Blowing Rock

Drive just 10 minutes south of Boone and you’ll find yourself in the small town of Blowing Rock. Named after one of the state’s most famous attractions, The Blowing Rock.

The Blowing Rock is a cliff formation that sits 3,000 feet above Johns River Gorge. From here you can see the prominent Grandfather Mountain 14 miles away. Due to a flume formed within the rocky walls of the Gorge, a fairly constant northwest wind can force light objects thrown over the cliff to return again. 

The most common legend of The Rock involves a man leaping off a cliff only to be sent by the strong wind back into the arms of his love. (While it is highly ill-advised to try anything of that nature!) Blowing Rock is only three square miles, but has a lot to offer outdoors enthusiasts, foodies, shoppers and more. 

Blowing Rock is close to whitewater rafting, hiking on the Blue Ridge Parkway, horseback riding, rock climbing, ziplining, and fishing. Even hike to a waterfall right from Main Street in Downtown Blowing Rock. Main street offers wonderful shops, restaurants and lots of cultural opportunities with the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum. 

Blowing Rock is also home to the first theme park in the state, Tweetsie Railroad. Tweetsie is a wild west themed amusement park with rides, a petting zoo, shows and a real steam train. Tweetsie is open all summer, fall and through the holidays with a Christmas Train Ride.

For those heading to the Blowing Rock area to fish, you will be in luck! The Head Waters of the New River start in Blowing Rock! You can even head to Price Lake, Trout Lake, and Bass Lake—all off the Blue Ridge Parkway that passes through Blowing Rock! Kids love to fish in the stocked Broyhill Lake. Lots to do for all ages!