The Adventure Collective 2017 WNC Adventure Guide | Page 14

14
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-and-
back 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 Overlook where long-range views of the Linville
Gorge offer great vantages of Shortoff Mountain, Table Rock, and
Hawksbill Mountain. Directions from Boone: Take 105 S and
follow for 17 miles to Linville to a right onto Hwy 221 S. Follow for
10.5 miles to the town of Linville Falls. Take a left before crossing
under the Blue Ridge Parkway onto Hwy 183. Follow for 0.8 mile to
Linville Gorge entrance on right. Parking for Linville Falls is on the left;
the visitor’s center is on the right 0.2 mile in.
Run & Hike Price Lake (Parkway): The 2.7 mile Price
Lake Loop within Julian Price Memorial Park takes runners
around one of the most pristine mountain lakes in the High
Country. The trail heads around the lake through dense forests
and crosses over a series of small creeks via wooden boardwalks
that offer runners a chance to catch their breath while taking
in the tranquility of the swirling mountain spring water. Enjoy
the varied terrain of roots and rocks while catching glimpses
of Grandfather Mountain across the lake. A number of short
spur trails entice runners with sun-soaked, lake-side relaxation
opportunities perfect for those who want to stop for a while and
enjoy the view. Directions from Boone: Take Hwy 321 S for 6.4
miles to right onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head south (left turn) for
approximately 3 miles and look for Price Lake on the left. The park is
between mileposts 295.1 and 298.