Beautiful small park with excellent view below and above. Picnic area with two different camping…read morestoves. One was covered. Porta potties that appear to be temporary as the area is under construction.

This is such a special spot in Boone. The drive is crazy steep, but it is absolutely worth trekking…read moreup to see the top of Howard's Knob. You cannot find a better view of the town and beautiful mountains surrounding the area. Plenty of opportunities to snap some amazing pictures unlike anywhere else in the high country. During the winter months the park gate is closed, otherwise the daytime hours are clearly posted. There is a fair amount of parking spots and plenty of picnic tables (some are sheltered) and trash cans. Please don't forget to respect the neighbors and the park boundaries.

Despite the colder than expected weather and the wind, my wife and I had a great time exploring…read moreGrandfather Mountain. The park is so nicely maintained, well mark, and cleared hiking trails for all skill levels. The Wilson Center for Nature Discovery is an amazing add on with so much fun, and educational info for all ages. The Wilson center also has a cafe, offering reasonably priced "ball park" cuisine, well maintained bathrooms and a souvenir shop. Next to the Wilson Center is the Mildred The Bear Environmental Habitats where you can get up close and learn about some of the species that call this area home. Consider it a miniature zoo with habitats for some animals needing rehab. We were able to see some bears, bald eagles, river otters, and elk, OH MY! Each area had signs posted for ranger talks, which we caught for the river otters. They tell you about the animals, and and answer any questions people have. After exploring the Wilson Center and habitats, we continued our trek up on the mountain to the swing bridge, and that's when the wind really kicked in...with wind gusts, the temp dropped quickly, with a wind chill of -9degrees, but we trudged on, and made the most of it. In the end, we had a great time, and look forward to returning to explore more of the trails. Based on other reviews, some may feel that the $35 ticket price per person may be a bit much at the main entry, but it's a small cost of maintaining such an amazing resource. If you enjoy being outside, hiking, and exploring, this is a must visit NC destination

Nice park and mountain, but $37 PER PERSON? With NO…read moresignage/pricing posted anywhere ... yikes I could understand for something like Yosemite or Yellowstone, but just a state park ...tough pill to swallow especially when it's not posted anywhere. I was planning to hike with some friends and we were going to start at one of the other lots but the roads were closed leaving us no choice but to enter the park. I really just wish the pricing/fees were posted somewhere-anywhere- because they weren't online or on the park signs out front. Had to pull up to the gate/window and even then the park ranger seemed to want to withhold that information as long as possible. The actual park is beautiful and well maintained- and you do get an audio guide plus map upon entry. But the lack of transparency here is a hard no for me. @azfitfoodfun

Have been to Laurel Creek Falls (Trash Can Falls) many times and we love it. It's beautiful every…read moretime off year. I've came when it's crowed and when it's empty. The parking is off on a gravel area on the side of the road and it's limited. To get to the falls cross the street and follow the path through the woods. It's a super short and really easy path but once you get to the falls you do have to do some climbing and maneuvering so I don't recommend for anyone disabled, small children, or older folks who have issues getting around. We recently went post hurricane Helen and it looks a little different. The wood planks for crossing are gone but the straps remain to help you get out of the swimming hole. There is a fallen tree we had to climb over. Still many people there having a great time just as before!

This place is awesome to jump into a fresh spring & clean water as well, the rocks are a bit high…read morebut once the fear of heights is gone you'll have a blast!!!!! :)

This is such a lovely park. Definitely worth a visit if you're a tourist, and worth being part of…read moreyour weekly fun outdoors if you're a local.

Great place for anyone of any age. Plenty to see and tons to do! Trails, soccer fields, play houses…read morefor toddlers to young children, fishing, and more!

On our way to the top for leaf peeping, we stopped here for a bit and enjoyed the scenery. Located…read moreat milepost 297 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the part encompasses over 4200 acres of rolling mountainous terrain that include campgrounds, hiking trails, picnic sites and Price Lake. The highlight is the Tanawha Trail that runs 13.5 miles and includes Grandfather Mountain. There are canoes available for rental and the lake is stocked with fish. This time of year with the leaves turning, it was a beautiful spot and we enjoyed our time here. Five stars. [Review 15917 overall - 3132 in North Carolina - 1422 of 2021.]

