High Country Hiking
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| (Left to Right) Daniel Boone Scout Trail, Beacon Heights, Linville Falls, Price Lake, Cascade Trail, Crabtree Falls. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer spectacular views, along with some of the best hiking experiences in Western North Carolina. Waterfalls, gorges, wildlife and breathtaking scenery are among the perks of spending the day outdoors and away from the everyday hustle and bustle. Whether looking for an afternoon stroll, or an adventurous day trip, the High Country offers something for you! Cascades Trail: Located at Blue Ridge Parkway Mile Marker 272, the trail runs along side of Cascades Falls, located in E.B. Jeffress Park. The loop is a half mile hike and great for families. Craggy Pinnacle Trail: Located at Blue Ridge Parkway Mile Marker 365, this quick hike is less than a mile in distance and offers spectacular views from the top! Enjoy the native mountain laurels and wild blueberries along the path. Price Lake Loop: Located at Blue Ridge Parkway Mile Marker 297, enjoy the beautiful view of the lake on this flat, 2.4 mile round trip path. Guests are also able to rent canoes to spend some time on the water! Linville Falls and Gorge: Located at Blue Ridge Parkway Mile Marker 316, the Linville Gorge is located in the Pisgah National Forest and includes about 12 miles of the Linville River. The gorge includes rough, rugged terrain, but the trails are well marked and manageable. Be sure to stay on the trails and wear appropriate footwear. Beacon Heights: Located at Blue Ridge Parkway Mile Marker 305, this family friendly trail is about a quarter of a mile in distance, and takes only about ten minutes to climb! Once you've reached the top, an amazing rock face offers a stunning view of the Blue Ridge Mountains! Rough Ridge Trail: Located at Blue Ridge Parkway Mile Marker 303, the moderate hike overlooks the famous Linn Cove Viaduct. The narrow trail is about a 2 mile trek and offers rock ledges to overlook the distant valleys. Crabtree Falls: Located at Blue Ridge Parkway Mile Marker 339, parking is available near the Crabtree Campground. Crabtree Falls is a 70 foot cascading waterfall located on the Big Crabtree Creek. The trail is approximately 2 miles round trip and is well worth the time! Daniel Boone Scout Trail to Calloway Peak: Located at Blue Ridge Parkway Mile Marker 300 (Park at Boone Fork and follow the Tanawha trail, take a left over the bridge to get to the trailhead). One of the areas more difficult trails, this 6.5 mile hike takes you to Calloway Peak, the highest point of Grandfather Mountain, at 5,496 feet. Profile Trail: Located off of Highway 105, this trail offers a scenic hike through nature and becomes a bit more challenging as you approach the profile view of Grandfather Mountain. |
