Blowing Rock Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Blowing Rock is a charming town nestled in the beautiful North Carolina region of the United States. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor activities, and rich history, this destination offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

One of the main attractions in Blowing Rock is the eponymous Blowing Rock itself. This natural wonder is a cliff formation that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can witness the unique phenomenon where strong winds cause water to blow vertically instead of falling, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight. The Blowing Rock also boasts well-maintained trails that allow hikers to explore the area and marvel at the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the downtown area of Blowing Rock is filled with quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Strolling through the streets, visitors can discover local crafts, antiques, and specialty items. The town's vibrant arts scene is evident in the numerous galleries that feature works from local and regional artists. After a day of shopping and exploring, visitors can indulge in delicious cuisine at one of the many restaurants that offer a variety of culinary delights.

Blowing Rock is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing. The nearby Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. This former estate now serves as a public park with over 25 miles of trails that wind through picturesque meadows, forests, and past beautiful lakes. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in the nearby rivers and lakes, while winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at the Appalachian Ski Mountain.

In addition to its natural beauty, Blowing Rock is also rich in history. The town is home to the historic Green Park Inn, one of the oldest hotels in North Carolina. This iconic landmark has welcomed guests since 1882 and retains its old-world charm while offering modern amenities. History buffs can also explore the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, which showcases the region's cultural heritage through various exhibits and educational programs.

Alternative names: Population: 1.3 thous.Area: 3.04 mi²Elevation: 3560 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 36°7'58"N, 81°40'40"W

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North CarolinaUnited States

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Blowing Rock Top Attractions

Blowing Rock Attractions - What to See and Explore

Blowing Rock offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Appalachian Ski Mountain, Julian Price Memorial Park, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Former Randall Memorial Building. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Winter sport • Outdoor activities • Ski area
Appalachian Ski Mountain
Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian Ski Mountain is a charming ski area located in the town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, United States. This winter sports haven offers a variety of slopes to cater to both beginners and seasoned skiers, making it...
Trail • Lake • Park
Julian Price Memorial Park
Julian Price Memorial Park is a park of 4,200 acres at the foot of Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina, named in honor of Julian Price. It is at milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and directly adjacent to the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park.
Historical place • Equestrian trail • Outdoor activities
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
The Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is a country estate in honor of Moses H. Cone in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. It is on the Blue Ridge Parkway between mileposts 292 and 295 with access at milepost 294. Most locals call it Cone Park.

36°7'55"N • 81°40'40"W
Former Randall Memorial Building
The former Randall Memorial Building, also known as the Village Cafe, is a historic commercial building located at Blowing Rock, Watauga County, North Carolina. It was built in 1907, and is a 1 1/2-story, weatherboarded cottage with steep gable roof. It has a one-story hip roofed wing.
36°8'19"N • 81°40'13"W
Bollinger-Hartley House
The Bollinger-Hartley House is a historic house located at 423 North Main Street in Blowing Rock, Watauga County, North Carolina.
Neighbourhood
Vardell Family Cottages Historic District
Vardell Family Cottages Historic District are three historic summer homes and national historic district located at Blowing Rock, Watauga County, North Carolina. They are Opicherhoka, Hemlock Cottage, and The Shoe. Opicherhoka is a picturesque two-story, weatherboarded frame Arts and Crafts-style dwelling.

Day trips

Blowing Rock – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Blowing Rock, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Bristol Motor Speedway (Bristol), Land of Oz Theme Park (Banner Elk), Wolf Ridge Ski Resort (Mars Hill).

42 milesNW
Iconic short track speedway and drag strip
Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol
Bristol Motor Speedway, often referred to as "The Last Great Colosseum," is a beacon for NASCAR enthusiasts and a must-see for any tourist visiting Bristol, Tennessee. This iconic stadium is best known for its short-track racing and is one of the most famous venues in...
12 milesW
Amusement, Amusement park, Theme park
Land of Oz Theme Park, Banner Elk
Nestled atop Beech Mountain in North Carolina, the Land of Oz Theme Park invites visitors to step into a storybook world that has captured the imaginations of generations. This enchanting theme park, based on L. Frank Baum's beloved "The Wizard of Oz," offers a unique...
48 milesW
Winter sport, Park, Outdoor activities
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, Mars Hill
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is a ski area in the eastern United States in western North Carolina, near Mars Hill. Five miles from Interstate 26, it has fifteen ski slopes and trails, with four of the slopes rated for beginners, nine 'intermediate', and only two as 'advanced'.
42 milesSW
Natural feature
Blue Ridge Mountains, Mount Mitchell State Park
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a physiographic province of the larger Appalachian Mountains range. The mountain range is located in the eastern United States, and extends 550 miles southwest from southern Pennsylvania through Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.
41 milesW
Civic center, Sport venue, Sport
Freedom Hall Civic Center, Johnson City
Freedom Hall Civic Center is a multi-purpose arena in Johnson City, Tennessee. Starting in 2014, it became the basketball venue for East Tennessee State University.