The trail around Price Lake is an easy walk, ducking in and out of the tickets along the shore…read more If it's rained or snowed recently, make sure to bring footwear that can tolerate a little mud. While trail improvements have eliminated some of the messier areas, the reality is that well worn walking trails also make for welcoming drainage paths. Parking is readily available in a lot adjacent to the dam, or in a larger lot just down from the amputheater (near the boat rentals).

Found this park on a recent trip to the area. Provided a great place for the grandchildren.read more

Spacious and beautiful playground. This park has a large…read morelayout, with play equipment spaced out, we had fun exploring and walking to the different sites. There is plenty of sun and shade and you can't beat the mountainous backdrop. There is not a dedicated "toddler" area, but plenty of bucket swings and grass to play/roam. Highlight of the park is the 40 ft metal slide. It's a great time for all! I regret, I did not get a photo, but we were having too much fun!

Wonderful park with well marked trails Feels like a hike…read moremore than a walk which is awesome

The Photograph Club from Trilogy had scheduled a fall photo shot for today with the goal of taking…read morein Murray's Mill Historical Site and the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, both in the same area. While at the Bridge, I mentioned that I was also considering going over to Riverbend Park which was only about 20 additional minutes from where we were. A couple of the folks decided to join me. I've been here probably a half a dozen times but never checked in and left a review although I did post some photos. Our group leader was familiar with the Park because she had hiked the trails often but was not aware of the Dam for Lake Hickory which is just upstream. The other lady was aware of the Dam but did not realize that there was a Park just downstream. When you pull into the main parking lot, at the back side is a small road with a sign that says "Trailheads" to the right and Picnic Rest Rooms to the Left. Not obvious but if you take the Left Fork, you go down the hill to the River. At the bottom of the hill is another parking lot next to the Catawba River. When you first to into the lot, there is an observation deck that extends out into the edge of the Catawba River. Great view of Fall foliage from here. If you go back past the covered picnic shelter you end up at the Canoe Launch area. Another beautiful area. We missed it but they open up the dam on occasion for the Canoe's and Kayaker's to create whitewater. At that time. all the rocks you see in the photographs are submerged. A little past peak color but the maples with their shades of rea were still beautiful.

One of my new favorite places in the Boone area when I go. There is no shortage of coffee shops in…read morethe Boone/ Blowing Rock area but Mountain Dog offers a little more than average - a dog park and much more. There are small freezers with Sheppard's pie's and other pies as well as cakes and biscuits. The food is a little pricey but they are all hefty meals. The coffee selection is a honest selection of a typical coffee shop but there is a special menu that is separate from the main "traditional" menu. The special menu is a compilation of special drinks (dog inspired). We tried the goldendoodle which was golden milk with chai and it was really good. The staff was quick and helpful and fun to talk with. This place is highly recommended!

Cute little corner place down the road from our cabin. They have a convenient drive thru as well…read more Good coffee. Love the variations of flavors. Their cinnamon roll is absolutely divine!

Love it here ... this particular part of the park is my favorite. Lots of deer around and spots to…read morefish.

We were visiting the area and looking for an easy walking path. This path did not disappoint it is…read morea Beautiful, scenic, well maintained walking path. There are many places to sit and enjoy the views of the river along the way. It is Pet friendly with lots of pet waste stations. There was Plenty of parking at the Clawson-Burnley Park. Highly recommend for all ages.

This fabulous huge park features five picnic shelters with tables and grills, two playgrounds, rest…read morerooms, a gazebo, lighted and paved walking trail, nature boardwalk, 24-hole disc golf course, canoe launch, horseshoe pits and a memorial garden. The walking is well utilized and is open year-round. It is a two mile long loop and leashed dogs are permitted on the trail. [Review 15404 overall, 907 of 2021, number 2954 in North Carolina.]

Beautiful park have had several get togethers and bday parties here, well kept clean safe feeling…read more Tranquil setting at some spots