Hiking

TRAILS ON EVERY HIKER'S BUCKET LIST 

In the Boone area, hikers can climb ladders to scale cliffs a mile above surrounding valleys to MacRae Peak at Grandfather Mountain, explore the wild canyon of the Linville Gorge Wilderness, follow the Appalachian Trail across Roan and Hump Mountains where waving grasses offer alpine vistas, and explore the Blue Ridge Parkway where entry-level hiking is at its best. 

Several trails can be found just steps away from area accommodations. Boone's paved greenway trail follows the South Fork of the New River. Blowing Rock's Glen Burney Trail leaves quaint streets, plummets into a gorge, and follows waterfalls. Valle Crucis Community Park trails wander past wetlands.

Jump to: Guided Hikes or use the trail guides below to plan a self-guided adventure.

 

HIKE THE AREA'S TOP TRAILS:

Elk Knob is one of a handful of geologically unique amphibolite peaks that rise... Read More

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park has over 25 miles of wide trails, planned... Read More

This fully accessible trail is either paved or gravel surfaced and mostly flat.... Read More

The route of the Glen Burney Trail is reputed to have been a Native American... Read More

Hike through a high-elevation forest to scenic Otter Falls in the beautiful Blue... Read More

North Carolina's Grandfather Mountain contains some of the South's most... Read More

A classic, handicapped-accessible hike or cross country ski tour around a... Read More

A new trail in development will one day connect Boone and Blowing Rock by one... Read More

It's a memorable walk, in spring, summer or fall, when the water laps at the... Read More

Roan Mountain is one of Eastern America's most scenic summits. During the... Read More

Hike the Blue Ridge Parkway's Tanawha Trail to awesome views on Grandfather... Read More

Finding and photographing waterfalls is one of the most popular ways to soak up... Read More

 

Temporary Trail Closures in 2025:

Profile Trail (Grandfather Mountain State Park - Attraction trails are open)
Backcountry Trail (Elk Knob State Park)
Linville Falls (Blue Ridge Parkway)
Cascade Falls (Blue Ridge Parkway)
Boone Fork Trail (Blue Ridge Parkway)
Crabtree Falls (Blue Ridge Parkway)
Elk River Falls (Pisgah National Forest)
Mt. Mitchell State Park

Refer to the trail overviews linked above for the OPEN hiking trails in the area.

Guided Hiking:

Customized trips for all comfort levels

 

The Speckled Trout Outfitters

The Speckled Trout Outfitters offer guided fly fishing and hiking trips with knowledgeable and first-aid trained guides. The outfitters...

High Country Guide Service

High Country Guide Service is a professional fly fishing and hiking outfitter based in Boone, North Carolina, serving the High Country...

High Mountain Expeditions

With 40 years of experience in guiding adventurous travelers to some of the world's most spectacular places, High Mountain Expeditions...

Premier Mountain Guides

Premier Mountain Guides is a versatile transportation company plus guide services. Offering guided skiing, hiking, waterfall...

Upcoming Guided Hikes & Outdoor Activities:

Help preserve Boone's awesome hiking trails by planning ahead, keeping on designated trails, respecting wildlife, packing out trash, and being considerate of others in nature. Learn More >

 

"Outdoor NC"