Boone United Trail
Enjoy a gradual ascent through nature
This peaceful trail steadily climbs through a wooded area halfway to the peak of Howard Knob in Boone, then loops back to the trailhead.
Find the Trailhead
Start this moderately strenuous hike from the Boone United Methodist Church, all the way at the back of the parking lot. (471 New Market Blvd.) The trailhead features a handy map of the trails, with information about mileage and elevation gain. The trail is open from dawn to dusk, daily.
Take the Hike
Enter the trail system through the trailhead kiosk and cross a bridge leading to a picnic shelter, the home of local Boy Scout Troop 109; you may even run into the troop on the trail. Continue past the picnic shelter and cross a small stream to enter the meadow, where plenty of benches can be found.
Continue into the woods to follow the trail and begin your ascent. After a quick 75 feet in elevation gain, a sign points out dispersed picnic tables, perfect for a snack or a place to catch your breath. Beyond, the trail continues to meander past houses and deeper into the forest. Several trees in this section of the trail have been identified and included on the official trail map, including one unique specimen named "Hercules" (pictured here).
A bench is conveniently placed at around 3,600 feet above sea level, a perfect place to rest after around 375 feet in elevation gain already on the trail. Several switchbacks on the trail beyond help make the climb a little more gradual and keep hikers from crossing into the neighbors' property.
The trail offers two side-by-side loops to reach the top of the property and start the descent back to the trailhead. The first, sanctuary loop leads off to the right and connects to the second loop from a short connector trail. The second "loft" loop could also be accessed by continuing straight on the trail. Complete one or both loops, and head back down to the trailhead for a complete 2 to 2.5-mile lollipop loop. In total, the trail includes over 650 feet of elevation gain.
