After 30 years of determined effort, the Blue Ridge Conservancy has seized a critical moment to protect 73 acres of land gracing the north and east slopes of Howard Knob, the iconic peak overlooking Boone, North Carolina. This acquisition connects directly to a small, existing 5-acre park managed by Watauga County, setting the stage to preserve this land indefinitely and open it for public recreation including hiking and rock climbing.

Howard Knob rises boldly above Boone, its rugged contours inviting both casual walkers and seasoned climbers to test their skills against a landscape fiercely itself. The forested paths, bristling with native pines and interspersed with granite outcrops, offer a quiet escape, while the summit rewards adventurers with sweeping views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The air here carries the faint scent of damp earth and evergreens, and seasonal breezes dare you forward as you ascend.

Blue Ridge Conservancy's Senior Director Eric Hiegl notes, “Saving Howard Knob has been a top priority from day one. Land conservation unfolds on its own time, and luckily, the moment to save Howard Knob is now.” The story roots back to the 1990s, when Appalachian State students and locals first pushed to secure the land to prevent development and safeguard access to the climbing boulders and natural spaces. Though their initial attempt fell short, their resolve founded the Watauga High Country Land Trust, which ultimately evolved and merged into the Blue Ridge Conservancy. The purchase of Howard Knob’s adjoining acres closes a long chapter and opens a fresh horizon for outdoor enthusiasts.

For those planning a visit, expect trails of moderate grade with uneven terrain. Sturdy footwear is advised to handle rocky sections and the occasional steep climb. Given the site's exposure, timing your hike for cooler parts of the day, especially spring and fall mornings, will help you enjoy the views without overheating. Rock climbers will find freshly protected boulders offering a range of challenges, but should respect seasonal closures to protect nesting birds.

In practical terms, this expansion means more accessible land for a broad range of outdoor activities, from hiking the wooded slopes to scaling granite faces. The Conservancy commits to maintaining the natural state while encouraging public use, promising years of sustainable adventure ahead. Whether coming for a brisk day hike, a rock climbing session, or simply to witness the quiet grandeur of the high ridge, Howard Knob stands ready — a wild place fiercely itself, inviting respect and discovery.