims Creek Bridge. More Rosebay Rhododendron shrubs heavily line the Mountains To Sea Trail near Goshen Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway (about 5 miles north from Blowing Rock). Many trails on the Parkway wind through thickets of this plant as well, so you can hike almost anywhere to enjoy some blooms. Cone Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway is also a great spot, along the Cone carriage trails or by Flat Top Manor. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 285 to milepost 300 for gorgeous displays of the flower during peak bloom. The roadway winds between walls of the shrub in some spots and it’s simply breathtaking to drive alongside the flowers! In late June, mountain laurel is still showing clumps of white and pink blooms, though most spots of laurel are past peak. Though rhoddies are of interest to many visitors, there is always something to see, from flame azaleas in May to asters in September. For a full list of wildflower blooms along the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit the Bloom Schedule page on BlueRidgeParkway.org.
Instead of leaving your dog behind when you go on vacation, bring your four-legged family member to beautiful Blowing Rock! Below, we’ve outlined a great one night adventure of activities and sights that are perfect for you and your pet. Morning -Start your day off by taking a hike on one of our Blue Ridge Parkway trails! Many of our great hikes are located on the Parkway, including Linville Falls, Moses Cone Carriage Trails, Price Lake Loop Trail, and more! A great hike to look into if you want a moderate/strenuous hike is the Boone Fork Trail. Located on milepost 296.5, the Boone Fork Trail is a 5.2 mile loop trail that promises great views of meadows, ancient forests, mountains and also features a waterfall. If you want something less challenging, you can check out the Price Lake Loop Trail. This easy 2.7-mile loop circles the beautiful 47-acre Price Lake. It is a great short hike for you and your pup to explore. Note that for all trails on the parkway, dogs should remain on a leash. For more hikes around the area, visit our hiking page. Afternoon -To refuel your system after the hike, head over to one of our fantastic pet friendly restaurants. Many of our restaurants offer great outdoor seating and they love for pets to stop by. If you need ideas for places to eat with you and your pet, visit our pet friendly dining page. -Next, take a stroll around downtown Blowing Rock. Downtown Blowing Rock is very pet friendly and we love seeing dogs on Main Street! Our store owners love dogs and many of our shops have dog bowls sitting outside to make sure you pet stays hydrated while you’re walking around. Evening -Finally head over to one of dog friendly breweries for a beer and some food! We’re lucky here in North Carolina to have some amazing new breweries take scene in recent years. Both Blowing Rock Ale House here in town, or Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone have great outdoor seating and are very dog friendly! -After a long day, head back to one of our dog friendly lodging locations. We have many hotels that allow pets to stay with you during your vacation up here! Or if you decide to rent a home for a longer stay, there are many rental groups that will accommodate your pup! Click here to visit our pet friendly lodging page. The Next Day -On your next day, wake up and and grab some coffee over at Camp Coffee on Main Street! They have a wonderful selection of locally roasted and organic coffees as well as great pastries to start your morning out right. You can also go to Blowing Rock Market for a quick breakfast with outdoor seating! -Before you make that trip back home, head over to see the Blowing Rock itself with your pup! The Blowing Rock is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level. It promises breathtaking views of our surrounding mountains that will give you something to talk about to all your friends and family. Enjoy the scenic views from the observation tower and their wonderful gardens. Visible from “The Rock” are Hawksbill Mountain, Table Rock, Grandfather Mountain, and Mount Mitchell. The Blowing Rock welcomes you and your pet to explore the magical views, as long as they are on a leash and it is not during a special event. Need more ideas? -Broyhill Park- Just behind downtown Blowing Rock is Broyhill Park. You and your dog can explore the gazebo and a walking trail through beautiful gardens.-Wineries around the area– We have awesome wineries that are very dog friendly around the area! Sip on some wine and enjoy the views with your dog by your side.-Boone’s Greenway– Located in Boone, the Greenway is a great trail that is a very popular spot for dogs.–Doc’s Rocks Gem Mining – A great option, especially if you have kiddos. This gem-mining experience for you and the family can be enjoyed with your pup watching next to you! Doc’s Rocks even has animals of their own around.-Grandfather Mountain– Did you know that you can also bring your pooch to see the famous swinging bridge and great views of Grandfather Mountain? Dogs are more than welcome but must be on a leash. Want to see more dog friendly ideas in Blowing Rock? visit https://blowingrock.com/dogs/
Nestled off the Blue Ridge Parkway, only 16 minutes or 10.7 miles from downtown Blowing Rock is the Rough Ridge Lookout. Rough Ridge is just off mile marker 303 on Tanawha Trail and accessible via a wooden walkway. It offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is truly a treasure in the area and needs to be protected. Due to visitors leaving the trail for photos, wildlife is being trampled and destroyed at an alarming rate. In response to this the Blue Ridge Parkway is recruiting Rough Ridge Rovers. A Rough Ridge Rover is a volunteer who will educate visitors on how to recreate responsibly for their own safety and the safety of the natural plant species, some of which are in peril of extinction. Healthy Trampled Direction Sign Broken Boardwalk The National Park Service released this on their website: “The National Park Service is actively recruiting interested volunteers for a new program based along the Rough Ridge area of the Tanawha Trail, near milepost 303 in the vicinity of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The goal of this new volunteer role is to educate park visitors about recreating responsibly for their own safety, as well as that of globally rare species found in this area. The rocky outcrops at Rough Ridge are home to critically imperiled plant species that are commonly trampled by park visitors who venture into closed areas for photos and views.Rough Ridge Rover volunteers will be asked to spend a minimum of one, 3–4-hour shift per week on the trail through the busy summer and fall season talking to park visitors, answering questions, and serving as an important on-site presence. Ideal volunteers should enjoy working with people, have a basic knowledge of Appalachian plants, animals, and the park itself, and feel comfortable working independently on-trail, away from their vehicle for several hours at a time. Volunteers will be provided with training, a volunteer uniform, and all equipment needed to complete their roving assignment successfully. Interested volunteers can learn more and apply at volunteer.gov or contact the park’s volunteer office. Support for this program comes from the Parkway’s philanthropic partner, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.”
