The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Blowing Rock, North Carolina (NC)

July 3, 2021 Lashaunda Abraham

Named "the only place in the world where snow falls upside down" by Ripley's-Believe-It-Or-Not, the legendary Blowing Rock geological formation has been attracting visitors to its corner of North Carolina since 1933. The accompanying mountain village of Blowing Rock sits 4,000 feet above sea level along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. The winter brings enough snow to the nearby Blue Ridge Mountain peaks that it is possible to ski the south, staying over at one of Blowing Rocks charming B&Bs.
Restaurants in Blowing Rock

1. Sky Valley Zip Tours

Excellent
96%
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5.0 based on 932 reviews

Sky Valley Zip Tours

We provide the best zip line adventures in western North Carolina. Three tours are offered: 1) Canopy Tour: A thrilling ATV ride leads to 10 zip lines, a 45' vertical descent off a rock face, and a 120' cable bridge over a 35' cascading waterfall. Cross the valley from 300' above its floor. Must be 10 years old and 70-250 lbs. to participate. 2) Kid Zip: Called the Whistle Pig Adventure Park, our kids' zip line is a miniature version of the Canopy Tour. Includes 7 zips, a small bridge, and a 20' slide out of the trees. Kids can play for up to 2 hours and zip through the course as many times as they can. An adult chaperone can relax in the viewing area or walk around just below the kids to take pictures and cheer them on. A covered picnic shelter and water are provided. Children must be 4 years old and be able to reach 48" high. 3) Night Flight: Starting after dark on select weekends, this moonlit tour covers the first half of the Canopy Tour course and ends with the cliff jump.

2. Vx3 Trail Rides

Blowing Rock, NC +1 828-963-0260 [email protected] http://www.vx3trailrides.com/
Excellent
96%
Good
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5.0 based on 283 reviews

Vx3 Trail Rides

See the North Carolina mountains like never before! Enjoy customized horseback riding in Moses Cone Memorial Park with experienced trail guide Tim Vines. 3 Hour ride on trustworthy horses with easy trails in Blowing Rock NC. Reservations required. Age restrictions. Weight restrictions. Social distancing is easy on a horse!

Reviewed By T5435JKkatiec

I don’t think we can say enough wonderful things about Tim and his horses. This ride was amazing even for experienced riders like my daughter & I - the views were lovely, and Tim patiently answered all of our questions about both horses and park history. The horses were amiable and gentle: our friend who came along, with little riding experience, enjoyed every minute and gladly said she’d come again.Tim even gave light riding pointers to my daughter Maddie...who immediately decided she’s going to take up western riding and barrel racing. (Thanks, Tim - there go more riding lessons. ????) We’re heading back up to Blowing Rock in the summer, and we know exactly who we are going to call to take the rest of our family on this gorgeous trail ride.

3. High Gravity Adventures

Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 248 reviews

High Gravity Adventures

**We are open periodically throughout the winter and as weather allows, check our website for the most current information. High Gravity Adventures is located in the Boone/Blowing Rock area of North Carolina and specializes in unique and active outdoor recreation for ages 4 & up. Complete with a Zip Line Tour, an Aerial Adventure Park, and a Giant Swing, there is everything your family needs to have a fun and adventurous day in the high country! Soar across multiple lines on the Zip Line Tour, culminating in a 1,000 ft zip over a beautiful valley and a 70 ft (optional) breathtaking free-fall experience. Explore over 75 aerial challenges including rappelling stations and climbing stations, all ranging from 15 to 50 feet off the ground in the aerial adventure park. Take a thrilling 45 ft plunge on the Giant Swing. Whatever adventure you’re ready for, we’re ready to lead the way!

4. Mountains to Coast Fly Fishing & Shotgun Sports Guide Service

Excellent
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Mountains to Coast Fly Fishing & Shotgun Sports Guide Service

We offer Fly Fishing, Clay/Skeet Shooting, Quail Hunts Guide Services. Mountains to Coast Fly Fishing & Shotgun Sports Guide Services offer great fish variety with multiple private steams, an incredible catch rate, with some of the best Trout fishing you will find anywhere in the world. We also offer private, not public guided Clay Target Shooting excursions with professional instructions on our private property. In addition we can take you to our private properties for a super fun time on one of our numerous upland bird hunts for Quail, Chukar Partridge, or Pheasant. Meet one of our Top Pointers / Retrievers. We have the equipment, knowledge, and experience. I'll personally guarantee and make sure you, family, friends, and groups will have fun! Reserve your private guided trips, tours, events, today.

