Welcome to the Boone Adventure Guide’s Best Running Adventures section. Below you will find information on road and trail running in the Boone, NC area including the Greenway Trail, Trout Lake, the Boone Fork Trail, Price Lake, and Moses Cone.

Greenway Trail (Boone)

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With over 10 miles of mixed terrain in a variety of settings, the Greenway Trail provides the perfect opportunity for an afternoon adventure. The area features a wide range of trails that consist of a combination of winding paved roads and gentle gravel paths that wind through the woods above the South Fork of the New River.  For the more adventurous explorers, a series of singletrack trails can be found branching off the main pathways where they explore the mountainous terrain beneath a cool canopy of trees while the New River meanders through the grass fields of the Greenway below.

Directions from Boone: Take Hwy 321 S towards Blowing Rock for 1.8 miles.  Turn left on Boone Heights Dr. and follow to stoplight.  Turn right at State Farm Rd. and to first left onto Hunting Ln.  Take the first left onto Complex Dr.  The trail system begins at the end of the parking lot.

Trout Lake Loop (Blowing Rock)

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The Trout Lake Loop is the perfect destination for runners who prefer mostly flat terrain with incredible scenery.  The gravel trail takes runners and hikers along a scenic 1 mile loop that meanders around the mountain lake through old growth forests and thick rhododendron tunnels.  For something a bit more steep and challenging, look for the Rich Mountain trail that branches off near the parking area.

Directions from Boone: Take Hwy 321 S for 6.8 miles to right onto 321 Business in to downtown Blowing Rock.  Take Highway 221 S from Blowing Rock toward Linville.  Turn right onto Old Shulls Mill Rd. toward the Blue Ridge Parkway, drive beneath the Blue Ridge Parkway bridge, staying to the left at the fork in the road. Look for a small paved road on the right that heads into the parking area for Trout Lake.

Boone Fork Trail (Blowing Rock)

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For those seeking a challenge, the 5 mile Boone Fork Trail is one of the High Country’s most stimulating and challenging running experiences.  The difficulties of running this trail are legendary, making it a challenge best suited for only the most experienced trail runners.  The combination of creek crossings, large boulder fields, and steep terrain – intertwined with one of the most beautiful forest settings the area has to offer – make it a trail that is not to be missed.

Directions from Boone: Take Highway 321 S for 6.4 miles to right onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head south (left turn) to the Julian Price Memorial Park picnic area at milepost 296.5. Cross the footbridge leading from the picnic area over Boone Fork Creek to the signed trail head.

Price Lake Loop (Blowing Rock)

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The 2.7 mile Price Lake Loop within Julian Price Memorial Park takes runners around one of the most pristine mountain lakes in the High Country.  The trail heads around the lake through dense forests and crosses over a series of small creeks via wooden boardwalks that offer runners a chance to catch their breath while taking in the tranquility of the swirling mountain spring water.  A number of short spur trails entice runners with sun-soaked, lake-side relaxation opportunities – perfect for those who want to stop for a while and enjoy the view of Grandfather.

Directions from Boone: Take Highway 321 S for 6.4 miles to right onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head south (left turn) for ~3 miles and look for Price Lake on the left. The park is between mileposts 295.1 and 298.

Moses Cone Memorial Park (Blowing Rock)

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Bass Lake in Moses Cone

Bass Lake in Moses Cone

With over 25 miles of carriage roads weaving around an expansive area, the Moses Cone Manor is a prime destination for runners who want to cover a lot of ground.  From the Manor House, runners can opt to go through a tunnel beneath the Parkway and make a long, steady 2 mile climb through deciduous forests and green fields to the top of the mountain where a four-story fire tower awaits.  The 360 degree view from the tower provides explorers with a spectacular view of the High Country.

Directions from Boone: Take Highway 321 S for 6.4 miles to right onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head south (left turn) for ~2 miles. Moses Cone Memorial Park is at milepost 294.