There’s nothing that captures the essence of winter joy better than sledding, and there’s no place better for that than right here in Watauga County, North Carolina. These are the five best hills you can go to to have some fun in the snow.
Moses Cone Park in Blowing Rock offers something for everyone. According to The High Country Press, the hill is sleddable all the way around, meaning there are different inclines for the whole family to enjoy. The hill is located near the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, where Highway 221, Shulls Mill Road, Flannery Fork Farms Road, and the Blue Ridge Parkway intersect. Parking is located at the Blue Ridge Parkway’s maintenance facility, and the hill is open at all times.
Suicide Hill, as Appalachian State students call it, is a hidden gem located on the west side of ASU’s campus, behind the Broyhill Music Building. On any wintry day in Boone, you can find students and locals speeding down the slope at breakneck speeds and sliding over the level ground at the base of the hill. Be wary, however; they don’t call it Suicide Hill for nothing. Parking is available at any on-campus lot between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Strawberry Hill is a steep hill located right next to the Horn in the West parking lot in Boone. Sledders must be careful to slow down before they hit the road at the base of the hill, however. While going down the hill is great, you might never want to once you reach the top. That’s because at the top of Strawberry Hill there is a stone platform that overlooks the surrounding mountainsides. The view is absolutely breathtaking, and in my opinion, the best you can get without leaving town. Parking is conveniently located right across the street at Horn in the West.
Beech Mountain offers a youth sledding hill for kids 12 and under. It’s a popular spot among families because it’s monitored by employees during its working hours of 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (weekdays) and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (weekends). Parking is located at the Buckeye recreation center. Please note that sleds with metal skis are not allowed on the slope.
State Farm Park offers perhaps the most daring slope of them all. The extremely inclined hill lies in the middle of the park, visible upon entry from the State Farm parking lot, which is open to the public before 10 p.m. The hill is rough and steep, and recommended for adults only. However, while the family daredevil goes off to try the hill, the park offers a great area for the rest of the family to enjoy their winter’s day out.
Source: http://www.highcountrypress.com/weekly/2011/12-15-11/sledding-a-downhill-thrill.htm