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The leaves are a little past their peak, but these 3 easy hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway offer spectacular views — and a few tips can help you beat the crowds
The peak of fall leaf season might be behind us in the North Carolina mountains, but that doesn't mean the show is over.
There are still plenty of beautiful reds, yellows and oranges to see along the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially in the valleys below the higher elevations.
I headed out early one recent morning to check out three favorite spots between Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain. All offer beautiful scenery without requiring a strenuous hike, although some have rocky terrain that requires careful footing.
Here are three worth checking out:
1. Rough Ridge: The classic mountain view
Sunrise at Rough Ridge last weekend. (Photo: Tony Mecia/The Mountain Ledger)
One of the most popular spots along the Parkway, Rough Ridge offers spectacular views of Grandfather Mountain and the colorful valleys below.
The trail starts at milepost 302.8, where there's a small parking area that fills quickly during leaf season. Even at sunrise, around 7:30 a.m., the lot was already full.
It's about a 10- to 15-minute uphill walk to the first major viewpoint, where a large rock outcropping provides an expansive panorama. You can continue farther up the trail for additional viewpoints.
The hike isn't especially strenuous — you'll see families with young children and dogs — but there are steep spots, uneven rocks and exposed roots. Expect company at the overlooks.
2. Beacon Heights: A less-crowded alternative
The early morning view at Beacon Heights. (Photo: Tony Mecia/The Mountain Ledger)
Farther south, near the Parkway's intersection with U.S. 221, Beacon Heights might be an even better choice.
The trail, at milepost 305.2, takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes to climb. Near the top, it branches toward two broad rock outcroppings offering sweeping mountain views.
What makes Beacon Heights especially appealing is the extra room to spread out. The overlooks are spacious, and crowds tend to be smaller than at Rough Ridge. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic.
The trail is short but rocky, with some steep sections and exposed roots. Wear shoes with good traction.
3. Price Lake: Fall colors reflected in water
A serene view of Price Lake last weekend. (Photo: Tony Mecia/The Mountain Ledger)
For something gentler, head to Price Lake, near milepost 297, just south of Blowing Rock.
Instead of climbing to a mountain overlook, you'll find colorful trees surrounding a peaceful lake. On calm mornings, the foliage reflects in the water, creating especially beautiful photographs.
The lakeside trail is a 2.7-mile loop and it is flat, although parts can be uneven or muddy.
A few final tips:
Go early, preferably on a weekday.
Sunrise and sunset bring an added bonus: The usual blue-gray mountains can take on beautiful shades of purple, pink and red.
If hiking isn't your thing: There are plenty of Parkway overlooks where you can enjoy the scenery without venturing far from your car.
It's hard to go wrong this time of year.
THINGS TO DO
Haunted trail, costume party, ‘War of the Worlds,’ trick-or-treating, Beech Mountain ghost tour
THURSDAY-FRIDAY-SUNDAY
“Gallantry & The Impresario,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. Sunday, at the Appalachian Theatre, 559 W. King St., Boone. Appalachian State's opera program presents two short comic operas: Douglas Moore's Gallantry, a sendup of television soap operas, and Mozart's The Impresario, a comedy about the backstage world of theater. Both are sung in English. Tickets $22 adults, $5 students.
THURSDAY-FRIDAY-SATURDAY-SUNDAY
“Hamlet,” 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, at Valborg Theatre, 480 Howard St., Boone. Appalachian State's Department of Theatre and Dance presents Shakespeare's tragedy of a Danish prince seeking revenge for his father's murder. There are four opportunities to catch the production this weekend. Tickets $10–$17.
FRIDAY
“Haunted Trail & Halloween Event,” 5–8:30 p.m., at Buckeye Recreation Center, 1330 Pine Ridge Road, Beech Mountain. The town's Parks and Recreation Department brings back its Halloween trail experience, with a themed haunted walk and family activities. The recreation center grounds provide a mountain setting for an evening of Halloween festivities. Free.
“Halloween Costume Party at Eagles Nest Winery,” beginning at 6 p.m., at Eagles Nest Winery, 1965 Old Beech Mountain Road, Elk Park. The winery is hosting a Halloween costume gathering for adults.
“War of the Worlds,” 7–8 p.m., at the Appalachian Theatre's Mast Store Community Room, 559 W. King St., Boone. Blue Ridge Community Theatre presents an adaptation of H.G. Wells' science-fiction classic, based on a 1967 BBC broadcast. Scientist John Nicholson recounts the terrifying signs of an alien invasion in this one-hour production, appropriately scheduled for Halloween weekend.
