Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock, NC
A small mountain resort town on the Blue Ridge, with shops along Main Street and rock outcrops that give wide valley views. Park once and walk, and visit in autumn for the leaf colour.
Blowing Rock sits at about 3,517 feet (1,070 m) on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Summer visitors from nearby Lenoir made it a vacation destination: the Watauga Hotel opened in 1884, the town was incorporated in 1889 with about 300 residents, and the Green Park Hotel followed in 1891. In 2020 it had 1,376 residents.
The town's namesake attraction, The Blowing Rock, has welcomed visitors since 1933 and is considered North Carolina's oldest travel destination. Northwest winds push so strongly upward in the gorge that light objects are blown back. From the paths the views reach Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock and Hawksbill. Moses Cone Memorial Park adjoins the Blue Ridge Parkway and has about 25 miles (40 km) of trails. Park once and explore on foot; two to three hours is enough for the village and the overlook.
- Nearest town
- Blowing Rock, NC
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 36.1340, -81.6780
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Flintlock CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Blowing Rock
- Waterwheel RV ParkMotorhome stopover7 mi from Blowing RockMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- KOA KampgroundMotorhome stopover9 mi from Blowing RockMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- High Country Motorcycle CampCampsite13 mi from Blowing Rock
- Big Mike's Creekside RV ResortMotorhome stopover14 mi from Blowing RockMotorhomes
- Mountain View Motorcycle CampCampsite18 mi from Blowing RockTents
All campsites in North Carolina · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Blowing Rock?
Blowing Rock is in Blowing Rock, NC, at GPS 36.1340, -81.6780. It is about 6 mi from Boone.
Can you camp near Blowing Rock?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Julian Price Memorial Park Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 38 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Blowing Rock?
Places worth a stop nearby: Moses H. Cone Memorial Park (1 mi), Julian Price Park Campground (3 mi), Linn Cove Viaduct (8 mi) and Grandfather Mountain (9 mi).
When is the best time to visit Blowing Rock?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)