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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 are 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.

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HIKE THE AREA'S TOP TRAILS:

A man stands in the distance on a rocky peak, with a cloudy sunset behind him.

Grandfather Mountain

A spectacular drive to the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, a world-class museum, and... Trail Guide

Vibrant orange wildflowers can be seen on either side of a trail, where a couple poses for a selfie.

Elk Knob State Park

Elk Knob is one of a handful of geologically unique amphibolite peaks that rise... Trail Guide

Under the canopy of a lush forest, the sun bursts through the trees, illuminating a hiking trail and wooden bridge.

Tanawha Trail

The 13.5-mile Tanawha Trail itself begins at the Beacon Heights Overlook, just... Trail Guide

A woman in shorts and sandals stands on a rock gazing at a waterfall beside her.

Boone Fork Trail

The moderate 5.1-mile Boone Fork Trail includes meadows and a waterfall. Trail Guide

Boone Greenway

Follows and cross the South Fork of the New River through open meadows and... Trail Guide

An older couple with graying hair, wearing shorts, walks their dog in front of a vibrant tunnel Mural.

Middle Fork Greenway

Explore this trail between Boone and Blowing Rock. Trail Guide

A paved path winds under trees around a field with a bright blue sky above.

Brookshire Park

Visit a beautiful county park with paved trails, picnic tables, an athletic... Trail Guide

A beautiful view of a blue sky and tree-covered rolling Appalachian mountains can be seen between two white colonial style columns at Moses Cone Manor.

Moses Cone Park

Over 25 miles of wide carriage trails wind throughout Moses H. Cone Memorial... Trail Guide

A child studies a compass while perched on a large boulder overlooking a scenic lake.

Price Lake Loop

It's a memorable 2.1-mile walk offering incredible views of the High Country. Trail Guide

Water cascades over a large boulder surrounded by trees and smaller rocks.

Glen Burney Trail

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

A two parents and two children explore underneath a waterfall, with their dog

Otter Falls

Hike through a high-elevation forest to scenic Otter Falls. Trail Guide

A large waterfall can be seen at the edge of a canyon flowing into a river below, surrounded by autumn color..

Linville Falls

Two main hiking trails lead to beautiful views of Linville Falls from the Blue... Trail Guide

A man in a blue jacket stands on a large boulder overlooking a large cascading waterfall. The surrounding forest is showcasing golden hued leaves signaling autumn.

Crab Orchard Falls

A 1.3-mile “lollipop” loop trail leads to cascading falls, surrounded by large... Trail Guide

A waterfall cascades down the side of a mountain next to a scenic stone overlook.

Cascade Falls

Hike to a great Blue Ridge Parkway waterfall and learn about native trees. Trail Guide

Two whitetail deer look for vegetation to graze on a snowy day in Boone, NC.

Rivers Park

Boone's newest trails lead through nature, trees, and historic landmarks. Trail Guide

A leaf-covered path winds next to a small creek with autumn trees towering above.

Boone United Trail

Enjoy a gradual ascent through nature in the town of Boone. Trail Guide

Rhododendron blooms can be seen in front of a scenic mountain top overlooking the Roan Highlands.

Roan Mountain / Appalachian Trail

Roan Mountain is one of Eastern America's most scenic summits, located on the AT Trail Guide

A large waterfall spills from the top of a large boulder into a pool below.

Elk River Falls

A short, but steep and challenging, trail leads to the base of Elk River falls. Trail Guide

A lake with lily pads is pictured with mountains in the background. To the left of the photo and far in the background a white manor house can be seen, Cone Manor.

Bass Lake

A classic, 1-mile accessible hike or cross-country ski tour around a mountain... Trail Guide

A hiker with a backpack looks toward the sunset as he navigates a rocky section of the trail.

Mountains to Sea Trail Day Hikes

Explore Segment 5 of the MST, an almost 85-mile stretch traversing enchanting... Trail Guide

Guided Hiking:

Customized trips for all comfort levels

A woman wearing shorts, a light jacket and a hat walks through a lush green tunnel of rhododendron on a natural path.

Woodsong Nature Guide

Woodsong Nature Guide, led by Becca Nenow, offers curated experiences in nature. More

A pair of hikers look out towards a scenic Blue Ridge Mountains overlook in autumn, on the Cragway Trail.

The Speckled Trout Outfitters

The Speckled Trout Outfitters offer guided fly fishing and hiking trips with... More

Two hikers wear light, colorful jackets as they traverse the rocky terrain atop Grandfather Mountain, near Boone, NC.

High Country Guide Service

An Outdoor NC-certified professional fly fishing and hiking outfitter. More

A group of hikers walk through a wooded area in Grandfather Mountain State Park.

High Mountain Expeditions

Over 40 years of experience in guiding adventurous travelers to some of the... More

Upcoming Guided Hikes & Outdoor Activities:

Jun · 28

Paint and Sip on the Lawn

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Jun · 28

Yoga in the Park

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Jun · 29

Junior Ranger Hike

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Jun · 30

Bird BINGO!

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Jul · 03

Baby Goat Yoga at Apple Hill Farm

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Jul · 10

River Snorkel on the New River

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Jul · 25

Family Field Course: Grizzly Family Foraging

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Jul · 29

Animal Enrichment Day

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Jul · 29

Price Lake Full Moon Paddle

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Aug · 01

Sunrise at the Swinging Bridge

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Aug · 02

Boone Gran Fondo Cycling Event

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Aug · 06

Adult Field Course: Fungi in the Cloud Forest

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Aug · 07

Grandfather by Night: Twilight Hike

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Aug · 08

Junior Naturalist Day

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Aug · 12

Adult Field Course: Appalachian Woodcraft

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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 >