Hike #2: Boone Fork Loop Trail (Julian Price Memorial Park)

My second hike of the summer was on the Boone Fork Loop Trail at Julian Price Memorial Park on the BRP.  I have hiked parts of it several times but have only completed the loop twice (for reasons I'll explain later). The park itself is one of my favorite locations on the BRP.  There are multiple trails, babbling brooks lined with picnic sites, and a decent-sized lake for fishing and rental boating (rowboat, canoe, or kayak; no motors).  Whether or not you decide to take on this particular trail, I would definitely recommend a trip to the park (which is only five miles from Blowing Rock, NC).

Location: Julian Price Memorial Park (Milepost 297); 12 miles southwest of Boone, NC; 2 hours from Charlotte, NC

Length: Five-mile loop.  My GPS-aided fitness app marked it at about 4.8, so I walked around the parking lot until I reached 5 miles even.  There are mile markers every half-mile on the trail, which is both helpful and, at time, demoralizing.  Regardless, they seem to be reasonable accurate.

Difficulty: Moderate (with short strenuous sections and some unsure footing).  The trail starts out relatively flat and easy in either direction.  Heading clockwise, you will pass through the Price Park campground before really getting "into the woods."  If you elect to start counterclockwise (my route of choice), the trail is flat (though, at spots, muddy) and follows the Boone Fork Creek. There are signs along the way that call attention to the handiwork of beavers on the creek (which can be seen around the half-mile point).

The most challenging section is between miles three and four on the map above.  There's not a major altitude gain but there are a few steep sections.  What's most frustrating, and at times slightly confusing, is a section around mile marker 3 where the trail follows a shallow creek (or runoff) for a few hundred yards.  You have to decide whether to walk in the mud and water (the path of least resistance) or to fight your way along either bank.

As seen below (based on a counterclockwise route), the major descent takes place between the 1.5 and 2.5 mile markers as the trail follows the creek.  Most of the ascent takes place between miles 2.5 and 3.5.

Scenery: The views are best along Boone Fork Creek. It is worth stepping off of the trail a little to investigate the creek.  It has some rather impressive cascades which, recently, have been labeled "Hebron Falls."  There are a few places one might even be tempted to take a dip.  The trail does not offer any panoramic views of the mountains, as you are generally boxed-in by trees.

Overlooking one of Boone Fork's higher cascades

Video of Boone Fork Creek

Recommendations: I would recommend taking the counterclockwise route and allowing time to explore the creek.  For sightseers, once the trail heads away from the creek, the show is over.  For hikers in moderate shape (or better), finishing out the loop is a good workout. I've seen people of all ages on the trail, including some runners (although it would seem to very difficult to maintain a running pace through some sections of the trail).  I would recommend that those with small children, those in sub-par condition, and those with pets to avoid the middle third of the trail.

I would NOT recommend taking the spur to Hebron Falls.  This trail is apparently very new and, hopefully, still under construction.  The footing is poor and the grade is steep.  Worst of all is that the view of the falls that it affords is not very good.  IF you are willing to fight your way upstream through the tangled mountain laurel along the creek bank or by scrambling over the many large boulders, you can access much better views.  There is a better spur to the creek around mile marker one (near the dam) but it is not labeled.

Packing List:

• Three liters of water minimum (a full hydration carrier would be suitable)
• Audio and visual signals (whistle, signal mirror, flashlight)
• Poncho or raincoat (the trail is long enough and Appalachian weather is unpredictable enough that it is worth taking precautions)
• Camera
• Extra shoes and socks (your hiking shoes will get dirty if you hike the entire loop)

Overall: I really enjoy the first mile and a half of this trail (counterclockwise) but the rest of it is so-so.  If you want a decent workout, a target 20-minute mile pace for the loop will do the job (although doing so required me to jog at certain points). If you just want a leisurely and scenic hike, then do the mile-and-a-half out and back in the counterclockwise direction (towards Hebron Falls).  If you still want exercise, head across the road to the 2.3-mile Price Lake Loop trail (to be covered soon).  All in all, I would rate the Boone Fork Loop Trail a 3 (of 5).

Happy Hiking!

Chris

(BRP Hiker)