Pros & cons
PROS
- First mile doubles as a TRACK Trail for kids with easy, interpretive fun
- Multiple piers and overlooks tailor-made for photography and birding
- Beginner-friendly cross-country ski option when snow is deep
CONS
- Boggy, muddy sections on the backside after rain
- Occasional bridge damage can affect access and continuity
- Crowded on fair-weather weekends; parking fills fast
Park at the Price Lake day-use/boat rental area around Milepost 296.7; 10+ spaces with a porta potty and seasonal restrooms when the campground is open.
Expect roots, rocks, and muddy bog sections; occasional bridge damage may limit accessibility. Check for Blue Ridge Parkway winter closures after storms.
Why hike this trail
If you want maximum scenery for minimal effort, this lakeshore circuit delivers. The 2.7-mile loop (total) circles 47-acre Price Lake with nearly continuous water views and frequent peeks at Grandfather Mountain. It’s an easy, low‑stress stroll that still feels immersive—ideal for families, casual walkers, and anyone squeezing a rewarding stop into a Parkway day.
Trail snapshot
Expect mostly flat walking with about 75 feet of gentle elevation gain on natural surfaces—dirt and gravel—with sections of rocks, roots, and occasional mud after rain. Several piers and overlooks break up the shoreline ramble and make perfect photo and birdwatching stops. Dogs are welcome on leash.
What you’ll see
This loop is all about reflections and wildlife. Look for ducks and migrating loons in spring and summer, and keep an eye out for beaver activity—chewed stumps and small dams are common in the boggier back sections. In fall, the color show is huge as reds and golds light up the water’s edge.
Family features and access
The first mile functions as a TRACK Trail for kids with interpretive fun built into an easier start. About half the loop is on smoother tread (paved or gravel), but expect natural, rooty sections elsewhere. Parts of the loop can occasionally be impacted by bridge damage—if accessibility is a priority, check current conditions before committing to the full circuit.
Best time to hike
- Spring/Summer: Lush greenery, active waterfowl, and seasonal canoe/kayak/paddleboard rentals add variety. Morning light is calmest for glassy reflections and fewer crowds.
- Fall: Peak season here—arrive early or on weekdays for parking and quieter shoreline.
- Winter: When snow is deep and the Parkway is open, the loop can double as a beginner-friendly cross‑country ski. Always verify road status; closures are common after winter storms.
Logistics and tips
- Start early on weekends—this area is popular and parking fills.
- Wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy, especially after rain.
- No swimming or motorized boats on Price Lake; non-motorized craft are allowed (rentals are seasonal).
- If you want more challenge after your lap, the nearby Tanawha Trail offers longer, more rugged mountain miles.
Elevation
2.7 mi · 1 hrWhere it starts
36.1388, -81.7275Wildlife on this trail
Near Price Lake Loop Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayJulian Price Park Picnic AreaShady creekside picnic grounds with trails and lake nearbyTrailhead · Restroom
0 mi awayOld Johns River RoadShort, quiet pasture-to-creek stroll with a Boone Fork connection.Easy · 1.2 mi · 45 min
0.3 mi awayPrice Lake TrailGentle lakeside loop with constant views and easy accessEasy · 2.7 mi · 1 hr
0.3 mi awayPrice Lake OverlookMirrorlike lake views and an easy loop right from the pulloutTrailhead · Pullout
0.4 mi awayPrice LakeSerene mountain lake with an easy loop and classic Grandfather viewsTrailhead · Pullout
0.5 mi awayJulian Price Memorial Park CampgroundThe Parkway’s big lakeside basecamp for hiking and paddlingCampground · Restroom
0.6 mi awaySims Pond Loop TrailShort pond, creek, and meadow loop with a viaduct and one viewEasy · 2.3 mi · 2 hr
1 mi awayGreen Knob TrailLush loop of creek, meadows, and rhododendron with playful rock hopsModerate · 2.4 mi · 2 hr
