Outdoor Parks & Hiking

Blue Ridge Parkway

“America’s Favorite Drive”

The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles from end to end, and almost a quarter of its length is located in the High Country of North Carolina — some would argue its most beautiful quarter.

Construction of the Parkway both began and ended in the High Country. Construction commenced in 1935 at Cumberland Knob near Sparta and ended at the Linn Cove Viaduct near Linville where the “final link” was completed in 1987.

With rolling pastures, rocky crags, cascading waterfalls, the impressive Moses Cone Manor and the iconic Linn Cove Viaduct, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers new scenic splendor in every glorious mile.

Cumberland Knob (MP 217.5) Great picnic area, a short leg-stretching easy trail and a longer stenuous trail by a stream.

Doughton Park (MP 240) 30+ miles of trails for all skill levels, Brinegar living-history homestead, grassy fields & waterfall.

E.B. Jeffress Park (MP 272) After a picnic or snack, walk this park’s short trail to the beautiful Cascades waterfall.

Moses Cone Memorial Park (MP 294) Flat Top Manor House tours, Parkway Craft Center shopping, 25 miles of carriage roads for easy walking or horseback riding.

Julian Price Park (MP 297) Large picnic area and streams to play in. 5 great hiking trails with diverse terrain, lake and campground with ranger programs in the summer.

Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center (MP 304.3) This stop affords up-close views of the iconic viaduct as you hike part of the Tanawha Trail.

Linville Falls Park (MP 316.4) Hike to overview of Linville Gorge, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East.

Museum of NC Minerals (MP 331) This visitor center showcases many of the minerals found in Western North Carolina, with fun and educational interactive displays.

highcountryparkway.com Find milepost itineraries, birding, wildflower information & photos

Local Park Info

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY RESOURCES

Blue Ridge Parkway Association

PO Box 2136, Asheville, 828-670-1924 The trusted source for Parkway-area information for more than 65 years. Request your FREE “Blue Ridge Parkway Directory & Travel Planner” and download mobile app at blueridgeparkway.org

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

BRP Milepost 384, 828-298-5330 Hours: 9-5 daily (closed some holidays) Discover the natural and cultural treasures of the North Carolina mountains and foothills.

blueridgeheritage.com

NATIONAL & STATE LANDS

Pisgah National Forest

Multi-use public lands, 828-652-2144

W. Kerr Scott Reservoir

Water recreation galore, 336-921-3390

Elk Knob State Park

Majestic views, 828-297-7261

Grandfather Mountain State Park

Serious hiking, 828-963-9522

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

Views, rare geology and plants

New River State Park

Canoers paradise, 336-982-2587

Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest

Learn about NC forestry, 336-667-5072

Stone Mountain State Park

Great year-round hiking, 336-957-8185

Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation

866-308-2773 The nonprofit organization connecting people who love the Parkway with projects and programs to support this amazing park. brpfoundation.org

LOCAL PARKS & ACTIVITIES

Banner Elk • Avery County YMCA

436 Hospital Dr, Linville, 828-737-5500

• Tate-Evans Park

210 Park Ave, Banner Elk

Beech Mountain • Buckeye Recreation Center

206 Grassy Gap Creek Rd, 828-387-3003

• Mountain Biking at Emerald Outback

Single track trails at 5,000’

Blowing Rock • Memorial Park

1026 Main St, Blowing Rock, 828-295-5222

Boone • Watauga Community Recreation Center (WCRC)

231 Complex Dr, Boone, 828-264-9511

• Rocky Knob Mountain Biking Park

US Hwy 421S, Boone, 828-264-9511

• Clawson-Burnley Park & Boone Greenway

355 Hunting Hills Dr. Boone, NC

• Howard’s Knob (seasonal)

604 Howard’s Knob Rd, Boone, 828-264-9511

Jefferson/West Jefferson • Ashe Park

527 Ashe Park, Jefferson

• West Jefferson Park

203 W Main St, W Jefferson

Seven Devils •Otter Falls Parks & Trails

825 Skyland Dr, Seven Devils, 828-963-5343

Sparta • Alleghany Wellness Center

508 Collins Rd, Sparta, 336-372-2944

• Crouse Park

314 Cherry St, Sparta

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Accommodations Town Information

Alleghany County Chamber & Visitors Center

58 S Main St, Sparta, 336-372-5473 Hours: 9-5 M-F (June-Dec on Sat)

authenticallyalleghany.com Ashe County Chamber & Visitors Center

01 N Jefferson Ave, West Jefferson 888-343-2743, Hours: 9-5 M-F

ashechamber.com

Avery County Chamber & Visitors Center

4501 Unit 2, Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk 800-972-2183, Hours: 10-4 M-F & 1-3:30 Sat. (seasonal hrs may apply) averycounty.com

Beech Mountain Area Chamber & TDA

403-A Beech Mtn Pkwy, Beech Mountain 828-387-9283, Hours: 9-5 M-S Cresting at 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is the highest town and ski resort in Eastern America. Summer temps rarely exceed 76, creating an ideal climate for hiking, mountain biking, and golfing. beechmtn.com

Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce & TDA

132 Park Ave, Blowing Rock, Hours: M-S 9-5 877-750-4636, 828-295-7851 Blowing Rock offers legendary views, hiking, Tweetsie Railroad, The Blowing Rock, Tanger Outlets, unique downtown experiences and shopping & more. A wide variety of lodging and dining awaits in a quaint, walkable town.

blowingrock.com Boone Area Chamber of Commerce

870 W King St, Suite A, Boone, 828-264-2225 Hours: M-F 9-5 boonechamber.com

Boone & Watauga County TDA

331 Queen St, Ste A, Boone, 828-266-1345 There’s something about the cool mountain air, abundant vistas, and just the right amount of adventure that inspires and invigorates. Come see why we have been Inspiring Awe Since 1872! exploreboone.com

High Country Host Regional Visitor Center

800-438-7500, Hwy 321S, Blowing Rock Visitor Center Hours: 9-5 M-S, 9-3 Sun High Country Host provides maps, brochures, coupons and travel guidance for Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Boone, Blowing Rock, West Jefferson, Sugar Mountain, Sparta, Wilkesboro & the Blue Ridge Parkway. MountainsofNC.com

Village of Sugar Mountain Tourism

Plan a vacation high in the Blue Ridge with skiing, ice skating, golf, tennis, bike park, live music and more. SeeSugar.com

Todd Community Preservation Org

Our mission is to preserve our community’s history, natural beauty and culture while creating a sustainable community. toddnc.org

Town of Seven Devils TDA

1356 Seven Devils Rd, Seven Devils, 828-963-5343, Located between Boone and Banner Elk offering rental accommodations with great views, affordable real estate, shopping, restaurants, tennis, snowtubing & ziplining.

sevendevils.net

West Jefferson TDA

866-607-0093, You just need a little West Jefferson NC. Arts, antiques, unique shops (including Ashe County Cheese), local restaurants & breweries. Revitalized Downtown. Come to West Jefferson- Everyone. Fits. Here.

visitwestjefferson.org Wilkesboro TDA 203 W Main Stt, Wilkesboro, 336.838.3951 Hours: M-F 8:30am-5pm

Wilkesboro, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, will wow you with a newly revitalized, historic downtown, mind-blowing musical talent, stunningly scenic mountain views, heart-pounding outdoor adventures, and Southern small town charm.

explorewilkesboro.com

Photo courtesy The Blowing Rock