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Hiking and Biking Trails
 NC
hiking
is perhaps the most popular outdoor activity in
the High Country. There are multiple trails that
are appropriate for all abilities. Hiking is an
excellent way to enjoy the breathtaking views of
the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
There are many hiking trails located all along
the Blue Ridge Parkway and in nearby parks. A
popular tail in the area is located at
Moses H. Cone Julian Price Memorial Park. Trails
available for hiking include Boone Fork Loop
Trail, the Tanawha Trail, and the many carriage
tails located within the park.
The Linville area, off the parkway near
Grandfather Mountain, offers additional hiking trails.
The Linville
Falls Trail is in the area, and is where the
upper part of Linville Falls can be viewed.
Grandfather Mountain North Carolina also offers hikers with an
abundance of well-maintained hiking trails that
accommodate the more experienced hikers.
Biking enthusiasts flock to the North Carolina High Country for
unbeatable mountain biking opportunities, as
there is an abundance of trails and local bike
shops in the area. Annually, many events take
place throughout the area that attracts cyclists
from surrounding states. Several bike races and
events take place here in the High Country,
which are becoming popular among mountain bikers
everywhere.
Scattered all over Boone, Blowing Rock and
Banner Elk are many trails to challenge all
abilities. Located in Blowing Rock you will find
Benson Hollow Trail, which is considered to be
one of the “Best Mountain Biking Trails in North
Carolina.” Other trails, such as 18-Mile Ride
and Buckeye Trail are close to Boone and Blowing
Rock and also top the list.
 Beech
Mountain offers a variety of biking along its 51
miles of paved routes. All routes begin at the
Visitors Center, across from Town Hall. Beech
Mountain Parkway offers a climb in elevation of
1400 feet in a mere three and a half miles that
offers a challenge to those training in the High
Country. Traffic on Beech Mountain is minimal,
and the 25 mph speed limit offers a safe
environment for cyclists.
During the summer months, Sugar Mountain offers
cyclists with free access to the many trails
that intertwine throughout the Village. Sugar
also makes their lifts available so that
cyclists may ride to the top and practice their
downhill skills.
Also common to the area are races and bike
challenges that attract individuals from all
over the 50 states to the High Country
throughout the summer. Blood, Sweat and Gears
Challenge is a grueling ride, considering the
route includes a 21 mile portion on the Blue
Ridge Parkway, a climb over a 4,500 gap on Snake
Mountain, and another 10 miles of ‘flat' areas
near Deep Gap. The century race is a 100 mile
loop that begins and concludes in Valle Crucis
North Carolina.
Another more common race in High Country happens
in Wilkesboro, the Burn 24 Challenge, is a
premier 24-hour relay race. This challenge takes
place at Dark Mountain Tails, and registers 400
racers. The Showdown at Sugar Mountain is a
NORBA National Championship Event that appeals
to professionals and amateurs alike. The event
takes place in May, and attracts participants
from all 50 states. |
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| If you have any
questions or would like more information, please contact us
828-898-5226, 828-898-6211,
email
us, or use our online request form. |
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