Pros & cons
PROS
- Kids in Parks TRACK Trail activities at both ends
- Live mountain music often audible in warm months
CONS
- Not a loop unless combined with Fisher Peak Loop
- Stepping-stone creek crossings can be slick and muddy after rain
Park at the Blue Ridge Music Center lot or the hiker lot on Foothills Road (SR 612); signed trailheads at both ends connect via the High Meadow Trail.
Natural, uneven tread with roots and narrow spots; stepping-stone stream crossings and wet, muddy sections after rain; not stroller/ADA accessible.
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/).
Where it starts
36.5732, -80.8503Wildlife on this trail
Near High Meadow Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayBlue Ridge Music CenterLive mountain music, museum, and trails at MP 213Visitor Center · Exhibit
0.6 mi awayFisher Peak Loop TrailWoodland loop with spring blooms, shady stream, and sunny meadowModerate · 2.2 mi · 1.5 hr
3.2 mi awayRocky Knob Picnic Loop TrailEasy leg-stretcher through woods and meadows beside the picnic areaEasy · 1 mi · 45 min
3.2 mi awayRocky Knob Picnic AreaShady ridge-top picnic loops with grills, restrooms, and trail accessTrailhead · Restroom
3.4 mi awayGully Creek TrailShort, rugged loop of cascades, creek crossings, and deep shadeChallenging · 2.5 mi · 2.3 hr
3.4 mi awayCumberland Knob Gully Creek TrailRugged creek loop with many crossings and mossy cascadesChallenging · 2.6 mi · 2.3 hr
3.4 mi awayCumberland Knob Visitor CenterHistoric starting point with trails and shady picnic groundsTrailhead · Restroom
3.7 mi awayCumberland Knob Picnic AreaShady and sunny picnic hub with trails and Parkway historyTrailhead · Restroom
