Boone North Carolina Hiking Trails and Mountain Biking!
 Hiking
is perhaps one of the most popular outdoor activities in the High
Country. There are numerous places to check out, and a variety of
trails that would be appropriate for any level. Hiking is a
wonderful way to see the many breathtaking views around the High
Country.
There are many great hiking trails located all along the Blue Ridge
Parkway and near the many parks in the area. A very popular trail
spot is at the Moses H. Cone Julian Price Memorial Park. You can
hike on trails like the Boone Fork Loop Trail, the Tanawha Trail,
and the many carriage trails within the park.
On the parkway, moving closer to Grandfather Mountain and the
Linville area, there are also many popular hikes. In this area you
can hike the Linville Falls Trail and see the upper part of Linville
Falls and the gorge as the river runs through it. On Grandfather
Mountain there are many well-maintained hiking trails that are
mostly for more experienced hikers. On these trails, hikers must
hike over cliff-faces that lead to Grandfather’s three highest
peaks. These trails are a great way to see miles and miles of views
of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains.
For those that are looking for a less strenuous walk, there are many
great scenic walks in the area that allow you to get out and enjoy
the mountains and see some gorgeous mountain scenery. One of the
most popular scenic walks is the Lee & Vivian Reynolds Greenway
Trail. Located near the Watauga County Recreation Complex, the
Greenway trail is a 3 mile paved trail great for walking or jogging.
The Valle Crucis Park Walkway is a short, paved walkway located near
the Mast Store Annex.
When going hiking, be sure to wear the appropriate shoes and
clothing for the weather and the types of trails you will be hiking
on. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to carry along with you a pocket
knife, some matches, a flashlight, a compass or trail map, and a
whistle which can be used in times of emergencies. Some hikers bring
along extra clothes and socks and extra food to eat on the trails as
well.
For an ideal family experience, hiking the High Country’s trails
can’t be beat. It’s inexpensive, enjoyable, educational and
physically rewarding, and it also encourages you to appreciate and
respect the environment.
Mountain Biking is Another Great Way to See the Sights!
There is an abundance of mountain biking in the High Country.
Mountain biking is a very popular activity and there are many local
bike shops in the area. Each year the High Country plays host to
several bike races and biking events that are becoming popular among
mountain bikers everywhere.
There are several trails to ride in the Boone, Blowing Rock and
Banner Elk areas. The Benson Hollow Trail, located in Blowing Rock,
is considered the 2nd “Best Mountain Biking Trail in North
Carolina”. Other trails like 18-mile ride and Buckeye Trail are very
close to Boone and Blowing Rock and also top the list.
There are also a few places on Beech Mountain near the ski resort
and in the summer, Sugar Mountain Resort provides a lift service to
mountain bikers. You can bring your bike and ride the lift up, and
practice your downhill skills.
Mountain biking enthusiasts everywhere will tell you that the best
mountain biking in North Carolina is in Western North Carolina, near
the Pisgah, Tsali and Dupont state forests. These areas are very
close to the Asheville and Brevard areas, just a short trip away
from the High Country.
If you are up for a challenge or two, then check out some of the
bike races and events that happen each year in the High Country
area. A popular one that usually draws large crowds and racers is
the Blood, Sweat and Gears Challenge. This event and race is
especially grueling on riders, considering just one part of the
route includes a 21 mile portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a climb
over a 4,500 gap on Snake Mountain, and another 10 miles of “flat”
areas near Deep Gap. The race is a century race, basically a 100
mile loop that begins and ends in Valle Crucis, North Carolina.
Another fun race takes place in Wilkesboro, the BURN 24 Challenge,
and usually has many participants. The Showdown at Sugar Mountain is
a NORBA National Championship Event that showcases both
professionals and also has some amateur events. This event is
usually very big with participants coming from all 50 states, and
usually takes place sometime in May.
Whether you are mountain biking or biking on the road, you will love
the experience of being able to bike in one of the most beautiful
places on Earth.
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers bicyclists 470 miles of picturesque
travel across Virginia and North Carolina. Elevations vary from 600
to 6,000 feet, and the road encompasses a variety of ever-changing
weather conditions, regardless of season.
The Parkway was designed as a scenic leisure road for motorists, and
therefore bicyclists should be prepared for significant distances
between developed areas and services that vary by season.
For high end mountain biking call Boone Bike (828) 262-5750. Or for
a nice leisure stroll down the river with your family call Riverside
General Store in Todd at (336) 877-1858 for bike rentals.
To see individual trails visit
www.HighCountryOutdoors.com
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 So
take a moment and click some of the choices above and then
book your reservation with our featured
Boone NC Cabin Rentals!
If you have any
questions or would like more information, please contact us 828-265-2632, 828-964-0430,
email
us, or use our online request form.
We look forward to serving your vacation rental needs!
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