Best of the Best
This a fun list for us and we encourage you to chime in with things that maybe we haven’t tried yet. Most of these are close by, because we think that if there’s something good to see or do, why drive a long distance if you don’t have to. Join in on the fun and send us a note if you want to nominate a place for us to include!
Best Low-key Hikes Near Blowing Rock
Bass Lake (Easy). Probably our favorite place to get outside since its so close and beautiful. A flat one mile walk around the lake on a wide gravel trail. You’ll see joggers, strollers and maybe even a horse or two since part of the trail shares with a larger carriage trail in Moses Cone Park.
Glen Burney Trail (Easy/Moderate). Right in the heart of Blowing Rock, waterfalls at the end. From Main Street turn onto Laurel Lane and you’ll see the trailhead and parking lot on the left side of the street, across from the lake at Broyhill Park. Note this is a tale of two trails. Easy to the first waterfall (you can sit on the rocks next to the water), but soon after the trail gets steep going downward, meaning you still have to walk back up to come back to the trailhead.
Moses Cone Park (Easy) Great carriage trails where you can walk for miles. In particular, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway you can park Moses Cone Manor or even on the side of the road near Mile Marker 294 and walk the wide gravel roads up to flat top tower or over to Trout Lake. A little more adventurous walk is to do the loop that meanders down to Bass Lake and back up thru the switchbacks for a nice five or so miles. Here’s a map of the park.
Julian Price Park hiking trails (easy to more difficult) - Price Lake loop is a good one - about 3 miles and flat that winds around the entire lake.
Beacon Heights Trail (easy with a short incline) You will go uphill for this short trail (just .3 mi) but oh, my what a reward at the end. Spectacular views - there are two areas so don’t miss seeing both. This is our family favorite and one we always bring those visiting for the first time! This is on the Blue Ridge Parkway and very close to Grandfather Mountain (about 20 mins away from the cabin.)
more info: Beacon Heights Trail
And there’s always others: More Hiking Ideas
Bass Lake
Glen Burney Falls
Moses Cone Park
Boone Fork Trail - Price Park
