The Blowing Rock

Location: Blowing Rock · Watauga County

Address: 432 The Rock Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

Phone: 828-295-7111

About: North Carolina's oldest travel attraction: a cliffside overlook where winds blow upward through the gorge, with an observation tower, nature trails, a small museum, and gift shops.

Access status: Operating

Hours and access: November-February: open daily 9 AM-5 PM, weather permitting. March-October: daily 9 AM-6 PM. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day; call 828-295-7111 for weather changes.

Cost: Published November-May admission: adults 13+ $12; students with ID $11; seniors 60+, military and veterans $10; children 5-12 $4; under 5 free. June-October rates differ; group rates have separate conditions.

Before you go: Admission closes 30 minutes before the scheduled closing time. Dogs must be leashed and friendly with children, cats and other dogs. Thanksgiving and Christmas Day are closed.

Seasonal notes: The attraction operates through winter with shorter hours, weather permitting. November-February hours are 9 AM-5 PM. The old claim that it closes October-February is incorrect.

Confirm current access and details with the operator before visiting.