Top 5 Hikes Near Boone, North Carolina | Blowing Rock | Best Trails in the Heart of the High Country

Boone, North Carolina is the heart of the Southern Appalachian high country, making it a springboard to many terrific hikes ranging from gentle treks to grueling efforts. This is our top 5 hikes within 20 miles of Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

5. Flat Rock View
The Flat Rock View is located within Grandfather Mountain State Park, an area known for some of the South’s most challenging terrain. This reasonably challenging hike has terrific vistas made possible by rock outcroppings. The Flat Rock View can be reached from the Boone Fork Parking Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Asutsi Trailhead on highway 221 during times the parkway is closed. The hike can be made into a loop by taking the Nuwati and Cragway Trail out and the Daniel Boone Scout Trail back. Details can be found in the linked video.

4. Elk Knob Summit Trail
Within North Carolina’s Appalachian Mountains, near the northern state border, is the Elk Knob Summit Trail located within the newest of the North Carolina state park. An old steep and rocky road to the top was replaced in 2011 by a new, moderate hiking trail. The 5,500 foot summit is one of the highest peaks in North Carolina’s high country and thus is known for winter weather. Despite cold and snowy conditions, the park attempts to stay open throughout those winter months, often suggesting four wheel drive vehicles to take advantage of available cross-country skiing.

3. Tanawha Trail from Rough Ridge
The Rough Ridge summit can be reached with a short hike from the parking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This gentle trek is a small price to pay for some spectacular views. You will traverse a boardwalk and find several large outcroppings that provide great photo ops. The subject can perch on a stone slab that rises high above the layers of tree covered mountains below. Prominent in the views is the Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering marvel that allows the parkway to snake around the base of Grandfather Mountain. Several large boulders at the summit are fit with cables to help the weary traveler to the top.

2. Boone Fork Trail
In the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina is the classic hike called the Boone Fork Trail. A great trek for furry friends, this hike has it all: stream crossings, pastures, rock hopping, meadows, lake views, and even rhododendron tunnels. The only thing it doesn’t have is a strenuous climb. The trailhead can be reached from the Price Park Picnic area on the Blue Ridge Parkway, just across the wooden footbridge. This gentle trek is a great way to enjoy the beautiful, peaceful land and water features.

HM. Glen Burney Trail
The Glen Burney Tail is tucked away in the outskirts of bustling Blowing Rock. Along this trek one will wander down a moderate path and catch a glimpse of a trio of waterfalls. Keep in mind that the dip in elevation will have to be overcome on the way out, but you’ll feel like you are much farther from town than the effort requires. There are some potential fall hazards, so keep an eye on the kiddos. Overall, this is the best waterfall hike in the Boone/Blowing Rock area.

1. Grandfather Peaks via Profile Trail
In the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina lies the iconic and notoriously rugged Grandfather Mountain, home to a state park and a non-profit attraction. With a $20 entrance fee, one can traverse the ridgeline on the Grandfather Trail. Alternatively, for free you can use the Profile Trail for a steep ascent up the mountain and access the ridgeline. Our hike uses this trail and reaches all three of the tallest peaks, Attic Window, MacRae Peak, and eventually Calloway Peak. The required use of ladders, cables and all fours to traverse the rugged terrain makes this one of the most difficult and technical hikes in the eastern United States. But the rewards are astonishing. We’ll throw in a search for remains of a plane crash for good measure.