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BOONE
THE HIGH COUNTRY
Boone Fork Trail (Blowing Rock): For those seeking a challenge,
the 5 mile Boone Fork Trail is one of the High Country’s most stimulating and unique hiking
experiences. The trail covers a combination of creek crossings, large boulder fields, and steep
terrain – intertwined with one of the most beautiful forest settings the area has to offer – which
make it a trail that is not to be missed. For hikers looking to tack on extra miles, head south on
the Mountains to Sea Trail, which is also known as the Tanawha Trail, to take in some of the High
Country’s most spectacular scenery (views at left and above).We recommend taking an out-andback approach, but many hikers do shuttle the 13-mile Tanawha Trail. Directions from
Boone: Take Hwy 321 S for 6.4 miles to right onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head south to the Julian
Price Memorial Park picnic area at milepost 296.5. Cross the footbridge leading from the picnic area over
Boone Fork Creek to the signed trail head.
Tackle The Tower: Perfect for those interested in learning how to climb, or
those looking to get in a quick workout in town, the Rock Dimensions climbing tower
at Footsloggers offers a great variety of routes for all skill levels. Rock Dimensions
guide service offers a “Tower to Rock” day that allows participants to warm-up on
the tower and learn the fundamentals before heading out to one of the local crags for
an afternoon of rock climbing. Rock Dimensions also offers guided tours, a challenge
course and zipline, climbing shoe and bouldering pad rentals, and multiple instructional
courses for those just learning the ropes or climbers seeking to hone their existing
skills through certification-based courses. Directions from Boone: This
adventure is in the middle of downtown at 139 S. Depot St.
Linville Falls – Wiseman’s View Overlook (Linville):
The 1 mile hike to the two-tiered Linville Falls is well-worth
the effort. This spectacular waterfall drops more than 60 feet
and the multiple different viewpoints allow visitors to get right
next to the falls to hear the sound of the powerful falls as it
plunges downstream, and also view it from a distance to see the
natural beauty of the wilderness setting. After the Falls, a short
drive down the gravel road takes visitors to the Wiseman’s View
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