The Glen Burney Trail is located near downtown Blowing Rock and winds beautifully downhill along New Year’s Creek and its cascades. But don’t be deceived by this High Country gem. This beauty can make you weak in the knees. Photography by JC Garcia
Why You Should Hike the Glen Burney Trail
This trail is situated right near downtown Blowing Rock and follows the cascades and waterfalls of New Year’s Creek. It’s a beautiful continually-downhill path, but its location near civilization and the pleasant downhill can be alluring and deceiving.
Though its beauty is worth the effort, this is no joke of a hike. Whatever distance you covered on the downhill you’ll face again whenever you decide to turn around and head back to the car. Here’s the good news though—you’re guaranteed to have a sizable workout, see some beautiful water, bridges and trees and you’ll definitely earn your beer.
Blue Ridge Conservancy | All Trails | Hiking Upward
DIFFICULTY. Strenuous (both on the knotty, rocky downhill and on the quad-pounding return commute to the car).
OUT and BACK. (really down and up). 3.2 miles
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS. Not really kid friendly. At all. And don’t play at the edge of the waterfalls. People die doing that.