This Scenic North Carolina Trail Is Even Better in the Winter

I know most people put their hiking shoes away for the winter, but not me. I personally prefer winter! I love the quiet trails covered in snow and the sounds of my boots crunching underneath the snow. Now, there are plenty of hiking trails in North Carolina that are just dreamy year-round, and many of them truly shine in the summer and fall, but there’s one winter hike that’s worth bundling up for. 

Julian Price Park is a 4,200-acre park at the foot of Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. This scenic park is a nature lover’s playground! Take your pick from fishing, camping, picnicking, canoeing, or hiking. It’s one of those places that’s truly magical regardless of the time of year, but it certainly sparkles in the winter when it’s covered in snow. This is where you'll find one of my favorite winter hikes in North Carolina, the Boone Fork Trail.

The Boone Fork Trail is a five-mile loop hike within Julian Price Park that’s absolutely dreamy in the winter. Located just 12 miles from Sugar Mountain, this is a perfect trail near the Blue Ridge Parkway for anyone looking to set off on an adventure without committing to something too strenuous. 

The loop trail only has an elevation gain of about 550 feet, which is perfect for a winter hike. I wouldn’t want to tackle some steep trail with a massive elevation gain in the middle of winter. But the Boon Fork Trail is ideal! 

Of course, there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing, so be sure to dress for the season. Wear layers so you can peel them off as needed, wear sturdy boots with a good grip, and a pair of traction cleats couldn’t hurt. Things can get a little slippery, and a pair of traction cleats will do wonders for your winter hiking confidence. There are stairs, wooden ladders, and creek crossings, so be sure to prepare accordingly. It's undoubtedly one of the easier hikes in the region, but that being said, it does offer some fun challenges that can get even trickier in the wintertime.

When in doubt, just turn around! Remember, the goal is not to complete the hike, it’s to get back to your car. 

I love visiting this trail after a fresh snowfall so you can see the snow sticking to the woods, rocks, and along the water. The views of the river are simply mesmerizing, especially when the banks are covered in snow. 

You can hike the trail in either direction, but I’d recommend going clockwise so you can get the “best” views at the end of the hike. 

The parking lot is free, and there are bathrooms near the trailhead. Share this article with someone you want to tackle this winter hiking trail in North Carolina with! While you're in the area, be sure to check out the iconic Blowing Rock.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner