Local Hiking Trails

We who live in Watauga county often forget how lucky we are to be surrounded by such beautiful habitats. Most of us rarely go out on expeditions to explore our local parks. One of the biggest local attractions, the Parkway, is littered with trails waiting to be explored! One of the best places to find the most fun and interesting hikes is Julian Price Park, about a fifteen minute drive from our High School. This guide will contain a list of trails, their difficulty, length to complete, and potential hazards.

4. Sim’s Pond

Location: Off the parkway right before Price Park

Length: 2.1 Miles

Description: Sims pond is an excellent little hike snaking around a small lake and under the parkway. The loop is fairly flat with a few steep downhill stretches towards the end.

3. Price Lake

Location: Off the parkway right after Price Park

Length: 2.7 Miles

Description: Price Lake is a short hike around the Price Lake dam/reservoir. The terrain is absolutely flat and a portion of the trail is graveled. Beware that the backside of the trail is almost always flooded and muddy so dress appropriately. Swimming is not permitted, but fishing and boating are allowed.

2. Boone Fork Loop

Location: Trailhead is in Price Park

Length: 5.1 Miles

Description: The Boone Fork Loop is a wonderful hike following a river all around the parkway. The trail offers many side spurs leading to swimming holes, Fields, and rock faces that can be used for bouldering. This hike is rather lengthy so you should be sure to pack water and make sure the weather will hold. (I’ve had to hide under a rock formation during hail, not fun) there is a bit of elevation change and the trail can be treacherous and rocky and some areas. In addition there is usually a little flooding at the beginning and end.

1. Boone Fork Loop

Location: Marked Spur Trail off the Boone fork (1.5 miles in)

Length: 0.5 Miles

Description: Hebron falls is by far my favorite spot in the watauga area. While the Hike in and out are somewhat tedious it is very worth it! Hebron falls used to be a large waterfall that was later blasted out to make space for a railroad that never came. Today it is a massive cluster of boulders and small falls that can be scaled or run on. I challenge myself to make it to the top and back down as fast as possible. Please note that this can be dangerous and falling can result in broken bones or maybe even death. Please be careful while playing on the rocks!