Hiking in the High Country T BY MARISA MECKE
he mountainous region located in and around Boone is called the High Country. Made up of seven counties, this beautiful region of the Blue Ridge Mountains contains the highest peaks east of the Rockies. Among this section of the greater Appalachian Mountains, the second oldest mountain chain on the surface of the earth, are trails that explore the summits, valleys, rivers and multiple gorges that are found here. Hiking is one of the most sought out activities in and around the towns of Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, and on the Blue Ridge Parkway that runs through and around those hamlets. Most of the trails mentioned below can be easily found on GPS, Google Maps and similar apps. For the more secluded trails that need more directions, they will be provided. As always, when you hike in and on these mountains, know your physical limits, be prepared for many scenarios on the trail because mountain weather can change on a dime, and learn the simple rules when dealing with wildlife. Plus, do not litter in the woods, always pack out more than you brought in and do not leave burning fires unattended. One good place to start for the beginner hiker in the High Country is the various sections of Greenway Trail. Built for hikers, walkers and bikers, there are parts of the Greenway Trail that run through Blowing Rock, Boone and Banner Elk. Mostly flat and in an urban setting, the exciting news is that a new segment of the Greenway Trail is being constructed that will connect Blowing Rock and Boone. Called the Middle Fork Greenway and built by the Blue Ridge Conservancy, the six-mile long, ten-foot wide trail will be an exciting addition to the region once it is completed. For those who seek more adventurous 84
PHOTO BY CHIP HENDERSON | CHIP HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY Grandfather Mountain offers access to 11 trails varying in difficulty from a gentle walk in the woods to a rigorous trek across rugged peaks — including the use of ladders and cables.
hiking, the Elk Knob State Park Trail is a two-hour romp up to the summit of Elk Knob Mountain just a short drive from Boone. The trail leads to fabulous views that extend into nearby states with many other peaks visible on the horizon. For access to many of the best trails found in the High Country, the Blue Ridge Parkway will be your connection. Traveling from the Deep Gap exit onto the BRP located north of Boone and heading south, the world-famous roadway is lined by white post mile markers that are used for reference and navigation. At milepost 294 on the BRP, you will find the Moses Cone Manor. The preserved farm house and 1,000-plus acres of surrounding land was turned into a park many years ago. There you will find a 2.5-mile trail to a climbable fire tower that overlooks Boone. If you continue driving about a half of a mile further south on the BRP, you will
find the Rte. 221 exit to Blowing Rock. Once you turn onto the exit, you will also see a sign for Shulls Mill Road. If you stay on Shulls Mill Road for about .7 tenths of a mile, you will come across a metal fence with a wooden gate beside it by a small parking lot just past the oneway exit road for Trout Lake. This is the awesome Rich Mountain Carriage Trail. About three miles in length, the Rich Mountain Carriage Trail is a moderate hiking and running trail that takes you through a Wizard of Oz-type of forest where the trail veers to the left. As you hike the natural circle, the trail then winds its way to the top of the mountain where you will find a more prairie-type of landscape and eventually a wonderful view of the surrounding mountainsides. Continuing, the path then leads you back down the hill to the pasture where the local cows are hanging out trailside. Now back at where you started, you can either walk back to your vehicle or turn
left onto a lower section of the trail that leads to Trout Lake. Once at the Trout Lake parking lot, it is an easy walk back up to your vehicle. Back on the BRP heading south, look for the parking lot to the Rough Ridge Trail on your right near milepost 302. This is a very busy trail in the summer months and can be crowded, yet the views are exceptional the higher you go. But, there is another way to utilize the Rough Ridge Trail for more experienced hikers. If you park in the Rough Ridge parking lot and then walk along the side of the BRP for a quarter-of-a-mile to the south, you will see the 301 milepost right before you cross a short section of viaduct. At the end of the viaduct you will see a rock wall on the right. Along the side of the rock wall, there will be a trail that follows the cliff wall up the mountain to the Ship Rock geological formation. You do not need ropes to make this trek, but you might need to use both legs and both feet to successfully hike the rocky landscape. Once you are at the very top of the trail, turn right and that summit trail will eventually head downhill and connect with the Rough Ridge trail, which will return you to the parking lot. The views are fantastic and this route will be a lot less crowded for those willing to get off the easier Rough Ridge trail. At milepost 305, you will find the turnoff to another section of Rt. 221 that leads to Grandfather Mountain and Banner Elk. Grandfather Mountain State Park requires an entrance fee to explore the top of the mountain and to walk on the famous Mile High Bridge and see the mountaintop zoo. But for experienced hikers, there is another demanding yet adventurous uphill trail to that leads to Grandfather Mountain State Park that is free, and that is the famous Profile Trail. A couple of years ago, a brand new
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SUMMER TIMES 2022
