Trail Systems:
Rocky Knob MTB Park
Overview
Rocky Knob Park (RKP) is a 185-acre county park located just east of the town of Boone, NC. With over nine miles of trail (including four skills areas), Rocky Knob contains some of the most beautiful, unique, destination-quality MTB terrain around.
A direction of travel is posted with biking and hiking encouraged in opposite ways. Signage at all intersections suggests the bike and hike direction. Skills areas have their own separate rating system. In addition to the trails and skills areas, this park has other nice amenities including a pump track, community shelter and adventure playground.
RKP lives up to its name – its rocky. The mountain itself has stone features all over it, ranging from scree and boulder fields to slabs and small cliffs. The trails cross all of these areas, and as a result, nearly the entire trail surface contains some form of rock.
In general RKP does not officially open or close, except for occasional seasonal park closures and during major weather events including freeze-thaw.
Please respect the trails and do not ride within 24 hours of a rainfall. Check out the RKP Facebook Page for the most current trail status.
History & Background
History & BackgroundIn April 2009, Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (WCTDA) began exploring the feasibility of using 130 acres of county property behind the old Watauga County Landfill for recreation, and specifically, Mountain Biking. After site visits and initial consults from professional trailbuilders, official news of RKP was officially released to the public in Oct. ’09 when Watauga County Commissioners announced the purchase of an additional 50 acres adjacent to the existing land.
Boone Area Cyclists (BAC), a 501c3 non-profit was formed about the same time. BAC and WCTDA worked together over the entirety of the project, with BAC helping with planning and funding, and also orchestrating the 3,500+ volunteer hours used in construction.
Groundbreaking took place in June 2010 and the trails started rolling out soon after that. The Alliance began working with BAC and Watauga County soon after we were formed in 2013 and help organize large community work parties a few times per year.
Directions
Rocky Knob Park is located on US 421 just east of Boone city limits. From downtown, take US 421 S towards Wilkesboro. The park is located just off 421 on the right 7/10 of a mile past Bamboo Road and the Marathon Gas Station.
Entrance Coordinates: 36.223287,-81.62654
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