Outdoor Guides – Blowing Rock, NC

Trip Tips: Recreation Primer for Blowing Rock

Are you considering a first-time visit to Blowing Rock? Looking to get outdoors but not sure how to plan ahead? For this primer, our Trip Tip host Brian Baldwin answers some basic questions about the recreational areas around Blowing Rock. Brian is the store manager at Footsloggers of Blowing Rock, a local outfitter & outdoor supply shop. He’s an avid hiker, backpacker, camper, and lover of all things outdoors. Brian’s true outdoor passion is just being in nature! He’s all about taking a walk in the woods, getting bare feet in a creek, and finding serenity in a still, green place that’s full of birdsong. Check out his thoughts below, and stop by Footsloggers if you have more questions- the folks there really do love the outdoors! About Recreation in Blowing Rock What sets Blowing Rock apart from other destinations? Blowing Rock’s proximity to natural areas is what sets it apart. And I mean true proximity. We have all these places to eat and stay, outfitters to get geared up, and they are literally adjacent to all these gorgeous trails and views. You barely even have to go 2 miles from the center of downtown before you feel like you are fully immersed in nature, away from everything. What’s unique about the facilities and infrastructure in Blowing Rock? Again, that proximity to nature makes the infrastructure unique. Blowing Rock is like a gateway to those natural places, and locals know and appreciate that. So I think the people here help make a visitor’s experience stand out. Locals know they live in a place with a special relationship with natural spaces, and that relationship draws others here. They understand the importance of welcoming those visitors, too- it keeps our economy going. What level of experience is needed to recreate in Blowing Rock? People of all levels of experience can find something incredible here. No experience to expert. You can come up to do a guided float trip with the family, with no previous experience, and have a great time. You can also head out to climb in Linville Gorge, a true life-risking adrenaline rush, reserved for experienced climbers. Linville Gorge also has some of the toughest hiking on the East Coast, in my opinion. What’s your favorite season to recreate in and around Blowing Rock and why? Late spring into early summer is an incredible time here. Bird migrations and spring blooms make that time super special. It can be rainy then, but that’s why our summers are so verdant, so green. It’s hard to beat summer here, too. It’s so much cooler than down the mountain. Planning for the Trip How long should someone plan on visiting the area? Any amount of time will do you good! But ideally, if you can do it, I think two weeks would be a great amount of time to really explore this area. You will not run out of places to see! You still wouldn’t experience all of the outdoor areas and trails, but it would be enough time to really immerse yourself in the vibe and location. I’ve been hiking in this area for well over a decade and still find new places or trails to enjoy. How do you plan ahead and prepare for your preferred recreational activity? Preparedness scales. This is important, and what I mean by that is my prep for a short walk in the woods versus a full day of hiking is different, even though they are both getting out on a trail. I tend to keep a basic pack that I take with me anytime I spend time outdoors. It includes water, a snack, a pocket knife, a headlamp, and I have my phone. If I am planning to go more than 5 miles one way, I take everything I need to be comfortable sleeping outside, just in case. No matter what the trip is, though, I always tell someone where I’m going and when I expect to be back. How do you put one Leave No Trace principle in action before, during, or after you spend time in the outdoors? It’s so important to pack out all your trash. I always carry a reusable water bottle so that’s one less item that’s wasted or becomes trash to carry. What piece of outdoor equipment is your must-have? That water bottle! Water is the most important thing to have with you outdoors. If you’re going on a longer trip outdoors, being able to filter water will keep you from having to carry it all in with you, since water weighs a lot. Water is so essential that it might not even count as equipment, so I think footwear is worth noting. No matter the length of an outdoor experience, proper footwear is key equipment. If your feet aren’t comfortable, you won’t be. Hidden Gems & Recommendations What is your ‘can’t miss experience’ in the area? Grandfather Mountain State Park. Incredible trails, and they will challenge you, no matter how experienced a hiker you are. The views and forests are beautiful. And Footsloggers for all your outfitting! Are there any overlooked or under-visited activities in the area to see while in town? I think the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum is probably missed more than it should be. When it comes to activities, the fishing here is amazing! We have so many waterways nearby that you will absolutely catch fish, especially if you go with one of the local guides. What is your favorite place to visit before or after an outdoor adventure for refreshment? I love to get a burger and a beer at the bar at Bistro Roca after a great day outside! For coffee, it’s gotta be Camp Coffee, especially before an adventure. Share a unique place to stay in the area. Why do you recommend these accommodations? Mountainaire Inn & Log Cabins has these cute little cabins right on Main Street. You can walk to everything in town, which is especially nice after

What to Pack for a New or Longer Hike

One of Blowing Rock’s most beloved pastimes is hiking in the beautiful surrounding wilderness. When heading out to a short, familiar path, you can often just grab a water bottle and go. But sometimes you may be in the mood for exploring a new trail or taking a longer hike, and it’s always best to be prepared! What do you need for a new or longer hike?

Cross Country Skiing Access

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.

Our 5 Favorite Winter Wanders

Winter is an excellent season for exploring trails, and it shouldn’t be overlooked as it offers some great views and opportunities! Trails are often open year round and some are more conducive to winter walks than others. We’ve compiled a list of 5 of our favorite winter wanders.

Fishing 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.

Waterfalls Near Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock is home to several waterfalls, and there are even more to be found in the nearby region. See below for directions to more than a dozen waterfall viewing sites. Several require hiking, so they are arranged by trail difficulty. Each of these falls is incredibly beautiful, but danger is an inherent part of that beauty. Many of these falls have steep drops and fast water. Please use every caution when on these trails. Roots, rocks, and wet areas can make trails tricky. Do not attempt trails beyond your skill or fitness level and watch children & pets closely! Be sure you have proper footwear for long hikes, and it’s always a good idea to bring water along for your trip. Take care of our natural resources; please don’t litter. Happy hunting! Easily Accessible Falls These three waterfalls are located right on the roadside. They can be viewed from your vehicle or small pull-offs, making the views great for families with small children or those with mobility issues. Green Mountain Creek Falls: We don’t know of an official name for these falls, but they flow along Green Mountain Creek. Nearly 20 feet high with a shallow plunge pool, these falls empty into a culvert where the stream continues on the other side of the road. They are equally beautiful while frozen in winter, with trickles and bubbles dancing under sheets of ice. There is an easy spot to access the falls for close-up photos. Located on Hwy 221, about 8 miles from Main Street in Blowing Rock. The falls are on the right side of the road, with a pull-off on either side just after the falls. Silvervale Falls: These falls are high series of narrow cascades, 70+ feet of delicate flow. Travel 6 miles south of The Green Park Inn on Hwy 321 from Blowing Rock. Turn right on Waterfalls Rd, SR 1372. Falls are 1.7 miles down on left, with a small pull-off beside them. Falls at Rough Ridge Overlook: These small, sloping “slide” falls on Blue Ridge Parkway at the Rough Ridge Overlook are heavily dependent on rain fall. At times, the water is more heard than seen. The overlook is located at milepost 302.8. There is a parking area with sign, and the falls can be viewed from the sidewalk. A short trail to right of the lot leads to the bridge over the falls- steep, but the footing is not too difficult. Easy to Moderate Trails These falls can be found at the end of easier trails. Trails can be suitable for children, as long as they are watched closely. Still, some portions can be quite steep. Laurel Creek Falls: The local name, Trash Can Falls, makes lots of people wonder how it came about. There used to be a recycling/dumpster convenience site along the highway that served as a point of reference for the trail head. Now it’s best to use mileage to find the trail. The pool at the falls is a popular swimming hole for locals in warmer months. Travel north on Hwy 321 from Boone. Turn left to follow 321N toward Johnson City (at Skateworld). Access trail is 5.4 miles down on left, just after Laurel Creek Rd. Pull-off for parking is on the right, across from Laurel Creek Rd. The trail is 0.15 miles, narrrow but well-defined, and a little steep toward the top. Elk River Falls: These falls are some of the largest in the area, and are especially impressive because of easy accessibility. From 19E in Elk Park (take Hwy 194 to 19E, about 26 miles from Blowing Rock), turn onto Old Mill Rd at “Elk Park Christian Church” sign (you will also see sign for the falls further down the road). Turn right on Elk River Rd after 0.4 miles. Go 4 mi to Pisgah Forest parking area. Trail is about 1/4 mile, with some steep wooden steps. 60ft plunge falls. The pool at the bottom is a great swimming spot, too. The Cascades: A long series of cascade falls on a narrow stream. The 1.2 mile (loop) moderate trail begins at E. B. Jeffress Park, at milepost 272 on Blue Ridge Parkway. There is plenty of parking, restrooms, and a picnic area. Very steep wooden steps near falls. The Cascades are currently part of the closed portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Follow along with the construction here. Linville Falls: These falls are the largest in the area in terms of water volume. The Linville Gorge is a National Wilderness Area, and a beautiful, unspoiled area to enjoy. Turn onto Linville Falls Rd from milepost 316 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The road ends at a parking lot and Visitor Center. The trail to the upper falls is about 0.5 miles and fairly easy. The trail continues to 3 more overlooks with views of lower falls (45ft), and is steeper, with the last overlook 0.8 mi from Visitor Center. Strenuous, blazed trails into the gorge are an option for those that would like to see the lower falls the bottom of the gorge. It’s recommended to take a compass and maps with you when you enter the gorge and wilderness areas. Difficult to Strenuous Trails The rewards of these trails are worth the effort if you are up to the challenge. These trails may be too challenging for small children, and should not be attempted in icy and slippery conditions. Be sure to watch your step, as most of these trails wind through steep and/or rocky areas and are full of roots and dips. Glen Burney Trail Falls: This rugged trail is right in downtown Blowing Rock, and is still a surprise to some that find it. The trail begins at Annie Cannon Gardens on Laurel Lane. There are three falls in succession: Cascades at 0.8 mi, then Glen Burney at 1.2 mi, and Glen Marie at 1.6 miles from trailhead. The trail is out-and-back and gets very steep after Cascades. Side trails lead

