Julian Price Memorial Park is a stunning and sprawling natural area located in the town of Boone, North Carolina. Covering over 4,200 acres of land, this park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The park is named after Julian Price, an insurance executive and philanthropist who donated the land for the park in 1949. Today, it is a popular destination for hiking, camping, fishing, and picnicking, with its pristine forests, lakes, and streams providing a peaceful escape from the bustle of everyday life.
One of the biggest draws of Julian Price Memorial Park is the variety of hiking trails available to visitors. There are over 20 miles of hiking trails winding through the park, ranging from easy strolls along the lake shore to challenging climbs up steep mountains. The trails offer stunning views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and showcase the diverse flora and fauna of the area. Some of the most popular trails in the park include the Boone Fork Trail, which winds through a lush forest and crosses a number of streams and waterfalls, and the Tanawha Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
In addition to hiking, Julian Price Memorial Park is also an excellent destination for camping. The park offers two campgrounds, one of which is located on the shores of Price Lake. Both campgrounds offer tent and RV sites, as well as modern amenities like showers and restrooms. Camping at the park is a great way to experience the beauty and serenity of the area up close and personal, and is a popular choice for families and groups of friends.
Another popular activity at Julian Price Memorial Park is fishing. The park’s 47-acre Price Lake is stocked with trout, bass, and other fish, making it a great destination for anglers of all skill levels. Fishing is permitted year-round, although some areas of the lake are closed during certain times of the year to protect the fish populations.
For those who prefer to relax and take in the scenery, Julian Price Memorial Park offers several scenic picnic areas that are perfect for a family lunch or a romantic picnic for two. These areas offer tables, grills, and stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Visitors can also take a leisurely drive through the park on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs through the park and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains.
One of the unique features of Julian Price Memorial Park is the abundance of wildlife that can be found throughout the park. Visitors may spot white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species while exploring the park’s trails and scenic areas. The park is also home to several rare and endangered species, including the Virginia northern flying squirrel and the Eastern small-footed bat.
For those looking to learn more about the natural history of the area, Julian Price Memorial Park is home to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center. The center offers exhibits on the area’s geology, flora, and fauna, as well as information on local hiking trails and wildlife. The center also hosts a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year, including guided hikes and workshops on topics like bird watching and photography.
Overall, Julian Price Memorial Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. With its abundance of hiking trails, camping sites, fishing opportunities, and scenic picnic areas, the park offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor adventurer or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the stresses of everyday life, Julian Price Memorial Park is a hidden gem that should not be missed.
Julian Price Memorial Park is a beautiful 4,200-acre recreational area located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Boone, North Carolina. The park, which is part of the larger Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, offers visitors a range of activities and stunning scenery year-round.
One of the main attractions of Julian Price Memorial Park is the 47-acre Price Lake, which is surrounded by a network of hiking trails that provide visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trails vary in difficulty from easy to strenuous, so visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy a hike. In the fall, the park is particularly stunning, as the leaves of the surrounding trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
For those who enjoy fishing, Price Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and offers an excellent opportunity to catch fish in a serene and peaceful setting. Visitors can also rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats to explore the lake at their leisure. The park also features picnic areas, a campground, and a variety of other amenities that make it a popular destination for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Julian Price Memorial Park is also home to the Cone Memorial Park, which was established in the 1940s by textile magnate Moses H. Cone and his wife Bertha. The Cones were avid lovers of nature and devoted much of their time to preserving the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They donated over 3,500 acres of land to the National Park Service, which became part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and established a number of trails and recreational areas throughout the region.
Today, visitors to Julian Price Memorial Park can explore the historic Cone Manor, which was the summer home of Moses and Bertha Cone. The manor, which was built in the early 1900s, features a wide range of original furnishings and decorative items, as well as a beautiful garden that was designed by Bertha Cone.
In addition to the Cone Manor, the park is home to a variety of other historic sites, including the Linn Cove Viaduct, which is a spectacular feat of engineering that hugs the side of Grandfather Mountain and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the Flat Top Manor, which is another historic home that was built by the Cone family in the early 1900s.
Overall, Julian Price Memorial Park is a must-see destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors and wants to explore the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With its stunning lake, scenic hiking trails, and historic sites, the park offers something for everyone and is sure to provide visitors with a memorable and unforgettable experience.