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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 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: Hike with an Expert Trail Guide or use the detailed hiking guide overviews below to plan a self-guided adventure.

 

HIKE THE AREA'S TOP TRAILS:
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

A man in a green jacket hikes over rocky terrain on the side of a mountain with clouds below.

Grandfather Mountain

North Carolina's Grandfather Mountain contains some of the South's most... Trail Guide

A large sharply angled boulder with water cascading from the top has a family of four and a dog underneath it. All are looking up at the waterfall.

Otter Falls

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

A stone stairway leads up a hillside lined with pink blooms. To the right of the hillside, in the distance a large brown and stone peak of a tree covered mountain can be seen.

Tanawha Trail

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

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

Boone Fork Trail

Hike the moderate 5.1-mile Boone Fork Trail to walk through blooming... Trail Guide

A woman and a boy hold a walking stick while sitting on bench behind a paved trail where a woman jogs.

Boone Greenway

This fully accessible trail is either paved or gravel surfaced and mostly flat.... 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 Carriage Trails

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park has over 25 miles of wide trails, planned... 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 to learn about trees and explore... Trail Guide

Bass lake is to the left of the frame with trees lining the shoreline on the right. Lilly pads can be seen in the water and a gravel path is visible on the ground.

Bass Lake

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

A dark blue lake surrounded by mountains and trees various shades of autumn.

Price Lake Trail

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

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. During the... 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 smiling couple, both with gray hair, wearing T-shirts and shorts, walks their black dog, tugging at its leash, across a wooden bridge onto a paved path.

Middle Fork Greenway

A new trail will one day connect Boone and Blowing Rock by one continuous... Trail Guide

Download our Hiking Adventure Guide Here

 

Temporary Trail Closures in 2025:

Profile Trail (Grandfather Mountain State Park)
Backcountry Trail (Elk Knob State Park)
Linville Falls (via Blue Ridge Parkway - USFS trails are open)
Crabtree Falls (Blue Ridge Parkway)

Refer to the trail overviews linked above for details about 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:
Dec · 12

SugarFest

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Dec · 13

Holiday Ornaments at Elk Knob

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Dec · 23

Summit Trail Hike at Elk Knob

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Jan · 01

First Day Hike at NC State Parks

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Jan · 01

Sunrise at the Swinging Bridge

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Jan · 06

Winter Trails Day

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Mar · 19

Banff Mountain Film Festival

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Aug · 02

Boone Gran Fondo Cycling Event

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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 >

 

"Outdoor NC"

Dive into our interactive map below: