The Decades-long Effort to Save Howard Knob
BRC purchased 74 acres on the North and East side of Howard Knob, including the iconic boulders
After a 30 year effort, Blue Ridge Conservancy is thrilled to announce the purchase of 74 acres on Howard Knob, securing the property for hiking, rock climbing, and other public recreation, and protecting it from future development. The property adjoins Watauga County’s existing 5-acre park and the Boone United Methodist Church property, increasing the contiguous protected property on Howard Knob by more than 140%.
The property was purchased from Monte Green, who bought the land in the 1990s, eventually using one tract for his home and leaving the rest undeveloped. Through his family’s stewardship the property remained in its natural state with the recreational and ecological values intact. After several years of discussion with Green a deal was struck, and BRC sprang into action to ‘Save Howard Knob.’
“Blue Ridge Conservancy is excited to reopen this historic climbing area and create additional hiking trails on the mountain, including the future location of the Northern Peaks State Trail,” says Eric Hiegl, BRC’s Senior Director of Land Protection and Conservation Planning. “Land conservation projects have their own time schedule and happen when the time is right. Luckily for us the time to Save Howard Knob is now.” Read More
Media Coverage and Recognition
Climbing Magazine: “30-Plus Years After Climbers Were Banned, a Historic Bouldering Area Reopens”
Land Trust Alliance - Saving Land: “The Mountain They Never Gave Up On”
Access Fund: “Access Fund Announces 2025 Climbing Advocate Awardees”
Access Fund: “Tip of the Spear”
WFDD: “Howard Knob purchase will open acreage to public use”
Raleigh News & Observer: “Conservation group buys NC mountaintop for rock climbers after 30-year effort”
BACC Mind Your Business Podcast: “Coming Full Circle to Preserve Howard Knob”
Watauga Democrat: “Blue Ridge Conservancy Celebrates Howard Knob Project, Seeks Support for Land Purchase”
Watauga Democrat: “BRC Purchases Howard Knob Property”
Wilkes Journal-Patriot: “Conservancy buys 74 acres on Howard Knob”
The Appalachian: “Blue Ridge Conservancy achieves goal to ‘Save Howard Knob’ after 30 years”
Gripped Magazine: “Famous American Bouldering Area Saved After 30 Years”