Blowing Rock really has a lot going for it, from the busy downtown scene with restaurants, shops,…read moreboutiques, sweets, breweries, fine dining, you name it. And then just a 15min walk (or 2 minute car ride) from downtown, Bass Lake is right there for your hiking pleasure. The lake itself is serene with great views from the circumferential hiking path around it. But it doesn't end there. Miles and miles of trails break off from the main lake for a longer outdoor experience. Plenty of parking with clean bathrooms at the main parking area. This is perfect for a shorter stroll around the lake, or a day's adventure across the many trails leading from here.

Great park to go for a walk. I bet they have hiking trails also but I have never been on those. We…read morejust stick to the path around the lake which is an easy walk and gorgeous everywhere you look. They have signs about the different fish in the lake so I believe you can fish there although I've not seen anyone fishing yet. Definitely worth checking out if you're on the area.

On our way to the top for leaf peeping, we stopped here for a bit and enjoyed the scenery. Located…read moreat milepost 297 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the part encompasses over 4200 acres of rolling mountainous terrain that include campgrounds, hiking trails, picnic sites and Price Lake. The highlight is the Tanawha Trail that runs 13.5 miles and includes Grandfather Mountain. There are canoes available for rental and the lake is stocked with fish. This time of year with the leaves turning, it was a beautiful spot and we enjoyed our time here. Five stars. [Review 15917 overall - 3132 in North Carolina - 1422 of 2021.]

The trail around Price Lake is an easy walk, ducking in and out of the tickets along the shore…read more If it's rained or snowed recently, make sure to bring footwear that can tolerate a little mud. While trail improvements have eliminated some of the messier areas, the reality is that well worn walking trails also make for welcoming drainage paths. Parking is readily available in a lot adjacent to the dam, or in a larger lot just down from the amputheater (near the boat rentals).

Elk River Falls is an open recreation area. As such it is not developed and the path is not…read moremaintained. Nevertheless the road into the parking lot is safe and easily passable by typical cars SUVs cans or trucks with either two or four wheel drive. There are no rest rooms or food so you must bring your own food and water. The path is firm and slopes upward gently becoming rocky with prominent tree roots. The 65 foot high big falls is spectacular. It is not a straight fall down. Many deaths have occurred as visitors attempt to dive from the top of the falls. Elk falls ranks in the top 3 waterfall related deaths. The rocks surrounding the first pool are beautiful but have a slippery surface. This park recently reopened after extensive restoration following Hurricane Helene. On the first day it opened there was a fatality of a falls jumper. Despite these challenges this park is a great example of the outdoors in nearly natural and breathtaking state.

The falls are closed as of late April 2026. Road is blocked about 2 miles out from town.read more

I have been going to this place since the mid 1980's as a young boy and we've brought the kids here…read moreseveral times over the past few years. They have both a Gem mine and the trout fishing and in the old days had a mini golf course but that is long gone now. The main guy who operates it, Heath, is super nice and helpful. He got us setup and helped my kids learn to cast the poles and get the hook out once the fish were caught. They charge by the pound and the trout are pretty big so plan a big meal ahead. There's a little extra for cleaning the fish but that's worth it. If you are looking for a fun kid activity this is also a kid friendly place as long as they can hold the pole and reel with your help. The poles, bait, and buckets are supplied so you don't have to bring anything with you. They'll pack it in ice for you also when you leave so you'll be able to keep your fresh catch cold. ----TL;DR----- PROS: plenty of parking, friendly folks, usually it's pretty easy to catch a fish, family run, family oriented and kids will likely enjoy it CONS: none, it's lots of fun BOTTOM LINE: if you like fishing and want to spend a fun few hours, check them out. We've been many times and still love to go back!

They supply everything. Three ponds. The man who works there was very friendly and informative…read more Very nice guy. You don't pay if you don't catch. They even have collapsible chairs. Clean spot. Great time!

