The town of Boone, North Carolina is a springboard to numerous outdoor activities in the surrounding region. However there is one outdoor activity hidden in plain sight. Stretching 3.5 miles across most of the town is the Boone Greenway. A car-free trail that is equal parts in town and seemingly way out of town, the Greenway offers a great alternative for the traveler who wants a lazy day.
Parking at the Boone Greenway
There are multiple places to park to start. The best popular one is at the Clawson-Burnley Park at the Watauga County Industrial Fields Complex. Another option is at 510 Deerfield Road near the 0.4-mile loop. At the other end of the Greenway, parking is available at Casey Lane. Here's a full map of the Greenway with parking lots.
Best and worst times to visit the Boone Greenway
If it's nice outside, it's always a great time to visit. The only exception is if there's a cross-country or any other kind of 5k race going on, but it only takes up a certain amount of the Greenway.
Admission to the Boone Greenway
The Boone Greenway is free and open to the public and that includes bicycles, roller skates and any other non-motorized transportation device. If you want to hold an organized event, you will have to apply with the town clerk at their office at 567 King Street.
Must see on the Boone Greenway
The covered bridge right by Clawson-Burnley Park is the centerpiece of the Greenway. Also at the park is a pet-friendly loop with pet waste disposal bins. At the south end is the 0.4-mile loop with benches for the leisurely walker.
Other place to visit near the Boone Greenway
You are already in the town of Boone which has a wide variety of activities to do. The downtown area is home to Appalachian State University. Overlooking the town is Howard's Knob, which is open during the summer months. Besides that, you have multitudes of restaurants in the town itself.
Insider tip for visitors to the Boone Greenway
The Boone Greenway runs all the way to the Southgate Shopping Center at the corner of Southgate Drive and Leola Street. This is right next to Wal-Mart and a host of other restaurants and shops in the immediate vicinity. All of this is in easy walking distance from the end of the Greenway.
Thomas Sherrill is a mountain man trying to make his living in Boone, North Carolina.