Blue Ridge Mountains, ParkwayStefan MeuserMarch 11, 2019The Blowing RockPark, Scenic Views

The Blowing Rock

Blue Ridge Mountains, ParkwayStefan MeuserMarch 11, 2019The Blowing RockPark, Scenic Views

Updated: April 2019

A Place of Spectacular Views

Just 2 miles south of the town Blowing Rock, the park The Blowing Rock has seen visitors since 1933 and is North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction.

On a crisp and clear day, the views are just incredible. If you come in the morning, the full panorama unfolds before you perfectly lit in the rising sun.

The grounds are well kept and feature a Gazebo and an Observation Tower. The views from the Observation Tower, in particular, are just breathtaking. Nothing obstructs the panorama, no tree, no branch, simply nothing.

Both the Gazebo and the Observation Tower are accessible by wheelchair.

At an elevation of 3,000 feet (914 m), The Blowing Rock is North Carolina’s oldest travel destination. Ever since it opened in 1933, it has been a favorite among tourists. The picture-perfect postcard views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Grandfathe… — At an elevation of 3,000 feet (914 m), *The Blowing Rock* is North Carolina’s oldest travel destination. Ever since it opened in 1933, it has been a favorite among tourists. The picture-perfect postcard views of the *Blue Ridge Mountains* and *Grandfather Mountain* in the distance are certainly one of the reasons. The other is the beautiful Native American legend of love, which has made the rock famous.

Although the park is small in size, it impresses visitors with its breathtaking views. A Gazebo and an Observation Tower are located in the park to allow visitors to enjoy unobstructed panoramic views. — Although the park is small in size, it impresses visitors with its breathtaking views. A *Gazebo* and an *Observation Tower* are located in the park to allow visitors to enjoy unobstructed panoramic views.

The Observation Tower extends out from the cliff. — The *Observation Tower* extends out from the cliff.

It rewards the daring with incredible long range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. — It rewards the daring with incredible long range views of the *Blue Ridge Mountains*.

Grandfather Mountain, here in view in the center of the image, is 5,946 feet (1,812 m) high. The mountain features the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, which at 5,280 feet above sea level is the most elevated suspension footbridge in the U.S. To th… — *Grandfather Mountain*, here in view in the center of the image, is 5,946 feet (1,812 m) high. The mountain features the famous *Mile High Swinging Bridge*, which at 5,280 feet above sea level is the most elevated suspension footbridge in the U.S. To the left is *Grandmother Mountai*n and to the right is *Beech Mountain*.

Take your time at the park to fully enjoy these incredible panoramas.

A Wonderful Legend of Love and Duty

The legend says that a Chickasaw chieftain’s daughter was daydreaming on the overhang. She saw a Cherokee brave far below in the wilderness and playfully shot an arrow in his direction. Responding to her flirtation, the brave Cherokee and the chieft… — The legend says that a Chickasaw chieftain’s daughter was daydreaming on the overhang. She saw a Cherokee brave far below in the wilderness and playfully shot an arrow in his direction. Responding to her flirtation, the brave Cherokee and the chieftain’s daughter soon fell in love.

One day, the sky strangely turned red, and the two lovers went back to The Blowing Rock. He viewed the red sky as a sign of trouble, which commanded him to return to his tribe. Torn between his love for her and his duty to his tribe he jumped from T… — One day, the sky strangely turned red, and the two lovers went back to *The Blowing Rock*. He viewed the red sky as a sign of trouble, which commanded him to return to his tribe. Torn between his love for her and his duty to his tribe he jumped from *The Rock* into the forest below.

In her sadness, she prayed daily to the Great Spirit for his return.

One night, the sky turned red again, and a gust of wind blew her lover back onto The Rock into her arms. — One night, the sky turned red again, and a gust of wind blew her lover back onto *The Rock* into her arms.

According to legend, from that day on wind gusts are blowing up from the valley. In the winter, the strong updraft even makes snow rise instead of falling to the ground.

A small stone memorial with a brass plaque, describing the legend, is located on the side of The Rock. — A small stone memorial with a brass plaque, describing the legend, is located on the side of *The Rock*.

The legend says that a Chickasaw chieftain’s daughter was daydreaming on the overhang and saw a Cherokee brave far below in the wilderness and playfully shot an arrow in his direction. Responding to her flirtation, the brave Cherokee and the chieftain’s daughter soon fell in love with each other.

One day, the sky strangely turned red, and the two lovers went back to The Blowing Rock. He viewed the red sky as a sign of trouble, which commanded him to return to his tribe.

Torn between his love for her and his duty to his tribe he jumped from The Rock into the forest below.

In her sadness, she prayed daily to the Great Spirit for his return.

One night, the sky turned red again, and a gust of wind blew her lover back onto The Rock into her arms.

According to legend, from that day on wind gusts are blowing up from the valley, which in the winter even makes snow rise upward instead of falling to the ground.