Hit the hiking trails

BY CARLI JOHNSON

Lush green rhododendrons towering over the trails, water trickling over the river rocks, treetops dance in the wind over beautiful vistas. Summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains is unlike any other. This unique region of northwestern North Carolina is often referred to as the High Country. Home to the highest elevations in the state, the region is made up of seven counties: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the High Country. Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk have an abundance of hiking trails making them popular destinations for travelers looking to get outside. A range of hiking is available from easy strolls through the forests to steep, hefty inclines.

Most of the trails mentioned in this article can be easily found via GPS, Google Maps and other apps. While hiking in and around these mountains, know your physical limits and come prepared. The weather can change quickly in the High Country so plan accordingly by stocking your pack with sunscreen, jackets and rain gear. Please remember to leave no trace and pack out what you pack in. Respect the wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and never feeding them. Be considerate of other visitors as the summertime brings a lot of traffic to the High Country and everyone is itching to enjoy the scenery.

The following is a visitor’s guide to getting on the trail this summer. The High Country welcomes you to experience scenery unlike any other. After all, a day on the trail is a day well spent.

EASY-STREET: STROLLING THROUGH THE HIGH COUNTRY

Our list begins with the novice hikes in the area. Most of these spaces are community greenways with paved trails and little elevation gain perfect for beginner hikers.

Greenway Trail — Located in the heart of Boone, this fully accessible trail has both paved and gravel sections. Open to all walkers, runners, cyclists, wheelchairs and hikers, this trail is mostly flat and calm for novice hikers. The trail twists and turns in many directions allowing each hiker to create their own path. While walking, you are met with beautiful green mountaintops, golden valleys and trickling streams. There are many different entry points to accessing the greenway. The most convenient place is right behind the Watauga

Recreation Complex where there is ample parking. For more information and maps visit www.exploreboone.com/outdoors/ hiking/boone-greenway/.

Howard’s Knob County Park — At 4,396 feet, Howard’s Knob has an astonishing view overlooking downtown Boone. This small park has picnic tables, a picnic shelter and enough space for a short walk. The park is open from sunrise to sunset May 1 to October 20. To access the park you will be driving through residential areas, so drive with caution and care. Directions can be found on a standard GPS app.

Sterling Creek Park — Between Boone and Blowing Rock, this 3.7-acre park is a hidden gem for a beautiful stroll. The path winds along a creek with bloom-

SEE HIKING ON PAGE 86