The Blue Ridge Parkway has deep roots in Blowing Rock as home to the original locating and claim engineer and consultant for the Blue Ridge Parkway, R. Getty Browning. It was primarily Browning who convinced federal officials to move the Parkway alignment to North Carolina from its original route through Tennessee. Blowing Rock is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway and is also home to one of the most popular and historic structures on the Parkway, the Cone Manor.

The Town of Blowing Rock gets its name from The Blowing Rock, an immense cliff located 4,000 feet above sea level and overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. The rocky walls of the gorge form a flume through which the northwest wind sweeps with such force that snow has been known to blow upside down! 

There are many small mountain towns to explore in the Blowing Rock area of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The region encompassing Boone, Blowing Rock, West Jefferson and Beech Mountain enjoys many engaging attractions and is referred to as North Carolina’s High Country. Each town has unique character and experiences, from the storybook village of Blowing Rock to the vibrant college town of Boone; the quiet hamlet of Valle Crucis to the mountaintop vibe of Beech Mountain. The area is a year-round destination, with exciting attractions and activities in every season that offer a variety of adventures and relaxation.