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Reporter |
Summary: The Price Lake Loop Trail circles a beautiful mountain lake. This is a good hike for anyone due to the short distance and flat terrain. Some areas of the trail may be muddy after winter snows or spring rains. From the Price Lake Overlook, go to the left over the bridge. Follow the trail into the woods. As you walk around the lake you'll notice a lot of beaver sign on the surrounding trees. The muddy areas on the trail near the back of the lake are also a result of the beavers work. Continue following this easy, flat trail around the lake. You'll walk through a nice campground area as you return back to the parking area. Trailhead: The trail begins at the Price Lake Overlook (mp 296.7) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This overlook is located in the Julian Price Memorial Park between Linville and Blowing Rock. (Lat:36.13914 Lon:-81.73253) Trail Guides for Price Lake Loop Trail - Blue Ridge Parkway: North Carolina Hiking Trails by Allen de Hart (Appalachian Mountain Club Books) Walking the Blue Ridge by Leonard M. Adkins (UNC Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Blue Ridge Parkway - 828-298-0398 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Tim Johnson, who has posted 15 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review Hiked it in August with Ranger guided Tour. Hiked with 8 month old in a baby bijorn. Linda was informative and helpful. No problem in wet spots, plank was easy to navigate. With a little work it would be perfect for people with health problems or young kids. The trail on either end is gorgeous and easy walking. But as you reach the far point of the lake it becomes very difficult. The trail was muddy and there was a lot of jumping from rock to rock and balancing on tree roots to keep you out of ankle deep mud. At one point, you are required to balance on a plank to walk over ankle-deep water. Also, one side of the lake has a ravine with steps carved into the mud. The steps are so deep that you can't step into them easily. Did I mention the mud? It's very slippery. Everyone in the group slid on these "stairs" and fell. Luckily, no one was hurt other than a couple of scraps and bruises. I would not mark this as an "easy" hike but rather moderate because of trail degradation. What a priveledge to live near this lake! With Grandfather Mtn in backdrop, you can hike all the way around lake and campground area. Signs of beaver activity on occasion. Backside of lake can be a bit muddy after a rain. Clockwise from parking lot starts with a bit rougher trail but the other direction does offer many boardwalk paths that might be better for the small children. Very scenic...HOWEVER...i kind of slipped and broke a hip and THANK GOD i didn't fall into the lake... Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: North Carolina Hiking, North Carolina Trails, North Carolina Hikes, Watauga County Hiking, Watauga County Trails, Watauga County Hikes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||