HIKING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 85 ing wildflowers, bird houses and plenty of spots for fishing.

From Boone, travel 3.5 miles south toward Blowing Rock on Highway 321. Before Mystery Hill, turn left onto Whitener Mountain Road. An immediate sharp right will lead down to a small parking lot. For more information visit https:// www.middleforkgreenway.org/

Green Valley Community Park

— This multipurpose community park backs up to the New River in Todd, NC. The park has a picnic shelter, restroom, benches, hiking trails, playground, a canoe ramp and more. The paved walking trail loops about a quarter mile around athletic fields and along the river. The park is free to visitors and open daily from sunrise to sunset. Directions to the park can be found via GPS or on the park website at www.greenvalleypark.org

Valle Crucis Community Park — Behind the original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis is a beautiful park that backs up to the Watauga River. With paved pathways, a playground, picnic tables, fly fishing and soccer fields this park is a great place to relax or get a brisk walk in. For more information visit www.vallecrucispark.org.

Banner Elk Greenway — Banner Elk has 1.1 miles of paved greenway trail in downtown. The park has two playgrounds, wading pools, picnic tables and covered shelters. The lower section of the greenway loops along Shawneehaw Creek next to Lees-McRae College. The upper section follows the same creek along Main Street and ends near Flat Top Brewing Company. This greenway is a beautiful and easy way to experience Banner Elk and its natural beauty. For more information call (828)898-5398 or visit https://www.bannerelk.com/members/ banner-elk-greenway/.

GETTING WARMER!

These moderately difficult hikes are sure to warm you up and immerse you in nature. Categorized by their difficulty in length and terrain, most of these hikes are family friendly with just a little bit of a challenge.

Summit and Rhododendron

Trails Loop — Located in West Jefferson, the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area has both the Summit and Rhododendron Trails. The hike to the summit is a short but steep 0.3 miles. Leading off the Summit trail is the Rhododendron Trail that travels along the mountain’s ridgeline for a total of 1.1 miles. On a clear day, the view stretches for miles overlooking the fields and pastures that make up Ashe County.

Elk Knob — About 11 miles north of Boone and a stone’s throw from the Tennessee border sits Elk Knob State Park. With a few hiking trails to choose from, the summit is the most rewarding. The trailhead starts from the main parking lot and winds up the mountain for 1.9 miles. The trail contains many switchbacks and has a gradual, yet steady incline. Toward the top, the scenery will begin to change from tall, towering trees to short shrubs. Once you reach the summit, the trail will split in two. Toward the left, you will be greeted with a southern view of Sugar Mountain and Mt. Mitchell. On the right, you will see the northern view towards Virginia and Mount Rogers.

Boone Fork Trail — Part of Julian Price Memorial Park, this scenic trail follows a stream and features several waterfalls and swimming holes. The entire loop is 5.2 miles with little elevation gain, making it a great option for hikers looking for middle ground. This trail can be accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 296.4 and is located in between Boone and Blowing Rock.

Rough Ridge Trail — One of the most popular hiking trails in the area, this trail is a quick 2.5 miles. The trail is located at milepost 302.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Once on the trail, it almost immediately splits with a sign that reads “Tanawha Trail.” Hikers will keep left and walk over a wooden bridge with a stream running beneath. The trail is well maintained with rocky terrain.

Halfway up, hikers will reach a wooden boardwalk with benches and space to enjoy the views. If you keep climbing, you’ll be greeted by a rocky summit