At the summit of Elk Knob State Park, a viewpoint opens up panoramic views of North Carolina's High Country. The park also protects the mountain and the headwaters of the North Fork of the New River. The landscape and the source of the water are both in focus here.

Mountain Landscapes with Different Perspectives

Julian Price Memorial Park stretches along the Blue Ridge Parkway south of Blowing Rock in Watauga County, between mileposts 295.8 and 298.6. Its 4,200 acres of rolling mountain terrain range in elevation from 3,400 feet to just under 4,000 feet. These elevations shape the landscape, with its considerable changes in altitude.

Howard Knob Park offers a different view: the six-acre park sits atop Howard Knob Peak at an elevation of 4,396 feet above sea level. From the viewpoint, you can see downtown Boone, ASU, and the surrounding mountain peaks. Those interested in native plants will find a collection of plants native to the Appalachian region at Daniel Boone Native Gardens. The garden is informally laid out and covers three acres.

Trails, Viewpoints, and Seasonal Activities

For a leisurely hike, Moses Cone Park offers 25 miles of gently climbing carriage roads. Green Knob Trail is a different kind of outing: the 2.3-mile, moderately challenging loop leads from Sim's Creek through dense rhododendrons and old-growth trees. The two options differ in length, trail type, and difficulty, so you can take the kind of trail into account as well as the distance when planning.

At The Blowing Rock, a short, scenic walk leads to views of Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock, and Hawksbill. The Blowing Rock is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. Elk Knob State Park has about one mile of ungroomed trails available seasonally for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; you must bring your own equipment. Snow and possible closures affect access, so check conditions before a winter visit.

The carriage roads are suited to leisurely hikes, while Green Knob Trail is described as a loop of moderate difficulty. The overlook walk at The Blowing Rock adds a short route with named viewpoints to this selection. This makes it possible to compare the different trail types and experiences without assuming a walking time.

History, Craftsmanship, and Regional Culture

Flat Top Manor houses the Parkway Craft Center. The estate at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is listed on the Register of Historic Places. In Boone, the locomotive at Tweetsie Railroad tells a piece of railroad history: it is the last surviving narrow-gauge steam locomotive of the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC).

Tweetsie Railroad is also a Wild West family theme park. A three-mile steam-powered train ride travels through the scenic mountains of North Carolina. Attractions also include gold panning, gem mining, live entertainment, rides, and a petting zoo. The park operates seasonally; some activities may also be scheduled seasonally. Check the operating calendar before your visit. Another seasonal cultural event is the outdoor drama Horn in the West about the adventures of Daniel Boone in the High Country. Performance dates are also seasonal.

Hickory Ridge History Museum features a collection of historic log cabins. Mystery Hill's 1903 Dougherty House Museum is a historic house dating to 1898 and offers a glimpse of 19th-century mountain life. At Mystery Hill, you can also watch a ball roll uphill or see water apparently flow uphill instead of downhill. The historic houses and surprising observations offer different ways to explore regional history and unusual phenomena.

Art, Gardens, and Local Discoveries

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum holds weekly art workshops for teens and adults. Workshop dates may change, so check the current schedule before your visit. The Original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis is also part of the region's history: it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in April 1973.

Watauga County Farmers' Market offers fresh flowers and produce; whether a Saturday morning visit works for you depends on the schedule. Check dates and seasonal offerings in advance. Together with the informally designed plant garden, historic houses, and cultural offerings, these places show that Watauga is defined not only by its mountain views, but also by its plant life, history, and regional discoveries.

Discover more destinations: Blowing Rock, Boone, Vilas, Sugar Grove, Seven Devils, Zionville, Stanly County, Hoke County.

For the main travel overview: North Carolina.