Price Park Campground and the Boone Fork Trail
By Virtual Blue Ridge Intern, Mary Clark
On Monday I took a friend and set out to hike the Boone Fork Trail! This trail conveniently loops around Price Park Campground allowing campers to hike through many different environments during their stay.
More than half of the trail runs beside Bee Tree Creek, which includes many interesting sections of moderate to slow moving rapids.
It would be a good idea to wear appropriate hiking sandals so you can get your feet wet. Chacos or Tevas are among sandals that were made for the type of terrain Boone Fork Trail entails.
I dipped my feet in the cold mountain water at every creek crossing. It was very refreshing on this warm summer day. If you enjoy being alone, plan your hike for a weekday and you won’t be disappointed!
We started at 4:30 in the afternoon and hiked on into the summer evening. On weekends the trails tend to be busier, but a 5-mile stretch allows hikers to set their own pace and generally be alone. Just be sure you allow at least three hours of daylight to complete the trail.
I would go as far to say this is my favorite North Carolina hiking trail. With so many changes of scenery, it is far from being dull. About a quarter mile into the trail, I heard some rustling in a thicket behind me. Suddenly a light brown figure came running towards the trail.
Not used to seeing wildlife on the weekdays, I immediately thought “Oh no! Someone has lost their golden retriever”. To my surprise a large deer had emerged from the trees and ran across the path.
This time camera ready, another deer crossed at the same spot just in time for me to get a photo. Wildlife is prominent in this area and at any time of the year you may come across one of these creatures. I also saw grey squirrels, dragonflies, and a very neatly constructed beaver dam.
Rhododendron bushes greet hikers on every mile of the wooded journey. In my opinion, this plant gives the North Carolina Mountains its distinct smell. If you don’t smell rhododendron, check to make sure you are still in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
White or pink blooms and long slick leaves set these bushes apart from the rest of the forest. Pine trees can also be found along the Boone Fork Trail. These become recognizable when the path starts to be scattered with brown pine needles.
A personal favorite of mine were the ferns. Not as frequent as the rhododendron, but certainly as enjoyable, the ferns lined at least a quarter of the trail.
I highly recommend this trail to hikers ready for a long picturesque walk. Take a friend with you, bring some water, and set out to enjoy this awesome trail!
If you plan to spend a day in the area, also take advantage of the campgrounds in addition to this trail.
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