
Julian Price Memorial Park
A serene mountain park featuring a 47-acre lake, scenic trails, picnic areas, and access to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, fewer crowds

Julian Price Memorial Park
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene mountain park featuring a 47-acre lake, scenic trails, picnic areas, and access to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
"This is one of our favorite places to go ever since my childhood and now taking our grandchildren."

Pack for all weather
Mountain weather changes fast! Bring layers, rain gear, and sturdy shoes for trails. :athletic_shoe:
Check restroom status
Restrooms can be closed. Bring your own TP and hand sanitizer just in case. :toilet:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Price Lake Loop Trail
Julian Price Memorial Park
A scenic 2.7-mile loop around a 47-acre lake, perfect for easy hikes and stunning mountain reflections.

Boone Fork Trail
Julian Price Memorial Park
A 5-mile adventure with creek crossings, rock scrambles, and waterfalls, offering a more challenging hike.

Sims Pond Overlook
Milepost 295.9, Blue Ridge Parkway
Starting point for the Green Knob Trail, offering peaceful views and a gateway to forest exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Peak Beauty
Navigating Park Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for all weather
Mountain weather changes fast! Bring layers, rain gear, and sturdy shoes for trails. :athletic_shoe:
Check restroom status
Restrooms can be closed. Bring your own TP and hand sanitizer just in case. :toilet:
Embrace lake activities
Rent kayaks or canoes for a peaceful paddle on Price Lake. :kayak:
Respect wildlife
Bear-proof trash cans are present; keep food secure. :bear:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for all weather
Mountain weather changes fast! Bring layers, rain gear, and sturdy shoes for trails. :athletic_shoe:
Check restroom status
Restrooms can be closed. Bring your own TP and hand sanitizer just in case. :toilet:
Embrace lake activities
Rent kayaks or canoes for a peaceful paddle on Price Lake. :kayak:
Respect wildlife
Bear-proof trash cans are present; keep food secure. :bear:
Capture the sunrise
Early mornings offer stunning mountain sunrises, especially in fall. :sunrise:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Julian Price Memorial Park for its stunning natural beauty, particularly Price Lake and the surrounding mountain vistas, making it a beloved spot for generations. However, recurring issues with restroom maintenance and occasional trail damage detract from the otherwise idyllic experience.
"This is one of our favorite places to go ever since my childhood and now taking our grandchildren. Picnic area is open and accessible and has been reasonably maintained. There is still damaged from Helene that has not been corrected and the bathrooms are not working. They do have porta johns that are clean but it is very surprising they have not made the repairs needed. The park service should definitely invest in making these repairs as soon as possible"
Bryan Beaty
"July 19, 2025. Strange my review is centered around the restroom access.
Park is ok if you don't need a restroom. Restroom buildings are closed. 2 port-a-johns - nasty. No toilet paper. We were disappointed.
Bring your own TP.
Front-load trash dumpster has a sign to latch it due to bears in the area. Latch broken. Door will open easily.
Once these items are "fixed", it's a nice park."
Skipper Pond
"Great views! Peaceful. Parking area and a sidewalk to capture stunning views. My photos are doing this area a disservice because the place is gorgeous. There are little cut out areas to capture different views of the area (not shown on my photos). The parking area was big enough to hold several cars and it was easy to navigate. Go! Explore!"
N Robinson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Julian Price Memorial Park is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 297. If driving from Blowing Rock, NC, take US-321 N and turn right onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. The park is a short drive from the town.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is generally open year-round, but sections can close temporarily due to ice, snow, or maintenance. Always check the official Blue Ridge Parkway website for current road conditions before your visit.
The charming towns of Blowing Rock and Boone, North Carolina, are the closest communities to Julian Price Memorial Park, offering lodging, dining, and shopping options.
Public transportation options are very limited in this mountainous region. A personal vehicle or rental car is highly recommended for reaching Julian Price Memorial Park and exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Yes, the park is situated along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is famous for its numerous scenic overlooks. Sims Pond Overlook (Milepost 295.9) is adjacent to the park and offers beautiful views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Julian Price Memorial Park is a public park and does not typically charge an entrance fee. Access to the park and its trails is generally free.
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. However, specific facilities like campgrounds or visitor centers may have their own operating hours. It's best to check the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information.
Picnic areas are usually available on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak seasons or weekends, arriving early is advised to secure a spot, especially for larger groups.
