7 Best hikes near Blowing Rock North Carolina

Blowing Rock is an amazing area to visit for so many reasons. One reason, maybe the best, is for the short amazing hikes. There are so many trails throughout the beautiful region it is hard to know where to go. We’ve got you covered – below you can find the hikes you need to plan on visiting.

Blowing Rock, North Carolina is an amazing mountain town. It has everything that makes visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains so special: great food, beautiful mountain views, and rich history.

When you visit Blowing Rock, being in town is great but at some point you will want to venture out and see the incredible views.

There are miles and miles of amazing rugged mountains surrounding Blowing Rock. One of the best ways to experience that is by getting on a trail.

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite hikes in the area because with so much to choose from it is hard to know where to start.

We made sure to include places you will want to stop by on your visit.

1. Rough Ridge – Milepost 302.8

Rough Ridge might be the best short hike on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway, not just the best hike near Blowing Rock. It is only a short drive on the parkway from Blowing Rock to the Rough Ridge trailhead.

The hike up is steep but you are rewarded with some truly beautiful rolling mountains. You can stand on a cliffs edge or the amazing boardwalk system and gaze out at mountains that stretch to the horizon.

Come early to avoid crowds and don’t be surprised if you find yourself in awe of the gorgeous view.

2. Beacon Heights – Milepost 305.2

Beacon Heights is a little brother to Rough Ridge. The hike is only a fraction of the length, and difficulty, of Rough Ridge but the views aren’t any less amazing.

At Beacon Heights there are two fantastic overlooks just a short walk from each other – both are a must.

If you find the difficulty of Rough Ridge puts you off, you can confidently visit Beacon Heights and know you aren’t missing anything.

If I was short on time and could only spare an hour hiking this is where I’d head without question.

Beacon Heights and Rough Ridge are both on the Tanawha Trail. It is a 13.5 mile (one way) section hike on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail that goes from Beacon Heights to Price Lake. If you love full day hikes you will love the Tanawha Trail.

3. Flat Rock Loop Trail – Milepost 308.3

Flat Rock Loop Trail is another short hike with huge views. The trail takes you through a dense forest to a large flat rocky overlook.

There are several potholes on the rock with trapped water as well as a few flowering plants. But the treat is seeing Grandfather Mountain looming over the Linville Valley.

This is a great option for your little naturalists because there are several interpretive signs installed along the way that identify some of the foliage and far off mountains.

4. Bass Lake – Milepost 294 (Moses H Cone Memorial Park)

There are 25 miles of trail within the park and Bass Lake is the best trail in the park. The near mile long path circles picturesque Bass Lake.

Mountains surround Bass Lake and Flat Top Manor stands out like a beacon sitting high on the mountain side.

The entire park is beautiful and if you visit in fall you’ll fall in love with the bright fall colors that drape the mountain forests.

When you visit make sure you stop by Flat Top Manor, there are a few shops on the main level and tours available.

This is also one of the spots where you can pick up and complete a workbook for the Junior Ranger Program on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

5. Price Lake – Milepost 297 (Julian Price Memorial Park)

Beautiful Price Lake is the largest lake on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Much like Bass Lake there is a trail that skirts the edge of the lake.

The total length is around 2 miles but you don’t need to go that full distance to enjoy the water. The lake is surrounded by a thick forest and that makes for some prime leaf peeping in early to mid October.

Although you can’t swim in Price Lake you can kayak or canoe. Rentals are available if you don’t have your own. You may also want to camp at Price Lake. We have a few tips for how to have the best camping experience at Price Lake.

6. Glen Burney Falls (Downtown Blowing Rock)

Glen Burney Falls Trail leads to a pretty waterfall along a pleasant trail. What makes this hike so special is that you can leave from downtown Blowing Rock!

You will love this hike if you are planning on spending a full day in Blowing Rock. You can grab a meal, take in a few of the historic sites, and hike to a waterfall – all without ever getting in a vehicle. I call that a great day.

Before getting to the last hike on the list we wanted to mention the Linville Area. It is a bit further away but there are some incredible hikes. For waterfall lovers Linville Falls and the trail system around it can’t be beat. Or visit Hawksbill Mountain if you are looking for staggering mountain views.

7. Callaway Peak (Grandfather Mountain State Park)

Grandfather Mountain State Park is home to some amazing hikes. For adventure and amazing views you can’t beat Callaway Peak.

The high mountain peak towers over the surrounding mountains. If you decide to visit come prepared to work. There are ladders, rock scrambles, steep climbs, and awe-inspiring views.

This is by far the most difficult hike on the list, which is why it is last, but it is also the greatest adventure.

Unless you plan on hiking into the state park you’ll need to pay the fee for entry. You will not only be able to greatly shorten your hike, but also you can visit the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge.

Your visit to Blowing Rock may be just part of a larger trip. We’ve driven every mile of the Blue Ridge Parkway and have hiked almost every trail. Here are our recommendations for the best hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

While planning your visit to Blowing Rock you may want to also check out the best overlooks near Blowing Rock. There you will find spots you can drive to for the best sunrise, sunset, and breath taking mountain views.