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Julian Price Memorial Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,094 Google reviews · Running trail in Blowing Rock, North Carolina · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Julian Price Memorial 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.
Massive mountainside park features lake activities, trails, numerous picnic sites & an amphitheater.
What runners say about Julian Price Memorial Park
“Clean, quiet, relaxing, has public bathrooms, concrete tables, built in grills, hiking, water for kids to play in, walking trails nestled in foot hill blue ridge mtns.”
“There are several places you need to stop along your scenic drive, and I would say this is one of them.”
“Clean, quiet, relaxing, has public bathrooms, concrete tables, built in grills, hiking, water for kids to play in, walking trails nestled in foot hill blue ridge mtns.”
Easy 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🏞️🏞️🏞️🏞️🏞️🗻🗻🗻🗻🗻 It FREE!!! 🆓🆓🆓🆓🆓🚫🙅♂️💲 You can walk around the lake as there are some hikes, be careful of cars as the side walk is very narrow. 🛣️🛣️🛣️ Great place for a small picnic, we grabbed some baked goods and had them by the lake, its was great simple experience. Beauty is in Simplicity.
Great place no matter the season but... in the fall with the leaves changing was an epic stop on our way up the Blue Ridge parkway. The lake was totally set off by the vibrant colors of the leaves. Minutes from Blowing Rock, easy places to park, nice walking trails and a cool spillway.
I really enjoyed the walk, although it was quite long, about 5 miles. You have to cross streams all the time. I especially liked the waterfall with its huge rocks, which require some effort to climb.
Julian Price Memorial Park is an absolutely spectacular park right outside of the town of Blowing Rock off the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are several places you need to stop along your scenic drive, and I would say this is one of them. It’s stunning in autumn, but still incredibly beautiful in summertime.
Trail conditions & character
“There are several places you need to stop along your scenic drive, and I would say this is one of them.”
“Clean, quiet, relaxing, has public bathrooms, concrete tables, built in grills, hiking, water for kids to play in, walking trails nestled in foot hill blue ridge mtns.”
“Clean, quiet, relaxing, has public bathrooms, concrete tables, built in grills, hiking, water for kids to play in, walking trails nestled in foot hill blue ridge mtns.”
“🧺🧺🥪🥪🥧🥧 Parking is FREE but might be busy, no worries many cars park on the side of the road if necessary.”
“The 5 mile loop is beautiful and moderate diffuculty.”
“I really enjoyed the walk, although it was quite long, about 5 miles.”
Plan your run at Julian Price Memorial Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance5 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websiteblueridgeheritage.com
- Phone(828) 963-5911
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Blowing Rock
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bass Lake Trail
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Otter Falls Trail
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Pretty falls accessible via a trail-linked park, for dog walking and picnics.
Grandfather Mountain State Park
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Expansive mountain park with challenging trails, rocky cliffs, scenic views & camping (with permit).
Nature Preserve Trailhead
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Jimmy Smith Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 38 reviews
Tiny green space with 2 rocks & a bench dedicated to local educational leader James Smith.