Did you know? Blowing Rock is an Official North Carolina Trail Town! We’re home to all kinds of trails, and there are even more in our nearby neighborhood. From arts to hiking, find your trail in Blowing Rock!
Art & Culture Trails
There’s so much culture in our Blue Ridge Mountain towns, and Blowing Rock is no exception. Follow one of these self-guided trails to enjoy art and history:
- Blowing Rock History Walk: Enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, this trail is a 1/4 mile trip down our memory lane. It starts right in the middle of downtown. See the route here >>
- Blowing Rock Art & Sculpture Trail: In addition to numerous galleries and the first-class Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, Blowing Rock is home to a growing collection of art that can be enjoyed by strolling through town. See details on the art here >>
- Blowing Rock Historic Marker Tour (with audio): Explore Blowing Rock’s Historic Marker Program through this downtown walking tour. The tour highlights 10 downtown buildings identified with red oval makers and gives a detailed history for each site. Find the tour here >>
Looking for additional experiences? See more about arts & culture here >>
Cycling & Mountain Biking
Do you love to explore from a bike? Check out these suggested routes and nearby trail networks!
- Road Cycling: With the Blue Ridge Parkway and beautiful side roads, Blowing Rock is a major destination for road cycling! Don’t miss Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters, a local shop that can get you equipped and provide some great route recommendations. Here are two they created: Classic 221 & BRP Loop (31 mi) and the Tour of the Globe Gravel Ride (39 mi).
- Pump Track: Enjoy some quick runs on Blowing Rock’s own Davant Trail, a cycling pump track built by a local boy scout! Find it on Clark Street in Blowing Rock.
- Mountain Biking: Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park has five main trails-1.6-mile Rocky Branch Trail loop, the 1-mile Middle Earth Trail, nearly 4-mile Boat Rock Loop, the downhill PBJ Trail, Ol’ Hoss, plus more than a dozen side trails and connectors, and four separate skills areas. Find it in neighboring Boone, about 20 minutes from downtown Blowing Rock. Get the details >>
- Motorcycling: The High Country Road Trip will take you 50 miles through Blowing Rock, Boone, Valle Crucis, Banner Elk and Linville. This route can be taken slow, to enjoy more than 500 local places to stop for views, food, shopping, and activities! See the map here >>
Hiking and Horseback Riding
There are more than 50 miles of hiking trails in Blowing Rock, with many more in the NC High Country region! Here are just a few suggestions:
- Waterfalls: The Glen Burney Trail starts in downtown Blowing Rock. This 1.2 mile trail, out and back (2.4 mi. total) has a moderate start, with strenuous descent into Johns River Gorge. Views of three waterfalls! Get the map here >>
- Accessible Trails: The Bass Lake Loop in Blowing Rock is part of the Moses Cone Carriage Trails. It’s a single mile, flat loop with a gravel surface with a new access ramp to be completed by June 2025. Find the parking area off Hwy 221 in Blowing Rock. The Boone Greenway, just 8 miles from Blowing Rock, is a much larger network with paved surfaces available.
- Horseback Riding: Moses Cone Memorial Park in Blowing Rock offers 25 miles of wide gravel trails, perfect for trail running, easy to intermediate hiking, and horseback riding! Interested in booking with a local trailride service? Try Blowing Rock Trail Rides, Carriage Run Carriage Service, or Vx3 Trail Rides.
- Greenway: The Middle Fork Greenway will soon connect Blowing Rock to Boone with over 8 miles of trail! About 2 miles are currently complete, from the 321 Trail Head by Blue Deer Cookies (which has ample parking) to Sterling Creek Park near Mystery Hill. Learn more here >>
- Advanced hiking & backpacking: Grandfather State Park is home to truly incredible trails, some of which include ladders and ropes! The Grandfather Trail is famous for its rugged terrain. You can access it from inside the Grandfather Attraction operated by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation (requires entry fee). But for the most challenging experience, hike in from the Blue Ridge Parkway via the Daniel Boone Scout Trail, just minutes from downtown Blowing Rock. See Grandfather Mountain State Park trails here >>
There’s so much more! See more about hiking trails here >>
Culinary & Flavor Trails
Blowing Rock is home to over 2 dozen restaurants and eateries! There are even more food shops, and you could certainly make your own trail of flavors just exploring! For wineries and breweries, you’ll need to expand your area. Try one of these experiences:
- High Country Wine Trail: If you haven’t visited our local wineries, you’re in for a real treat. Great wine and beautiful views combine for a unique experience at each of three locations. More details here >>
- High Country Breweries: Blowing Rock is home to Blowing Rock Brewing, and in Boone you can find Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Lost Province Brewery, and more. See them all here >>
- Blowing Rock Food & Wine Tours: Local foodie Joanna will take you on a culinary tour of Blowing Rock, with a lovely side of art & history, and plenty of wine, too! Book a tour >>
Paddling & Waterways
Blowing Rock is located at the headwaters of both the Yadkin River and the New River. While that means that the waters here are smaller tributaries, a day on the river is just a short drive away.
- New River Paddle Trail: Meandering about 22 miles along the New River from Boone to Todd Island, this gently flowing blueway offers 5 different sections for floating and paddling. Public access available at several parks along the route, as close as 25 minutes from downtown Blowing Rock. Learn more here>>
