At milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, explore the impressive Julian Price Park. It's only seven miles north of the Linn Cove Viaduct at Grandfather Mountain. The above photo was taken from the Parkway overlook at the lake. Rent a boat or canoe to explore the 47-acre Price Lake. Eat at one of the 100 picnic sites or hike around the lake. Moses Cone Park with the Parkway Craft Center is nearby.
Camp at the Parkway's largest campground with 129 tent sites, 68 trailer sites and six comfort stations. It's open May through October. Camping is $16 for each site. Reservations for portions for ALL campgrounds can be made online at recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Hikes
Green Knob Trail is a moderately strenuous 2.3-mile loop that starts at Sim's Pond parking area at milepost 295.9. The trail follows Sim's Creek through rhododendron and underneath old growth trees. Hike through a pasture to the top of Green Knob with great views.
The Price Lake Trail is an easier 2.7-mile loop around the beautiful lake. Park at the lake overlook (milepost 296.7).
The Tanawha Trail is a 13.5-mile super scenic trail from Price Lake campground to Beacon Heights, passing through Rough Ridge and by the Linn Cove Viaduct. Access it at the Boone Fork overlook at milepost 297.1, at Rough Ridge, Viaduct visitor center or Beacon Heights.
