High Meadow Trail

Why hike it

A gentle, family-friendly wander through open hayfields, wetlands, and shady woods, the High Meadow Trail pairs easy walking with a dash of culture from the Blue Ridge Music Center. On warm-season days you might even catch strains of live mountain music floating across the meadows as you walk [nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/high-meadow-trail.htm).

The route and what to expect

This is an out-and-back footpath linking the Blue Ridge Music Center (Milepost ~213 area) and a hiker lot on Foothills Road (SR 612). It’s about 1.25–1.35 miles one way; plan on roughly 2.5–2.7 miles total if you walk the full out-and-back. Expect compacted dirt tread with roots and occasional rock, short boardwalk/bridge sections, and easy grades. The trail is marked (red blazes) and crosses or parallels Chestnut Creek with a footbridge and some stepping-stone crossings that can get slick and muddy after rain [nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/high-meadow-trail.htm) [npplan.com](https://npplan.com/parks-by-state/north-carolina-national-parks/blue-ridge-parkway-park-at-a-glance/blue-ridge-parkway-hiking-trails/blue-ridge-parkway-high-meadow-trail-fisher-peak-loop-hike/).

Scenery shifts from open meadows and hayfields to wetland pockets and rhododendron-tucked woods. Spring through summer brings wildflowers and butterflies; year-round, it’s quality birding with trailhead brochures to help you ID what you’re seeing. Kids will love the TRACK Trail activities available on site [nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/high-meadow-trail.htm).

At roughly 0.25 miles from the Music Center end, a signed junction lets you peel off onto the Fisher Peak Loop if you want a longer, moderate outing; otherwise, stick to the High Meadow Trail and return the way you came [npplan.com](https://npplan.com/parks-by-state/north-carolina-national-parks/blue-ridge-parkway-park-at-a-glance/blue-ridge-parkway-hiking-trails/blue-ridge-parkway-high-meadow-trail-fisher-peak-loop-hike/).

Access and parking

You can start behind the Blue Ridge Music Center (stairs drop you onto the path) or from the hiker lot on Foothills Road (SR 612). Trailheads exist at both ends, so shuttling a car is possible if you don’t want to backtrack [npplan.com](https://npplan.com/parks-by-state/north-carolina-national-parks/blue-ridge-parkway-park-at-a-glance/blue-ridge-parkway-hiking-trails/blue-ridge-parkway-high-meadow-trail-fisher-peak-loop-hike/) [blueridgemusiccenter.org](https://www.blueridgemusiccenter.org/visit/music-center-hiking-trails/).

Best time to hike

• Late spring through early fall: Peak wildflowers, green meadows, and a good chance of hearing live music from the outdoor stage during the Music Center season [nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/high-meadow-trail.htm).
• Fall: Colorful foliage and cooler temps.
• Winter: Open year-round; when Parkway facilities are quieter, you can still access from Foothills Road (check conditions after thaw/rain) [nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/high-meadow-trail.htm).

Need-to-know

• Not a loop unless you add Fisher Peak Loop; the standard experience is out-and-back.
• Natural, uneven tread and narrow sections mean it’s not wheelchair or stroller friendly [nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/high-meadow-trail.htm).
• Expect mud and slick rock after rain; waterproof shoes help. Follow red blazes and use care at stepping-stone crossings [npplan.com](https://npplan.com/parks-by-state/north-carolina-national-parks/blue-ridge-parkway-park-at-a-glance/blue-ridge-parkway-hiking-trails/blue-ridge-parkway-high-meadow-trail-fisher-peak-loop-hike/).
• Leashed pets are generally allowed on Blue Ridge Parkway trails; confirm on site and follow posted rules [blueridgeparkway.org](https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/hiking/).

Who will love it

Families, photographers, casual walkers, and birders who want a mellow, scenic leg-stretcher with cultural vibes from the Music Center. If you crave big views or a workout, tack on Fisher Peak Loop or choose a more strenuous nearby trail instead [blueridgemusiccenter.org](https://www.blueridgemusiccenter.org/visit/music-center-hiking-trails/).