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Howard Knob County Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 186 Google reviews · Running trail in Boone, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Howard Knob County Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic area atop a wooded knoll offering panoramic views of Boone, with picnic tables & trails.
What runners say about Howard Knob County Park
“Not much parking so that’s a con, but view is beautiful if you can’t walk far or handicap there is short small trail that leads right to this view to enjoy!”
A great place to go for a quick, free, and beautiful view! It’s a steep incline driving up and there is parking once you get to the park. You get a beautiful view of ASU’s campus and Boone without having to hike for it.
Neat quaint location with ramada, picnic tables and porta potties. A bit run down and dirty but worth the drive. Charcoal grills and some benches… Thank you from your Arizona friends 😎🙏😇
Not much parking so that’s a con, but view is beautiful if you can’t walk far or handicap there is short small trail that leads right to this view to enjoy! Picnic tables if you want to bring lunch!
Trail conditions & character
“Not much parking so that’s a con, but view is beautiful if you can’t walk far or handicap there is short small trail that leads right to this view to enjoy!”
“A short drive up a steep part of the mountain, leads you to a small, but kind of private, viewing area.”
“Not much parking so that’s a con, but view is beautiful if you can’t walk far or handicap there is short small trail that leads right to this view to enjoy!”
“Neat quaint location with ramada, picnic tables and porta potties.”
Plan your run at Howard Knob County Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitewataugacounty.org
- Phone+1 828-264-9511
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8:30 am–7:30 pm |
Running trails near Boone
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Brookshire Park
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