Boone, NC - After 30 years of effort, Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) is thrilled to announce that it has secured the opportunity to purchase 73 acres on the north and east side of Howard Knob, the peak overlooking Boone. This property adjoins the existing 5-acre park owned by Watauga County, and will protect the land forever and provide public access for nature-based recreation, including hiking and rock climbing.

“Saving Howard Knob has been a top priority of Blue Ridge Conservancy since day one,” 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.”

(L) The property as seen from the northeast side, with Boone in the background, (R) The site’s boulders, part of the Amphibolite Mountain chain

In the 1990s Appalachian State students and community members attempted to buy the property to protect the iconic mountain from development and allow access to the land and climbing boulders. Although the effort was unsuccessful at that time, the group founded Watauga High Country Land Trust to “Save Howard’s Knob.” That group, renamed High Country Conservancy, merged with the West Jefferson-based Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust in 2010 to become Blue Ridge Conservancy. Since that time, BRC has protected almost 26,000 acres over seven counties in northwest North Carolina. Returning to complete the Howard Knob project represents a full-circle moment for the Conservancy.

“This very same project was literally the genesis of what has become Blue Ridge Conservancy today,” says BRC Executive Director David Ray. “That 30-plus year land trust effort has led to tens of thousands of acres being protected across the landscape, even when it seemed like that founding dream of protecting Howard Knob might not happen.”

“The "Save Howard's Knob" initiative gave birth to the land trust movement in the High Country,” says Founding Board Member Michelle Leonard. “To see Blue Ridge Conservancy complete this project 30 years later shows the perseverance and dedication of BRC. We are all so fortunate to have a local conservancy that keeps its focus on the projects that take decades to complete. I am overjoyed at this outcome!”

Local conservationist and Founding BRC Board Member Jeffrey Scott echoes Leonard’s sentiment: “For 30 years we have waited patiently for the right opportunity to purchase and protect Boone’s iconic backdrop, Howard Knob. Thanks to all the steadfast dedication and hard work of countless community members and organizations over the last three decades, we can now officially Save the Knob!”

Closing on the Howard Knob property must occur in December of 2025, and efforts are underway to raise the necessary funds to complete the project. Once the transaction is complete, plans will be finalized to build hiking and climber trails, and add parking. BRC has completed a biological study on Howard Knob to assure that no rare plant or animal species will be affected by plans to build trails and reopen the boulders to climbers.

“We've hooked this deal, and now we are asking our communities to help us get it done by donating to Blue Ridge Conservancy and the project,” states Ray. “Persistence and expert staffing pay off, and we look forward to celebrating with everyone who treasures this special place.”

Once complete, the property will include the Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST), which will connect downtown Boone to Mount Jefferson in Ashe County. The southern terminus of the NPST will be at Rivers House Park in Boone. BRC is the non-profit partner of the NPST, tasked with developing and supporting the trail.

To donate to this project, click here.

Do you have photos, clippings, or memories to add to the historical archive? Email them to info@blueridgeconservancy.org

Blue Ridge Conservancy Announces Opportunity to “Save Howard Knob” for Recreation and Public Access