My two boys took fly fishing lessons from Kelly at River Girl Fishing. She is amazing with kids…read more They love all things fishing and she was so great teaching them all things fly fishing. She taught them how to tie flies, where to stand in the river, when to fish, and most importantly how to be a good steward of the land. They supplied waders, boots and rods. It was a great experience and we can't wait to go back.

Pros: The town of Todd is small and easy to find. The staff was super friendly, helpful, kind and…read moreknowledgeable. The scenery on the New River was outstanding. The fishing was fantastic as well. (Trout, Chubb and Bass) Cons: the building is not clearly marked as River Girl Fishing Company. The Transportation vans were old. ( totally fine though) I wish we had been advised to only do the hour and a half trip as the three hour trip took almost 5 hours considering how low the river was, we spent much of our time dragging the kayak down the river rather than having a relaxing ride. That being said, I would DEFINITELY recommend this company and this experience when the river is high. I've tubed with 2 other companies and I loved this one!

Spent the day on a float trip with Andy of Fish Goat Guide Service. If you are vacationing near…read moreBoone, North Carolina definitely get on his schedule. He is very involved in maintaining the fishery and has a great attitude about the health and future of the local environment. Put fly fishing the Watauga on your Bucket List - I'm scratching it off mine - but I will be back for more...

Andy took my Dad and I down the Watauga on a full day float. In spite of some less than perfect…read moreweather, Andy put us on some great fish. Andy was patient and super knowledgeable. Looking forward to coming back in the spring!

The park is pretty remote, with only occasional cell service (a good thing or a bad thing depending…read moreon one's needs). The parking really close to the mountain is handicap only, so the intention is for most people to walk a 4.5 mile loop that goes around the mountain and then up it on the way back. It is a substantial climb, both down into a gully with an impressive waterfall and up the mountain itself. The rock does offer wide-spanning views. The infrastructure was not in ideal shape at the time of my visit, with some water fountains down and other limitations in amenities. I also found the trail setup a bit confusing as following marks led me once to a dead end and in another case, I had to hike on a gravel road a bit to get back to the trail and that wasn't marked clearly as the right way to go. While these things could be improved, the park is an excellent resource and as is standard practice in NC (but not in SC or VA), is free to enter.

Great place to come hike. Lots to see & do. Downside is that kids are allowed to come here & make…read morenonstop noise.

Very Beautiful! The lake looks so inviting, maybe next time. Clean relaxing and serene. We rode…read morethrough on the Motorcycle a this Gorgeous Day

Pros: Hidden gem with breathtaking views and tranquil surroundings. Nearby Osceola Island Loop is a…read more1.50 mile gravel trail recommended for a leisurely nature walk. Cons: Unclear signage.

This area recently opened. It has a gravel parking area (handicapped spot is paved), with concrete…read moresteps leading down to the Ararat river. Two wooden beams down the middle of the steps for boat access.

We had a fantastic time. In our party were 3 adults including a 74 year old an two boys ages 10 y…read moreand 11 y. The general store was nice, staff incredible. Checking in was easy - and quickly brought to our launch site. Easy access via ramp or steps - in the water and off we went. Knowing when to exit the river was very obvious (my worry not having done this prior, etc.) Can't be missed. We all had a nice time and are already talking about when to go again. (Plus, you are trucked to the site - and when you are done - you are at your vehicle. Easy to dry off some, hop in the car up the small hill to the shop where you can easily change into dry clothes for your trek home.)

Pros: Was able to tube down the New River same day that I called. The young lady who checked us in…read morefor floating was friendly, as well as the guy who drove us to new river state park to get in. (We did the short float trip) The price is fair. The store had a few necessities, good for what you need from them. The river itself was great for floating. The water level was up, no getting stuck on rocks on our day. Cons: The manager looking guy was a little grumpy looking and not approachable in the store. I actually thought about 3 stars because this was so noticeable, but the others working there don't deserve that. It would have been great to have a few picnic tables or a changing area down at the river. Just a little shack with half doors like a dressing room would be great. We had that in Bryson City after a trip down the river there, and it was wonderful to not have to get in the car while still wet. Everyone was making makeshift beach towel dressing rooms for their friends at this spot.