Family canoeing on Price Lake in Blowing Rock, NC

Water Adventure

Are you looking for a place by the water to enjoy the view? Perhaps you’d like to cool off on a warm Blue Ridge day. The Blowing Rock area features lots of places where water and related activities are the main attraction.

Birding in Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway and bordered by the Pisgah National Forest, providing close proximity and easy access to a multitude of habitats. This area of the Blue Ridge Mountains provides a home for about 160 breeding species of birds, with over 250 species appearing with regularity during migrations. In fact, the High Country is one of the most diverse breedings and spring migration areas in the eastern United States, with large numbers of neo-tropical migrants and forest interior species. Several species, like the Canada Warbler, are at the southern-most end of their breeding range while here, contributing the wide assortment of birds found in our backyard. When is the best time to view birds in Blowing Rock? Spring migration in the area happens in April and May, and September is the best time to see fall migrations. The months between are great for viewing breeding species. Winter months are host to our year-round residents like crimson Cardinals and cheeky Juncos. Which species can be found here? See the The High Country species list here! The above list is created by the High Country Audubon Society. The High Country Audubon website is especially helpful if you want to time your visit to see certain birds. This local Audubon Chapter has a great website with checklists for great local birding spots, too! Where can birds be observed in Blowing Rock? With so many undeveloped areas near Blowing Rock, birds can be seen almost anywhere. Spending time on park benches early in the morning or in quiet woodlands on the Blue Ridge Parkway will reveal many species of interest. High Country Audubon offers a list of Local Birding Hotspots, complete with bird lists and access details for the sites! Find great details on Blowing Rock locations like Trout Lake, Sims Pond, and Price Lake, plus many others across the High Country. Many of the best places for bird viewing have become designated sites on the North Carolina Birding Trail, a state-wide collection of great birding sites and communities. Here is a list of official sites closest to the accommodations, dining, and activities in Blowing Rock. Nearby North Carolina Birding Trail sites – estimated mileage from Blowing Rock: Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, in Blowing Rock Julian Price Memorial Park, 5 miles from downtown Blowing Rock Tanawha Trail, access 5 miles Boone Greenway, 7 miles Grandfather Mountain, 12 miles Valle Crucis Community Park, 12 miles Elk Knob State Park, 17 miles Green Valley Community Park, 17 miles E.B Jeffress Park, 22 miles Lewis Fork Overlook, 24 miles Linville Falls, 25 miles Buckeye Lake Recreation Area, 27 miles The North Carolina Birding Trail recognizes many more sites in the mountains, piedmont and coast of our state. To see a full listing, and to get more information on the sites above, visit www.NCBirdingTrail.org. Other great birding links: Audubon North Carolina Carolina Bird Club Local Birding News on Ray’s Weather– This page is updated infrequently now, but archives give good info on past sightings, local habitats, and bird behavior While you’re here: Click the calendar link at the top of this page to see other events happening in the area. The attractions tab will show you what else the area has to offer during your visit. If you are coming to see a crimson Cardinal in the snow, don’t forget about our great local ski slopes. When here to see summer Warblers, plan to stay over for an Art in the Park show. Our restaurants, shops, and accommodations are great any time of year!

Category: Outdoor Guides