Blowing Rock Area
About Blowing Rock Area
The Town of Blowing Rock gets its name from The Blowing Rock, an immense cliff located 4,000 feet above sea level and overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. The rocky walls of the gorge form a flume through which the northwest wind sweeps with such force that it returns light objects cast over the void. The region encompassing Boone, Blowing Rock, West Jefferson and Beech Mountain enjoys many such attractions and is referred to as North Carolina’s High Country.
The Blue Ridge Parkway has deep roots in Blowing Rock as home to the original locating and claim engineer and consultant for the Blue Ridge Parkway, R. Getty Browning. It was primarily Browning who convinced federal officials to move the Parkway alignment to North Carolina from its original route through Tennessee. Blowing Rock is the only full-service town on the Blue Ridge Parkway and is also home to one of the most popular and historic structures on the Parkway, the Cone Manor.
Stories from Blowing Rock Area
June 16, 2022
I bet most of us have an example of a vacation that didn’t go as planned. A road was closed, a parking lot was full, traffic slowed or halted your progress to your destination. It throws a wrench into your travel plans and can even derail your trip. So, what should you do to help prepare for the unexpected? Here are nine practical tips for planning a successful Blue Ridge Parkway road trip.
November 18, 2021
Spending the holidays in the Blue Ridge Mountains brings to mind cozy fireside nights under homespun quilts, a brisk family outing to find the perfect Christmas tree on a local farm, and the very the best slopes for skiing and sledding. We've rounded up all this and more in our guide to festive winter fun in the communities along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
November 11, 2021
There are many places in the Blue Ridge region where you can snag a prime fishing spot if you know where to look and what regulations to follow.
August 23, 2021
When will the Parkway's leaves change to their wardrobe of fall colors? Read on for travel tips to aid in planning your fall trip to the Blue Ridge region.
February 24, 2021
A drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is literally a trip through time. But there’s lots more history and heritage to experience along the Parkway beside the route itself. But there’s lots more history and heritage to experience along the Parkway beside the route itself.
December 31, 2020
When high elevation nighttime temperatures dip below freezing, sections of the Parkway may be closed due to ice and snow. The roadway is not plowed or salted so closed areas become wonderful winter playgrounds for pedestrians, cyclists, skiers and snowshoers alike.
December 4, 2020
Many of the businesses along the Blue Ridge Parkway remain open year-round and offer such eclectic merchandise that you can shop for everyone on your holiday gift list from the comfort of your home and have the gifts delivered to your door or directly to the recipient.
November 16, 2020
Even while staying at home we still seem to be busy. Maybe this season you'll want to slow down and make time to take a getaway with your significant other. Regardless of when you choose to enjoy a romantic getaway along the Blue Ridge Parkway, we have some options and ideas for you to consider.
September 9, 2020
Numerous waterfalls are located throughout the Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway regions. Some are visible from the road and some require a hike. This list notes the location and ease of access for each waterfall.
October 18, 2018
When will the leaves be at peak color this Fall along the Blue Ridge Parkway? While it would be nice if we could forecast the moment Autumn foliage will dazzle us with peak vibrancy as reliably as we track the ocean's tides, just when and why the leaves change colors is a complex array of factors far less predictable.
Recommended Itineraries
Region:
North Carolina
Duration:2 - 3 days
Blowing Rock is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and is home to several iconic NC High Country attractions. It takes more than one day to tour some of the best-known sites. If you are looking for a sight-seeing adventure or just want to revisit your favorites, check out this itinerary!
Region:
North Carolina
Duration:1 day
The little town of Blowing Rock is surrounded by undeveloped lands, like a giant backyard to explore. This one-day itinerary takes in the views and the environment for a true Blue Ridge experience.
Region:
North Carolina
Duration:1 day
A one day trip through the Highlands District of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina reveals the shift from flat plateau to mountain ridges. Find yourself in the rolling pastures of Doughton Park (Milepost 240 – 245) or exploring the Grandfather Mountain corridor (Milepost 295 – 300) or the rugged Linville Gorge (Milepost 317).
Region:
Virginia
,
North Carolina
Duration:2 - 3 days
A two-day trip through the Parkway's Highlands district reveals the shift from flat plateau to mountain ridges. Find yourself in the rolling pastures of Doughton Park (Milepost 240 – 245) or exploring the Grandfather Mountain corridor (Milepost 295 – 300) or the rugged Linville Gorge (Milepost 317) with a night in North Carolina’s High Country of Boone or Blowing Rock.