Explore the most popular trail running trails near Blowing Rock with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
Fun, easy trail for a casual hike. We brought our small dog and he had a fun time leading the way.
We saw a lot of families with young children enjoying the trail. There is also a spot on the loop for renting kayaks for the lake.
My review is from the perspective of an amateur landscape photographer.
Don't bother with this trail. There are no scenic vistas. The lake views are mediocre at best. There are better lakes with more scenic views along the Blue Ridge. Spend your time at those. Julian Price Lake and nearby Bass Lake come to mind,
Wide trail with surprisingly open high meadows. Must climb the tower and feel the cool breeze at the pinnacle! Watch for horse evidence.
Easy loop around Price Lake; multiple access points off of the Blue Ridge Pkwy. Trail itself can get quite muddy and there are lots and lots of roots and small rocks/boulders, so trail running shoes are a must if you're planning to run it; Most of it goes through the forest around the lake, so you only see the lake at certain points; Great views of Grandfather mtn from the opposite side of the lake. Trail goes through the part of the campground parking lot and it's easy to lose it; Overall, not the best trail around Boon/B.R.
About a 5.25 mike hike from the Moses Cone parking lot. The hike was beautiful but not too difficult, the path is well maintained and wide. We took our dog as well as our infant with us with no problem, the biggest plus was that the tower at the end of the trail is still in use (not closed).
Anne W. on Price Lake Loop Trail
Parts of trail are easier than others. Going counter-clockwise from lake overlook parking area you will encounter many roots, low hanging branches and a very muddy area around a stream to cross. The area from the camp ground through the amphitheater and boat house and around the lake is flat and graveled- an easy walk . As you get further around the backside of the lake you will encounter muddy areas again. The north east side of the lake has some rocky areas in which one should be careful if it is wet as they can be slippery.
As other reviewers mentioned it is not a trail for vistas or extended views of the lake but the areas you hike through are varied and on the north east side there is a great view of the backside of Grandfather Mountain.
The main trailhead is still closed so we parked between mile 301 & 302, overall it was a good hike with decent views at the top
Not that much to write about. Super easy, mostly flat trail. Great for taking the dogs out.
Be careful trying to take the shortcuts coming down. We ended up following a game trail that dumped us almost 4 miles down the parkway.
We were looking for a toddler friendly trail. The wildflowers and wildlife made it beautiful and the gravel made it easy.
Trailhead is closed but trail is open. Official Park detour is to park at Boulderstone lot between mm 302 and mm303. From there the hike is back along Tanahwa trail 2.5m to intercept Scout Trail (most of this is within earshot of parkway) so this way will tack on 5m to round trip. Met another hiker on way down who said shorter detour trail that starts from 221. Besides detour issue our hike on Scout Trail was nice cool work out for early July morning as we were in and out of clouds after 2m mark of trail. Had clouds at Callaway peak so limited views but still nice.
The meadow at the base of the mountain, around the Cone cemetery, is our favorite spot for wildflowers in the area.
Nice for a great walk or running trail. Don’t actually consider this hiking, personally. The trail is extremely wide (with horse droppings) so this fit in more as a nature walk. Pretty scenery and easy for everyone.
Rewarding falls at the end! Trail is tight in the beginning but opens up for a nice decent to the bottom. Waterfall is beautiful and great for a mid hike rest! Trail diverges towards the end, stay left. If you go right, you’ll navigate over/under/through fallen trees. Not the right way!
Overall: great hike! Be prepared for the assault back up to the top!
REGULAR ENTRANCE IS CLOSED! Amazing trail with views. Also has a downed plane a little off the beaten path. Can only be accessed between mile marker 301 and 302 then taking the Tanawa trail to the trailhead this adds an additional 2.8 miles to the trek so plan ahead.
A calm and peaceful place. I loved the view of Cone Manor tucked in between the mountains. The water lillies & flowers on Bass Lake were lovely.
fun hike. lunch on lake
This is one of our favorite hikes, perfect for a nice afternoon outing.
Nice easy walk or jog. Arrive early to take advantage of the cooler mornings and fewer people. Nice scenery on the longer trails.
some muddy spots but for tbe most part a nice warm up for the longer hikes.
Easy walk and it is always a bit breezy there.
Always muddy and a little boring.
Trail was kept up very nicely and was clear of stumps. Pretty easy hike and the views are great. I recommend coming and enjoying the trails and nature.
Very steep trail with amazing flora and an awesome water fall at the bottom called thunder hole. additionally if you continue past thunder hole you can connect to the lower china creek trail a 4.5 mile loop with plenty of river crossings a few waterfalls and a couple good spots for swimming.
My husband and I decided to hike the trail from Bass Lake to Cone Manor today. I was intrigued by the manor house and wanted to make a longer outing than just driving to the manor. As most others have mentioned, the trail is gravel and really easy to walk. Even the incline from the lake to the manor is very gradual. I gave this 3 stars though because it's overall kind of dull. I was most fascinated by the overgrown orchards but they are blocked from access by barbed wire and nailed gates.
super easy, super popular, beautiful views any season!
What seemed like forever to get to the top was well worth it! Easy well groomed walkway.
Nice trail to run.
Did this hike with my dad recently and we had a fantastic time! The weather was perfect and we did the Nuwati trail to the Cragway trail to Daniel Boone up to Calloway Peak and back down to the Boone Fork Parking Lot via Daniel Boone. I think it totaled around 9 miles doing it that way according to the fitbit, tough day, but I wouldn’t change a thing. The Cragway trail was harder than Daniel Boone, but the challenge was well worth it.
Definitely going back again.
Caroline K. on Daniel Boone Scout Trail to Calloway Peak
One of my favorites. Great workout.
Not recommended if you are weary of heights. There are some very high ladders you have to climb.