Sky Valley Zip Tours offers different kinds of adventures for different adventurers. They have the Canopy Tour, the Whistle Pig Adventure for kids, Mountain Cat Off Road Adventure, and the Night Flight for the bravest of adventurers.
The Blowing Rock History Walk opened June 1, 2023! This downtown feature presents 21 History Stations. Each station offers images and narratives of events, people, and places in Blowing Rock history on a bronze relief plaque atop a handsome stone pillar. Each station also has a QR code linking to online “back stories” that amplify the narratives. The trail follows the sidewalk from Main Street down Laurel Lane. It then meanders through Broyhill Park, arguably one of the prettiest parks in NC. It is approximately ¼ mile in length and handicapped accessible. The trail is lined with welcoming benches through Broyhill Park. “We are excited to open this wonderful new trail during NC’s Year of the Trail,” said Tom O’Brien, then President of the Blowing Rock Historical Society. “The History Walk will be a significant venue for folks interested in heritage and culture, and will create a greater connection between Main Street and beautiful Broyhill Park.” The History Walk was funded and constructed by a public/private partnership among the Town of Blowing Rock, the Blowing Rock Historical Society, and the Village Foundation of Blowing Rock. In recognition of the opening of the History Walk, the Town of Blowing Rock has proclaimed that June 1 shall be “Blowing Rock History Day.” As a new cultural and educational attraction, the trail is a welcome addition to Blowing Rock’s many other attractions for residents and visitors alike. “Our history can be quite entertaining, and the history walk was carefully designed to tell engaging stories,” Tom adds. “We’re excited to share them!” More information, including the additional in-depth narratives, will be available on the Blowing Rock Historical Society’s website. For more information about the Blowing Rock History Walk, visit blowingrockhistoricalsociety.com.
The 2025 Blowing Rock Trout Derby is May 3. For over four decades, we’ve been celebrating the opening of Trout Season with friendly competition and prizes! The Blowing Rock Trout Derby is a much-anticipated early springtime event in the village. We have some of the best trout fishing anywhere in the Southeast!
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.
If you want to breathe in the crisp mountain air, or witness snowy top scenery, put on your boots and head out to some of our spectacular trails.
March 2025 Helene Update: Please note that many regional waterfall trails are among those that are still closed for repairs or assessments. We recommend the Spring 2025 Waterfall Trail from High Country Host- click here to see directions to 5 regional waterfalls that are currently open! 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. NOTE: All waterfall trails listed below (except Glen Burney Trail and Upper Creek Trail) remain closed or unconfirmed as of March 2025. 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. Blue Ridge Parkway currently closed at Linville Falls. 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
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.
The Blowing Rock, NC area offers some of the most beautiful, pristine mountains in the state of North Carolina. To preserve this area for generations to come, we must own the impact we have on the environment around us. To this end, Blowing Rock is pleased to partner with Outdoor NC to preserve the natural beauty of North Carolina. It’s up to each of us do our part and join the movement to protect these spaces for generations. The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace provide a simple framework for doing our part! Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare North Carolina is home to endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Learn about the area you plan to visit before you arrive and know the regulations Avoid crowds and increased impact by exploring lesser-known areas, and do your best to avoid times of high use. Remember to always have a backup plan in case the area you’re looking to visit is overcrowded or parking areas are full. Remember food, water and the right clothes to protect you from cold, heat, sun or rain. 2. Stick to Trails and Overnight Right Travel and camp on designated trails and durable surfaces to protect trailside plants. Avoid taking shortcuts or creating new paths. Camp only on existing or designated campsites to avoid damaging vegetation. When camping in nondesignated areas, confine impact to places which already show use and avoid enlarging the area of disturbance. Take rest breaks on durable surfaces well off the designated trail. Poor weather, rip currents and slick rocks around waterfalls often take visitors by surprise. Practice safety and caution, and don’t do anything above your group’s skill level. 3. Trash Your Trash Pack it in. Pack it out. Pack out all trash and litter in garbage bags and carry it home. Litter, including food scraps and cigarette butts, can take years to decompose and is unhealthy for wildlife. If adventuring with your pet, plan to pack out their waste as well. When camping in remote areas, be sure to have a plan to dispose of human waste properly. 4. Leave It As You Find It North Carolina is home to an amazing diversity of indigenous plants and animals. Avoid picking flowers, taking shells, and collecting starfish and pinecones, and take a picture instead. Leave rocks as you find them to protect the sensitive habitats of critters. Stacking rocks can also lead to erosion and ecological impacts. Carving and etching into trees leaves lasting damage and can kill the vegetation. Remember, in national parks and many other protected places, it is illegal to remove natural objects. 5. Be Careful With Fire If you choose to have a fire, make sure it is permitted in the area you are visiting and keep small. Gather wood from the ground on-site if allowed, and avoid breaking living branches from trees. Buy firewood locally. Transporting firewood can introduce harmful invasive species. Burn all wood to ash and be sure the fire is completely out and cold before you leave. If you plan an overnight camping trip, use a stove for cooking. 6. Keep Wildlife Wild North Carolina is home to an abundance of wild animals, and we must treat all wildlife from black bears and wild horses to salamanders and birds with respect. Remember that you are a visitor in their home. Observe wildlife from a distance and never approach or follow them. Getting too close to wildlife causes undue stress and harm. Never feed a wild animal. It alters their natural behavior and puts them, and you, at risk. When camping, store food securely and keep garbage and food scraps out of reach from wildlife. 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors and Share the Outdoors Everyone has a different definition of what it means to enjoy the outdoors, and everyone has different levels of experience. Be respectful of others’ experience, so North Carolina’s outdoor spaces can be a welcoming and relaxing retreat for all identities and abilities. Be mindful of your noise level so that others around you can listen to nature. It is a general rule that those traveling downhill will yield to those traveling uphill. Be considerate when passing other visitors on the trail. Before passing others, politely announce your presence and proceed with caution.
Sledding is a major Winter past time in Blowing Rock! From bunny hills fit for the littlest sledders, to bigger runs for the adventurous, here are some excellent locations available for public access.
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 at quiet overlooks 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. Try Blowing Rock Memorial Park or Broyhill Park in town. The Middle Fork Greenway has several complete sections and pocket parks- check out access points and info here >> 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 (Status March 2025: some closures remain along trail following Hurricane Helene. Please confirm access to preferred section before traveling.) Boone Greenway, 7 miles Grandfather Mountain, 12 miles Valle Crucis Community Park, 12 miles Elk Knob State Park, 17 miles (Status March 2025: Park open, with one trail closed following Hurricane Helene.) Green Valley Community Park, 17 miles E.B Jeffress Park, 22 miles (Status March 2025: this Blue Ridge Parkway section closed following Hurricane Helene.) Lewis Fork Overlook, 24 miles (Status March 2025: this Blue Ridge Parkway section closed following Hurricane Helene.) Linville Falls, 25 miles (March 2025: Visitor Center and Blue Ridge Parkway access closed following Hurricane Helene.) 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 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!