Top 4 Trails to Hike near Boone, NC

March means warmer weather is upon us…while chilly days are still lingering in the NC mountains. The beginning of springtime is the best time to break out of hibernation and discover the outdoors.What better way to get outside than to plan a hike near Boone, NC? We’ve put together the top 4 trails to hike near Boone, NC.

Plan stay at The Horton Hotel and try out 2 or 3 of these hikes during your stay this Spring. The Horton is now offering a springtime deal to save BIG on your next stay! Use promo code TAKE2 when you book a 2 nights stay Sunday through Thursday to SAVE 50% OFF one night! THAT’S RIGHT, you’ll get half off one night! This deal is good now through April 29, 2021. You must book by April 1, 2021 and use the promo code “TAKE2” TO SAVE 50% OFF ONE OF THE NIGHTS! Book online at connors52.sg-host.com or call (828) 832-8060 – don’t forget to use the promo code when booking. Strictly not valid on existing reservations. Not valid for Friday and Saturday dates. Discount is only applied to the lowest rate. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Discount can only be used once per reservation. Must book by 4/1/21 for dates now – 4/29/21.

#1 Trail to hike near Boone, NC is Profile Trail

Grandfather Mountain is one of the most beautiful, yet rugged landscapes in North Carolina. If you plan to take this hike know that you are in for an all-day experience filled with ups and downs and fancy footwork at times, and don’t forget to bring along your camera to capture the beauty of it all. Ascending about 1700 feet for over 3 miles, this trail begins at the Profile Trail parking area off of NC Hwy 105 N, and it ends at the Grandfather Trail at Calloway Gap. Plan on taking in the scenic views, and if you hit the trail at just the right time you’ll see seasonal wildflowers. You cross over the rushing Watauga River and walk under a canopy of trees. You eventually move into a strenuous pathway of tumble-down rock that joins the Grandfather Trail, and there are parts of this trail that are not recommended for pets. With some good footwork you will do just fine, and you’re sure to enjoy several expansive views of peaks along the way.

#2 Trail to hike near Boone, NC is Sims Creek

Sims Creek or Green Knob is mild to moderate loop trail in Blowing Rock’s Julian Price Memorial Park. Sims Creek Trail is a
fairly short 2+ mile loop that can be hiked from the Sims Pond Overlook or from the Sims Creek Overlook. Start your hike in the morning at Sims Pond and head northeast along Sims Creek to see a beautiful view of Grandfather Mountain from a meadow. Eventually, the trail crosses a bridge over Sims Creek leaving the pond. The trail crosses directly under the Sims Creek Viaduct.

#3 Trail to hike near Boone, NC is Rough Ridge

TIP: This is the trail to take if you want to capture couples photos, vista scenery, and expansive views to frame at home. Enjoy spectacular Instagram-worthy mountain views of Grandfather Mountain and Linn Cove Viaduct from the hike on Rough Ridge. Start off with a short uphill hike from the parking area along a boardwalk. Continue hiking for another 1/2 mile to the Rough Ridge summit (4,773 ft. elevation), which will not disappoint! Whip out the camera! There are several large boulders along the trail that you can sit on to take in the views. Take a picnic! At the summit, the highest rock has cables to help you reach the top. Total elevation climb from the parking area is 480 ft.

#4 Trail to hike near Boone, NC is The Horton Hike by Fulton Lovin, owner of The Horton Hotel

This trail is a treat and it is nestled just steps away from The Horton Hotel, along the Appalachian State University campus. You first stroll through campus and eventually make your way under epic tunnels of Rhododendron blooms. The path even offers gazing views of APP’s football and baseball stadiums. This special little path winds your through the Appalachian State University Nature Preserve and offers hikers a quiet path to look out and over a bustling downtown Boone. Fulton Lovin, the owner of The Horton Hotel, sometimes offers free guided hikes starting in the Horton Hotel lobby…and the history and storytelling you’ll get on one of those excursions makes for a very special memory.

Pack light for your hike near Boone, NC

Lightweight hiking backpack.
Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
Hiking boots that are good for all terrain.
Bring along your favorite energy bars – plural!
Plenty of water is a must!
Navigation tools such as a map and compass.
Mini first-aid kit good to have with you.
Knife or multi-tool just in case you come across an unruly branch.

Written by Andrea Morton, Director of Operations for The Horton Hotel