The Blowing Rock is North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction. It’s also known for its amazing views and interesting phenomenon where snow seems to fall upside down! It is one of my favorite spots in North Carolina and it truly is one of the states best hidden gems!

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Before moving to North Carolina, I had never heard of The Blowing Rock until my husband and I happened to drive past it while traveling. We did some research into the states oldest attraction and after that, we knew we had to visit! The views are spectacular in the fall, but what is even more interesting is how Ripley’s Believe-It-Or-Not promoted it as “the only place in the world where snow falls upside down”. There is an interesting story as to why that happens, but first, what exactly is The Blowing Rock? 

Legend of The Blowing Rock

This attraction is an extremely large cliff 4,000 feet above sea level that hangs over Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. The Blowing Rock originally became popular because of a legend that was written in the 1800s about a Native American love story where a Cherokee Brave fell in love with a Chickasaw princess. The Cherokee Brave had to return to his people, but decided to jump from The Blowing Rock. His lover, the Chickasaw woman, had been full of grief and prayed until he blew back into her arms. 

The story came from a never ending wind that continues to blow up the Johns River Gorge to the cliff. The rocky walls of the gorge cause wind that sweeps up with so much force that it can return certain objects that have been cast over the edge. Although the legend never happened, it did spark the name for The Blowing Rock and cause intrigue for visitors traveling to the attraction! 

North Carolina’s Oldest Travel Attraction

Many people enjoy the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains here. It has been designated as a travel attraction in 1933, making it North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction! It is an underrated attraction that hides among other popular places but one that shouldn’t be missed. 

How to Visit The Blowing Rock

Located on highway 321, The Blowing Rock is disability accessible and a short walk with views of Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell (the tallest peak east of the Mississippi), and the rest of the Blue Ridge, as well as Table Rock and Hawksbill! Theres also a little waterfall, a gift shop full of gifts made in the USA, and an observation tower. The Blowing Rock is open daily, weather permitting! Bring your pets on leash! 

Opening Hours:

• January – March: 9:00am-5:00pm 
• April – October: 8:30am-6:30pm
• November – December: 9:00am-5:00pm 

Admission:

• Adults (Ages 13 and up): $9.00
• Students with ID: $8.00
• Older (60+) & Military: $7.00
• Children (Ages 5-12): $3.00
• Children (Under age 5): FREE

The Blowing Rock Address:

432 The Rock Rd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

Where Snow Falls Upside Down

Did you know The Blowing Rock is apparently the only place in the world where snow falls upside down?! Apparently, Ripley’s “Believe-It-Or-Not” created a cartoon about The Blowing Rock. They claimed that this strange phenomenon happens because of the strong current of air flowing upward from the rock, causing it to appear as though snow falls upside down!

This is a great historic attraction to visit in the state of North Carolina. Thanks for reading and if you’re interested in learning more about NC, check out my recent blog post on 10 Hidden Gems in North Carolina Guide!

In the photos, I’m wearing a cozy knit hat, thermal wool base long sleeve, my L.L. Bean hiking boots, and my favorite Lululemon High-Rise leggings with pockets!

Sincerely, The girl with the blonde bob – Magnolia Megan