NC Year of the Trail

Trails We Took in September
2023 is the Year of the Trail in NC, and we’ve extended our trail experiences into September! This month we’ve walked the Figure Eight Trail at Flat Top Manor, hiked the Blue Ridge Conservancy trail, and scaled Cragway Loop at Grandfather Mountain.
Trails We Took In August
2023 is the Year of the Trail in NC, and we’ve extended our trail experiences into August! This month we’ve gone tubing, visited the Blowing Rock Boulders, and trekked fan-favorite Boone Fork Trail.
Trails We Took In July
2023 is the Year of the Trail in NC, and we’ve extended our trail experiences into July! This month we’ve visited Grandfather Trail, Middle Fork Greenway, and Tanawha Trail from Beacon Heights to Stack Rock. As always, please remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and to do some research before you set out on your hiking experience. Read along below, and see what we’ve been up to in July.
Trails We Took In June
2023 is the Year of the Trail in NC, and we’ve extended our trail experiences into June! This month we’ve visited a History Walk, Linville Falls, and Price Lake. As always, please remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and to do some research before you set out on your hiking experience. Read along below, and see what we’ve been up to in June.
Trails We Took In May
2023 is the Year of the Trail in NC, and we’ve extended our trail experiences into May! This month we’ve added a variety of trails so there is hopefully something for everyone. As always, please remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and to do some research before you set out on your hiking experience. Read along below, and see what we’ve been up to in May.
Trails We Took In April
2023 is the Year of the Trail in NC, and we’re extending our trail experiences into April! This month we’ve added some more strenuous trails as the weather improves and becomes more predictable. Please remember to always pack plenty of water and snacks, and to do some research before you set out on your hiking experience. Read along below, and see what we’ve been up to in April.
Blowing Rock History Walk
The Blowing Rock History Walk opens June 1, 2023! This new 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...
Trails We Took In March
2023 is the Year of the Trail in NC, and we’re extending our trail hiking experiences into March! We’re starting with a handful of varied trails that are good to enjoy in winter and early spring due to easy access. So read along below, and see what we’ve been up to in March.
Trails We Took in February
2023 is the Year of the Trail in NC, and we’re extending our trail hiking experiences into February! We’re starting with a handful of varied trails that are good to enjoy in winter due to easy access. So read along below, and see what we’ve been up to in February.
Trails We Took in January
2023 is the Year of the Trail in NC, and we'll be highlighting some excellent local trail experiences all year! For January, we're starting with a handful of varied trails that are good to enjoy in winter due to easy access. Note that one is reached from the Blue...
History Trail: Downtown Historic Walking Tour
This Downtown Walking Tour offers a look at some historic properties in downtown Blowing Rock. It was originally featured in the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce's Visitor Map (some minimal updates have been made here). Take a leisurely walk around our charming...
About 2023 NC Year of the Trail
2023 NC Year of the Trail focuses on and celebrates North Carolina’s vast network of trails, greenways, and blueways. North Carolina is The Great Trails State with a trail for everyone. These trails offer both residents and visitors places of refuge, recreation, and a connection to the state itself. So, walk, pedal, paddle, or saddle up and ride one of North Carolina’s many trails in 2023 to celebrate NC’s Year of the Trail.
Winter Hiking
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. Hiking during our winter months can be a great time to explore our mountains and provides a totally different experience. ...
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...
5 Great Hikes to Enjoy
Hiking is one of the best ways to see the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are countless trails in the area, especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the myriad destination hikes and the 26 mile network at Moses Cone Park, to local sections of the...
MP 297 – Julian Price Memorial Park
Price Lake | Hiking Trails | Picnicking | Camping | Related Articles | Upcoming EventsEnjoy 4,200 acres of rolling mountains with elevations ranging from 3,400 to nearly 4,000 feet, plus a lake, stream, hiking trails, and a campground at Julian Price...
MP 294 – Moses Cone Memorial Park
Carriage Trails | Southern Highland Craft Guild | Related Articles | Upcoming EventsIn 1901, industrial magnate Moses H. Cone and his wife Bertha built a 20 room Colonial Revivalist mansion on Flat Top Mountain. Born to immigrants, Cone worked his way up from...
Mountains to Sea Trail Birthday Hikes
Friends of the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) invites hikers of all skill levels to help celebrate the trail’s birthday each year in September. Join one of the group hikes in several trail towns across the state! From Cherokee to Nags Head, you'll find hikes from one...