Fishing licenses are typically required by the state of North Carolina. For boating on Price Lake, rentals are available within the park, but personal watercraft regulations may apply. Check with park staff or the NPS website for specifics.
The Flintlock Campground within Julian Price Memorial Park may have seasonal closures. Recent reviews indicate it might be closed for repairs. It's crucial to verify its operational status before planning a camping trip.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Price Lake Loop Trail (2.7 miles) is a popular, easy hike around the lake. For a more challenging experience, the Boone Fork Trail (5 miles) offers creek crossings and rock scrambles. The Green Knob Trail starts near Sims Pond.
Yes, kayak and canoe rentals are often available at Price Lake within Julian Price Memorial Park, allowing visitors to enjoy the water and surrounding scenery.
The park features numerous quaint picnic spots, many situated by the creek, offering a lovely setting for a meal amidst nature.
You might encounter various birds, squirrels, and other small forest creatures. Keep an eye out for deer, and remember to be bear-aware, especially around trash receptacles.
Yes, the Price Lake Loop Trail is relatively flat and easy, making it suitable for families. The Boone Fork Trail has more challenging sections but can be fun for adventurous kids.
📸 📸 Photography
Price Lake offers stunning reflections, especially during sunrise and fall. The overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway near the park, like Sims Pond, also provide excellent vantage points for capturing mountain vistas.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Fall colors, typically peaking in October, provide a vibrant backdrop for any shot.
The Price Lake Loop Trail provides consistent lake views. The Boone Fork Trail offers opportunities to photograph waterfalls and interesting rock formations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery and lake views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures. :camerawithflash:
Drone usage is regulated within National Park Service areas. Generally, drones are prohibited in Julian Price Memorial Park to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check current NPS regulations. :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Picnic areas are plentiful and provide a great spot for a family meal. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and be prepared for potential restroom closures by bringing your own supplies. The opportunity to rent kayaks or canoes on Price Lake can also be a memorable experience for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will appreciate the diverse plant life, potential wildlife sightings, and the stunning mountain scenery, especially during the vibrant fall foliage season. Remember to check trail conditions, as sections can be affected by weather and maintenance.
📸 Photographers
Overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, such as Sims Pond Overlook, provide panoramic vistas perfect for landscape shots. The trails themselves offer opportunities to capture intimate forest scenes, waterfalls, and interesting natural textures. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for expansive views and a tripod for low-light photography. [^camerawithflash:]
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Julian Price Memorial Park
For those craving a bit more adventure, the Boone Fork Trail presents a more challenging 5-mile loop. This trail is known for its dynamic terrain, featuring multiple creek crossings, rock scrambles, and even ladders and ropes in some sections. It winds through dense forest and offers glimpses of waterfalls, providing a more immersive wilderness experience.
Another notable trail is the Green Knob Trail, accessible from the Sims Pond Overlook. This moderately strenuous 2.4-mile loop takes hikers through rhododendron thickets and old-growth timber, showcasing the diverse flora of the region. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and carry water, as trail conditions can vary, especially after inclement weather.
Water Activities on Price Lake
The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, with opportunities to catch various species. Anglers should ensure they have the necessary North Carolina fishing licenses. The calm waters make it an enjoyable experience for both seasoned fishermen and beginners looking to cast a line.
While swimming is generally not permitted in Price Lake due to its use for boating and fishing, the overall atmosphere around the lake is one of serene natural beauty. It's a perfect place to relax, enjoy a picnic by the water's edge, or simply soak in the mountain air.
The Charm of Blowing Rock and Nearby Attractions
Beyond the park and Blowing Rock, the Blue Ridge Parkway itself is an attraction, offering breathtaking vistas and access to other natural wonders. Nearby, you can explore Grandfather Mountain State Park for more challenging hikes and iconic views, or visit the Linn Cove Viaduct for a marvel of engineering.
For those interested in unique local spots, the 'Prayer Tree' in Blowing Rock has gained attention, a testament to resilience after a fire. The region is rich with opportunities for outdoor adventure and scenic exploration, making Julian Price Memorial Park a perfect base for a broader North Carolina mountain getaway.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit