This Boone in-town hike is a local favorite for hikers, runners and families.
Why You Should Hike The Boone United Trail
Boone United Methodist Church has carved a beautiful, well-maintained trail system that begins on the church’s campus, winds over two brief creek crossings, and then starts climbing up the southward slope of Howard’s Knob with very little reprieve except for a few switchbacks.
But the hard breathing is worth it because after a little less than a mile you arrive at the 0.7-mile Sanctuary Loop, a loop trail that links up with a “newly”-created, long-anticipated higher loop that carries you up to the base of the famed boulder field. (The boulder field that was once made famous by climbers John Sherman and Joey Henson).
Part of the beauty this trail system is just how quickly you’re able to forget that you’re climbing above a university town, especially with the addition of the upper loop.
The pair of loops makes you feel like you’ve done something with your day as you wind through beautiful hardwoods amid large mossy rocks and develop the sense that you’re no longer in the middle of a small university town.
The Boone United Trail begins and ends at Boone United Methodist Church and every step of this out and back 2 + mile in-town Boone hill hike is worth the effort. Hike it. You’ll like it.
UP and BACK. ~2 miles
DIFFICULTY. Moderate to Slightly Strenuous
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS.