North Carolina is home to countless natural attractions. From the mountains to the sea, and everywhere in between, visitors from near and far love to admire the many natural attractions found in the Tar Heel State. To that end, you may be surprised (or not!) to learn that North Carolina’s oldest roadside attraction is a rock. However, the Blowing Rock is no ordinary rock.
It’s located at the end of Johns Gorge on the edge of the Town of Blowing Rock.
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The gorge runs deep, and the rock towers over it at heights exceeding 4,000 feet. When the wind blows through the gorge, it slams into the massive rock formation and then shoots straight up in the air.
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There is a legend surrounding the rock that involves a distressed young Native American who, centuries ago, threw himself off the rock — only to be blown right back up by the swiftly moving winds and into the arms of his girlfriend.
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That’s likely just a myth. But one thing that is certainly true: Folks have been gathering at The Blowing Rock for perhaps as long as the area has been inhabited. The photo below, c. 1925, shows a convention of fiddlers who gathered at the rock to make some music.
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Not long after, in 1933, the Blowing Rock opened as an official tourist attraction. It’s said to be the oldest tourist attraction in North Carolina.
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And there is more to see and do then just stand on a rock looking into the canyon (although the view is phenomenal!).
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Once you’ve entered through the gift shop, head to the rock to get that famous view — a photo of you on the rock.
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Then keep walking. There are trails that lead all the way under the famous blowing rock. On a windy day, you may want to hold on to your hat!
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If you stay on the trail up above, it leads to a large observation desk that has far-reaching views of Johns Gorge. From here you can see North Carolina’s famous Hawksbill Mountain, Table Rock, and Grandfather Mountain.
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Before you leave, be sure to stop back in the gift shop for a keepsake of your trip to North Carolina’s Oldest Attraction.
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The Blowing Rock is conveniently located near the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Town of Blowing Rock.
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The Blowing Rock official address is 432 The Rock Rd., Blowing Rock, NC 28605. If you follow Highway 321 to the south of the Town of Blowing Rock, you encounter a sign indicating where to turn. The attraction is open, weather permitting, as follows: January – March Thursday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., April and May, daily, 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., June through October 8:30 am. to 7:00 p.m., November and December 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Feel free to call ahead to confirm it’s open: 828-295-7111. The cost of admission is: $7 adults, $6 seniors (60+), $6 military, $4 children (4-11), children 3 and under are free.
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Learn more on the official website for The Blowing Rock and on the Facebook page.
For more things to do near The Blowing Rock, head to the Tweetsie Railroad or take a cheese factory tour.
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