The Blowing Rock is a huge cliff over 4,000 feet above sea level in Blowing Rock, North Carolina and has been a tourist attraction since 1933. The town is named after the unusual geological formation, which overhangs Johns River Gorge some 3,000 feet below. The name originated from the northwest wind sweeping with so much force through a flume created by the walls of the gorge causing light objects to be blown up in the sky.
The tale of how the wind started this phenomenon was that the daughter of a Chickasaw chieftain living at Blowing Rock fell in love with a Cherokee brave from the wilderness below. The brave on seeing the reddening sky one day decided it was a sign he had to return to his tribe, but was torn between doing that and staying with the girl. He decided to leap from the rock in to the wilderness below.
The girl prayed for his return on a daily basis to the Great Spirit. One evening a gust of wind blew her lover back onto the rock and they were reunited. It is said that a constant wind has blown from the valley below up to the rock ever since.
The unusual shape and size of the rock formation has been formed over millions of years. Much of its features have been caused by the strong pressure on the earth's crust during the formation of the Blue Ridge Mountains. That coupled with immense weathering over the years causing erosion in the rock has created the odd shaped cliff.
The rock is the main attraction but there are other attractions at the site. One of the first things people will see on entering the site is a gazebo, whilst nearby there is a trout pond and small waterfall. Walking along the 1200 foot trail will take from 15 to 25 minutes, where visitors can also bring their pets along if they are kept on a leash.
There are various points from which great photographs can be taken, including the rock itself and an observation tower. Visitors can observe the natural beauty of the area when they follow the nature walk and sit amongst the gardens at this tourist attraction. There is a snack shop and gift shop on site, and an area for people to take picnics as well.
Admission for adults is $6, senior citizens $5, children (4-11) $1and kids under 3 can enter for free. There are reductions for group bookings for parties of 20 or more people, with adults down to $5, senior citizens $4, and 4 to 11 year olds $0.75. It is recommended that group bookings are made in advance so that any special requests can be dealt with accordingly.
It is a popular attraction for school field trips. Students can learn much about the history of the rock and surrounding area and about the rock's geological composition. Some reviews from previous visitors suggest the place is well worth a visit, but just as a one off as the views can be taken in for free from many other vantage points in the mountains.
