Glide the Blue Ridge: A Two-Hour SUP Tour on Price Lake
Calm water, big views, and a two-hour glide through Blue Ridge quiet.
Morning slides in soft over the Blue Ridge, and Price Lake rises to meet it—a glassy pane that dares you to break the stillness. Rhododendron thickets lean out as if to peek at your first paddle stroke. A great blue heron lifts from a snag with the kind of nonchalance only a bird that owns the shoreline can manage. This is stand-up paddleboarding with mountain attitude: calm water, big views, and a quiet sense that the landscape is steering the pace. For two hours, a guided session on this serene reservoir lets you savor the rhythm of the high country without demanding that you be a pro at balance or power.
Trail Wisdom
Launch Early for Glassy Conditions
Morning paddles often deliver the calmest water on Price Lake, with fewer gusts and fewer crowds.
Stance Wins Stability
Keep feet shoulder-width apart with soft knees and eyes on the horizon to smooth out boat and wind chop.
Hug the Lee Shore
If afternoon winds pick up, stick close to the downwind shoreline for easier paddling and quicker bailouts.
Bring the Binoculars
Kingfishers, herons, and osprey are regulars—compact binoculars make this a stealth bird-watching tour.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The small island near mid-lake with basking turtles on sunny logs
- •The Boone Fork inlet, where cooler water meets the lake and birdlife concentrates
Wildlife
Great blue heron, Belted kingfisher
Conservation Note
Shorelines here are nesting habitat for birds and basking spots for turtles—give wildlife space, avoid trampling vegetation, and pack out all trash.
Julian Price Memorial Park originated from a 1940s land donation tied to insurance executive Julian Price, helping complete this stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Cool mornings, Migratory bird activity
Challenges: Cold water temps, Unpredictable showers
Fresh foliage and active birds shine in spring, but dress for chilly water and fast-changing weather.
summer
Best for: Warm water, Family outings
Challenges: Afternoon thunderstorms, Heavier crowds
Prime season for mellow paddles—go early or late to dodge storms and enjoy calmer water.
fall
Best for: Peak foliage, Crisp, clear views
Challenges: Cooler winds, Shorter daylight
Autumn color wraps the shoreline; plan layers and keep an eye on fast-moving mountain fronts.
winter
Best for: Solitude, Crisp air clarity
Challenges: Very cold water, Limited services
Only for experienced, well-prepared paddlers—frigid water and closures are common; hypothermia risk is real.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
USCG-Approved PFDEssential
Required by law and crucial for safety on open water.
Quick-Dry Footwear
Protects feet during launch and landings while drying fast on the board.
Sun Protection (Hat, UPF Shirt, Sunscreen)Essential
Lake glare amplifies sun exposure; cover up to prevent burns.
Small Dry Bag
Keeps phone, keys, and snacks protected from paddle drip and the occasional dunk.
Common Questions
Do I need prior SUP experience?
No. Price Lake’s sheltered water makes this a friendly spot for first-timers, and a guide will help you learn the basics.
What’s the minimum age?
Ages 10+ are typically suitable for this guided session, provided participants can follow instructions and wear a PFD.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
Mountain weather changes quickly. Tours may be rescheduled or paused for safety in the event of thunderstorms or high winds.
What should I wear?
Quick-dry layers, a hat, and secure sandals or water shoes. In cooler months, add a light wind layer; in spring and fall, consider neoprene.
Can I bring my phone or camera?
Yes, but use a waterproof case or dry bag. A leash or float for small cameras is smart insurance.
Are motorboats allowed on Price Lake?
No. Price Lake is limited to non-motorized craft, which keeps the experience quiet and beginner-friendly.
What to Pack
Compact binoculars for birding; quick-dry layers to adapt to mountain weather; a small dry bag for phone, keys, and snacks; reef-safe sunscreen to protect you and the lake.
Did You Know
Julian Price Memorial Park spans more than 4,000 acres around Price Lake at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 296, formed from land donated in the 1940s after Julian Price’s death.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 15–20 minutes early to gear up and review basics; check Blue Ridge Parkway road status before driving; bring cash or card for parking or rentals if applicable; plan a backup indoor activity in Boone in case of pop-up storms.
Local Flavor
After your paddle, head to Boone for a post-lake bite at Lost Province Brewing (wood-fired pies and craft beer) or grab pastries at Stick Boy Bread Co. If you’re lingering near Blowing Rock, Foggy Rock Eatery & Pub offers hearty mountain fare. Cap the evening with a stroll at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park for sunset over the high meadows.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airports: CLT (Charlotte Douglas, ~2 hr), TRI (Tri-Cities, ~1.5 hr), AVL (Asheville, ~2 hr). Launch: Price Lake Boat Launch, Blue Ridge Parkway MP 296. Drive time: ~20 minutes from Boone, ~15 minutes from Blowing Rock. Cell service: Spotty along the Parkway; download maps. Permits: None for casual paddling; PFD required; follow NPS regulations for Julian Price Memorial Park.
Sustainability Note
This lake sits within a protected National Park Service unit. Practice Leave No Trace—stay off fragile shoreline vegetation, keep a wide berth from nesting birds and basking turtles, and pack out all trash and micro-trash.
Continue Reading
Throttle Into Lake Wateree: Jet Ski Rental Days That Fly
Carve coves, chase open-water straights, and let South Carolina’s Lake Wateree show you how a day on a jet ski can fly. Here’s the how, when, and where to make the most of a half- or full-day rental.
Camden, South Carolina
Lake Champlain, Your Way: A Private Day Cruise From Burlington
Settle into a 90-minute private yacht cruise on Lake Champlain, where you call the shots—BYOB, picnic on deck, and soak up Adirondack-to-Green Mountain views. It’s an easy, flexible way to see Burlington’s waterfront and the region’s quiet grandeur from the best seat in the house.
Burlington, Vermont