SATURDAY
“Boone BOO!,” 4–6:30 p.m., along King Street in downtown Boone. The town closes several downtown streets for its annual Halloween celebration, featuring trick-or-treating at local businesses, a haunted house at the Jones House and activities at the Watauga County Public Library. A costume contest begins at 5 p.m., with categories for children, teenagers and adults.
“Banner Elk Trunk-or-Treat,” 5–7 p.m., at the Historic Banner Elk School, downtown Banner Elk. Local businesses and community members will decorate their vehicles and hand out candy at this Halloween gathering. The historic school serves as the center of a celebration that brings together families and local organizations.
“Blowing Rock Halloween Festival and Monster March,” 5:45 p.m., along Main Street and at Memorial Park, Blowing Rock. The town's Halloween celebration includes a costumed parade down Main Street, trick-or-treating at downtown businesses beginning at 6 p.m. and a costume contest at 7 p.m. There's also a new pet costume contest. Parade participants should line up at the American Legion at 5:15 p.m. Free.
“Frights and Pints: A Beech Mountain Ghost Tour,” 8:30–10 p.m., beginning at the public parking lot, 101 Bark Park Way, Beech Mountain. This first-ever walking ghost tour explores local legends, mysterious happenings and stories from Beech Mountain's past. Participants will make stops where food and drinks are available for purchase. Free.
SUNDAY
“High Country Cars & Coffee Trunk-or-Treat,” 1–3 p.m. Sunday, in front of Hobby Lobby at Boone Mall, 1180 Blowing Rock Road. The group's fifth annual event combines a gathering of cars, trucks and motorcycles with Halloween costumes and candy for children. The Facebook post for the event requests “Please no burnouts or fast accelerating in the parking lot.” Free.
“Steely Pan Steel Band,” 6 p.m., at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, 733 Rivers St., Boone. Appalachian State's steel band, directed by Diana Loomer, performs arrangements of popular songs alongside new compositions written by students.
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🎵 Live music this weekend
FRIDAY
Noah McKinney, 2-5 p.m., Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, Foscoe. Bluegrass, country and rock music. Admission not listed.
Tom Pillion, 1-5 p.m., Banner Elk Winery, Banner Elk. Local musician performing at the winery.
Kevin Russell, 6-10 p.m., Banner Elk Cafe & Lodge, Banner Elk. Singer-songwriter performing an evening set.
Halloween Monster Concert, 8-9 p.m., Rosen Concert Hall, Broyhill Music Center, Boone. Appalachian State's organ students present a Halloween-themed concert under the direction of Joby Bell. Features “frightening organ music, pumpkin carols, spooky décor, and candy at the conclusion.” Costumes are encouraged. Free.
SATURDAY
Scarlet Lemonade, 1:30-5:30 p.m., Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, Foscoe. Guitar-and-vocals duo playing rock, country and familiar favorites.
Danny Whittington, 6-10 p.m., Banner Elk Cafe & Lodge, Banner Elk. Multi-instrumentalist performing classic singer-songwriter favorites, Motown, country and beach music.
REAL ESTATE WATCH
For sale: $2.3M home in the Sweetgrass community
This contemporary mountain home in the Sweetgrass community — near the Blue Ridge Parkway off Holloway Mountain Road — offers upscale living, plenty of room for entertaining and access to a private lake. Built in 2022, the property at 137 Mountain Breeze Knoll is listed for $2,299,900.
Stats: Three bedrooms, 3½ bathrooms and 3,661 square feet on 0.92 acres, plus a two-car garage.
Features: Gourmet kitchen, wood-burning stove, heated bathroom floors, library with secret passage and recreation room.
Extras: Separate 516-square-foot artist’s studio and covered outdoor living area with gas fireplace.
Amenities: Private 22-acre lake, walking trails, fitness center and trout-stocked creek.
LOCAL NEWS OF NOTE
Hiker rescue, farmers market honors
Hiker rescued: Volunteer rescuers carried a distressed hiker off Grandfather Mountain’s rugged Grandfather Trail on Tuesday night after providing food, water and warm clothing during a two-hour rescue operation. (Watauga Online)
Top farmers market: The Watauga County Farmers Market in Boone was voted North Carolina’s favorite farmers market in a national competition and was ranked among the Southeast’s top five as it celebrates its 53rd season and an estimated $1.83 million annual economic impact. (High Country Press)
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