Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks

Some of the best overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway can be found in this section. On weekends you can even find wedding parties, stopping at some of these to take photos! Here is a list of the must stop overlooks in this area:

• 281.4 Grandview Overlook - gorgeous view as the name implies!
• 289.5 Ravens Rocks Overlook - views of valley surrounding the Watauga River
• 289.8 Yadkin Valley Overlook - can see Lenoir & Hickory on a clear day
• 290.4 Thunder Hill Overlook - views of the Yadkin River can be found here

NC High Country Host Regional Visitor Center
MP 276.4

The regional visitor center (that pens this blog!) can be found within walking distance of the Blue Ridge Parkway. We are open 7 days a week. Stop in to get: 

• Detailed Blue Ridge Parkway Maps, Hiking trail maps, the official Blue Ridge Parkway Directory
• Area coupons for Boone, Blowing Rock, West Jefferson, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain
• State, area and street maps
• Area attraction, lodging, entertainment brochures
• Weekly current events handout
• Travel counselors to answer your questions
• Clean restrooms & outside dog walk

Moses Cone Memorial Park
MP 292-295

Moses Cone Memorial Park is the former summer estate of Moses Cone.  Moses Cone came to be known as the "Denim King" for his high quality denim textile mills.

CARRIAGE TRAILS
MP 294-294.6
The 25 miles of former carriage trails are now used as hiking and horseback riding trails throughout the park. These trails range in length from .7-3 miles and make for great hiking year round because they are gravelled (no mud!) flat, wide and smooth.  The trails are also used for cross country skiing in the winter months.

MOSES CONE MANOR
MP 294
The National Park Service offers guided tours of the house, May-October, several times per day. The tours offer a history on the Cone Family and information on the house itself.  If you visit occurs when a tour is not taking place, you can watch the video on loop in the media room at any time the house is open.

SOUTHERN HIGHLAND CRAFT GUILD
MP 294
Housed in the Moses Cone Manor for over 25 years, the Parkway Craft Center showcases juried heritage crafts made by artists only located in the Southern Highland region. The Craft Center is open April-November.
**Craft Demonstrations are held on the screen porch May-October

Julian Price Park
MP 295-298

PRICE PARK PICNIC AREA
MP 296.5
This picnic area is very popular with families. There are many picnic tables located along a creek that children love to play in.  There are also a few wide flat spots perfect for playing frisbee, backyard croquet or having a sack race!

PRICE LAKE
MP 297
Price Lake offers canoe and boat rentals May-October.  Fishing is also a popular activity. An easy, flat, 2.3 loop trail goes around the lake as well!

PRICE PARK CAMPGROUND
MP 297
This campground offers tent and RV camping spots with views of Price Lake or in wooded areas, bath houses and water.  In the summer there are ranger programs in the Ampitheatre. This campground tends to sell out during holidays and peak leaf season in October, so book ahead online if you can.

BOONE FORK TRAIL
MP 296.5
The trailhead can be found by the restrooms at the Price Park Picnic Area. This 5 mile loop trail is one of the most popular in the NC High Country due to the variety of scenery you pass.  You will walk over creeks in the forest, through grassy fields with berries and apples, and around boulders by waterfalls that are perfect for a summer swim!

GREEN KNOB TRAIL
MP 295.9
This 2.3 mile trail is a favorite for locals.  It starts in the woods passes by many pools of water, opens into a grassy field with a rewarding view of Grandfather Mountain at the top of the knob.