5. Bass Lake

Bass Lake Loop Drive, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 http://www.exploreboone.com/outdoors/hiking/bass-lake/
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
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5.0 based on 111 reviews

Bass Lake

Reviewed By 15gregk - Southport, United States

A really beautiful walk around a historic lake without a lot of ups and downs. Fun but not strenuous.

6. Carriage Run Carriage Service

115 Rustic Rd (Parking Lot On Hwy 221), Blowing Rock, NC 28605 +1 704-600-5403 http://www.carriageruncarriageservice.com
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Carriage Run Carriage Service

Come and take a ride with us at Moses H. Cone memorial park in Blowing Rock, Nc from the comfort of one of our carriages. Experience breath taking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as our horses take you on a 2hr ride on some of the estates original carriage trails. We can accommodate up to 9 passengers with no age limit. Reservations required

7. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock, NC +1 828-295-7938 http://www.blueridgeheritage.com/attractions-destinations/moses-cone-manor
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 878 reviews

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

The home and grounds of textile manufacturer Moses Cone.

Reviewed By loisp297 - Candler, United States

Some of the best horse trails in Western North Carolina! These trails were originally built as recreational carriage trails by the Cone family back in the early 1900’s and have been beautifully preserved by the park service over the years. There are 25 miles of trails, leading past two lakes, an historic apple barn & two mountain tops. One has a lookout tower with 360 degree views of the Boone area, including Grandfather Mountain. A highlight is the manor house, now home to art and craft shows and a small ranger/information station. Restrooms with flush toilets are available in the nearby carriage house. Trails open to hikers & equestrians , but not bikes or motor vehicles. Horse trailer parking available at Trout Lake & near the Bass Lake lot. Non-trailer parking available at Bass Lake & right off the Parkway at the manor house.

8. Wahoo's Adventures

Excellent
74%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.5 based on 1,882 reviews

Wahoo's Adventures

ACCEPT NO IMITATIONS! "2 Time Outfitter of the Year", 8 Time TripAdvisor "Peoples Choice Award", an Hall of Fame. Celebrating our 40th anniversary. Award winning service, with the highest quality outdoor adventures in the region, at the GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICES! Fantastic full service Outposts, located on or by the areas best rivers. Providing the ultimate in convenience with riverside parking, hot showers, store, catered meals(basic to gourmet), camping, treehouse cabins, and so much more. NO LONG BUS RIDES! We have adventures for the smallest of children "MILD", up to "WILD" World Class Extreme Rafting adventures. Our Guides are known as some of the "Finest Seasoned Outdoor Professionals", you will find in the World today. Many have been running rivers for over 15+ yrs, honing skills on rivers Worldwide and then sharing their skills with our younger Guides and YOU our GUEST to offer an amazing experience! Go with the PROS at WAHOOS, You will WITNESS and EXPERIENCE the DIFFERENCE!

9. Glen Burney Trail

Annie Cannon Gardens on Laurel Lane, Blowing Rock, NC https://www.visitnc.com/listing/CjG4/glen-burney-trail-annie-cannon-gardens
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 177 reviews

Glen Burney Trail

Reviewed By elliottriley8 - Statesville, United States

Moderate hike with cool views. Not strenuous at all but also not "easy". Nice to get away from the clutter of the downtown area and not be too far from civilization. Great for couples, families, friends. The trail is barely wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side, so keep that in mind if you have small children or animals with you. Very cool to walk alongside water the whole time. Almost no trash on the trail (did see a bottle or two), so please don't trash this area!

10. Green Knob Trail

Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Excellent
79%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 14 reviews

Green Knob Trail

Reviewed By 83margiem - Apex, United States

Loved this hike! We went counterclockwise from Sims Pond as some reviews suggested. Half of the hike is among massive rhododendrons and follows a beautiful creek with small waterfalls providing lovely babbling brook noises as you trek and is visible a lot of the way. We ventured closer to the water a few times just to view the water cascading over stones and fallen trees. It is very doable for the average hiker. You do need to cross the creek several times stepping on stones that may be wobbly/wet/slippery. Recommend waterproof boots if you have them. About halfway in, you will find yourself in a meadow with a bit of a climb to the top of the hill, followed by a downhill. We didn't see any cows though I have seen some in photos of this trail. It is about 2.5 miles which took us about an hour and 1/2 due to all the meandering we did along the creek. I will definitely return to this one!

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