HomeNorth CarolinaBoone › The Appalachian State University Nature Preserve

The Appalachian State University Nature Preserve

4 ★★★★☆ 24 Google reviews · Running trail in Boone, North Carolina · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of The Appalachian State University Nature Preserve yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.

ScenicTrailhead parking

What runners say about The Appalachian State University Nature Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (24 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“The campus is beautiful ‼️ Our daughter chose here for it's beautiful location and the excellent education it provides.”

very pretty area, could hear flowing water at several points on my walk. as of today (August 18, 2020) there is currently part of the trail that is blocked off due to a sinkhole, but that does not diminish the quality of this trail.

★★★★★ — Cam , Aug 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 24 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 5 mentions

“The campus is beautiful ‼️ Our daughter chose here for it's beautiful location and the excellent education it provides.”

More trails like this →

🅿️ Trailhead parking 5 mentions

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Plan your run at The Appalachian State University Nature Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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 — reported by runners
  • Websitebiology.appstate.edu
  • Phone+1 828-262-2764
  • Social Facebook

Where to find The Appalachian State University Nature Preserve

Bodenheimer Dr, Boone, NC 28607

Get directions

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.

Nature Preserve Trailhead

3.9 ★★★★☆ 7 reviews

Boone, NC

under a mile away

Jimmy Smith Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 38 reviews

Boone, NC

Tiny green space with 2 rocks & a bench dedicated to local educational leader James Smith.

under a mile away

Howard Knob County Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 186 reviews

Boone, NC

Natural surfaceScenic

Scenic area atop a wooded knoll offering panoramic views of Boone, with picnic tables & trails.

1.5 miles away

Boone United Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 96 reviews

Boone, NC

2.5 miLoopNatural surfaceScenic

1.6 miles away

Middle Fork Greenway

4.3 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews

Boone, NC

Mixed

2.2 miles away

Greenway Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 90 reviews

Boone, NC

MixedShadedScenicDog-friendly

Bikeable, family-friendly greenway for running, walking or rollerblading.

2.3 miles away

All running trails in Boone, NC →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.