The warm light creates the evening “golden hour” when everything is cast in a glow. Sunset light enhances fall colors, too! Check out these beautiful, no-hike sunset spots for a perfect end to your day whether with your friends, your significant other, or alone with your thoughts. Take your pick for the ultimate keepsake photo and resonant memory. 1. Gideon RidgeThe Restaurant at Gideon Ridge is another great place to view the sunset and to enjoy an elegant and relaxing dining experience. You’ll need reservations, and for good reason: The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge is widely considered among the best in the area. This is a bed and breakfast, and the restaurant is open to the public. Their terrace has a great overlook of the Pisgah Forest and will soon be one of your favorite spots to frequent. 2. Moses Cone Manor PorchAlong the Blue Ridge Parkway is the legendary Moses Cone Manor. Around the estate is numerous hiking and horseback riding trails. The front porch of the house is directly facing south which allows for you to see the sun to set on your right and the sky changing colors to your left. You can get cozy on the porch and bask in mother nature’s beauty. 3. Thunder Hill OverlookAlso located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Thunder Hill Overlook offers a sweeping view of the mountains and valleys to the south. It’s popular at both sunrise and sunset. On a clear day you can see the city of Charlotte in the distance, though that’s more common in the morning. It’s the first overlook heading north on the Parkway from Blowing Rock. 4. Raven Rocks OverlookFind this overlook just north of Thunder Hill. This spot offers a view in the opposite direction, toward the north. The view isn’t as wide, but on those days when colorful clouds are collecting in the northern skies, it’s a perfect location. 5. Chetola ResortChetola Resort welcomes visitors to relax by their lake and fire pits and eat at Timberlake’s Restaurant. The historic Manor House is the centerpiece by the lake. Throughout the week during the summer, the resort has nightly features such as live music and s’mores by the firepit. Watching the beautiful sunset colors reflect off the water with a drink or s’more in your hand is what relaxation is all about. PLUS: Access for sunsets is dependent on the attraction hours, but we can’t talk about sunset spots without mentioning The Blowing Rock. With a western vantage toward Grandfather Mountain, the sunset views are incredible and extremely photo-worthy! Just be sure to check sunset time and attraction hours before visiting if you want to be there for one. To see more outdoor fun & activities, click here
Grandfather Mountain is a 720-acre attraction operated by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. All proceeds from sales of tickets and souvenirs go toward caring for and presenting Grandfather Mountain in a manner that inspires good stewardship in others. The State of North Carolina owns 2,500 acres of Grandfather’s undeveloped backcountry, which it operates as Grandfather Mountain State Park. Walk across the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, observe indigenous animals including black bears, deer, eagles, cougars, in their habitats, learn about endangered animals and rare plants in the museum, and hike the trails around the park. Take the Linville exit (MP 305) and Grandfather Mountain is one mile South on Hwy 221. Trails: Various Views: 360 degree views Picnic Tables: Yes (and Restaurant at attraction) Camping: Yes (dispersed inside State Park)
Heading south from Blowing Rock, this overlook is the last one before the Linn Cove Viaduct. There are no views from the overlook itself, but a short walk along the flat footpath heading toward the Viaduct will provide a wide vista. To the south is the Viaduct (and a great spot for photos with it in the background). To the north, additional sections of the Parkway and its beautiful stonework are visible. Huge views of the valleys below are especially gorgeous in fall, though it’s recommended to visit this popular spot on a weekday or very early morning during leaf season if you want to park at the overlook. Trails: Access path to Viaduct view Views: Linn Cove Viaduct Picnic Tables: No Camping: No
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