Last updated: January 27, 2021
Thing to Do
Hike the High Meadow Trail at the Blue Ridge Music Center
NPS Photo
The High Meadow Trail is an easy, family-friendly Kids In Parks TRACK Trail, that is full of woodland and meadow scenery to explore. The 1.35-mile-long one-way trail provides views of birds, flowers, fungi, and the Chestnut Creek. As you are hiking, listen for mountain music floating on the breeze. Musicians play every afternoon at the nearby Blue Ridge Music Center, from May through October.
Children especially enjoy hiking this Kids in Parks TRACK Trail. Young hikers can pick up free TRACK trail brochures to help them explore the trail. Brochures are available at both trailheads. These pamphlets are full of interactive activities to introduce kids to the outdoors. Learn what trees are best for string instruments, identify birds on your hike, or play nature hike and seek!
Identifying some of the wide variety of trees and flowers that you encounter along the trail can add to the enjoyment of hiking this leisure trail, so be sure to take a few guides with you. Spring, summer and fall hikes will provide seasonal wildflowers and mushrooms to identify. During autumn, vibrantly colored leaves line the trail.
Return to the Music Center after your hike to enjoy some old time or bluegrass music! The Blue Ridge Music Center has live music daily during summer and early fall. Test your mountain music knowledge by visiting the indoor museum to discover the roots of this music in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Children especially enjoy hiking this Kids in Parks TRACK Trail. Young hikers can pick up free TRACK trail brochures to help them explore the trail. Brochures are available at both trailheads. These pamphlets are full of interactive activities to introduce kids to the outdoors. Learn what trees are best for string instruments, identify birds on your hike, or play nature hike and seek!
Identifying some of the wide variety of trees and flowers that you encounter along the trail can add to the enjoyment of hiking this leisure trail, so be sure to take a few guides with you. Spring, summer and fall hikes will provide seasonal wildflowers and mushrooms to identify. During autumn, vibrantly colored leaves line the trail.
Return to the Music Center after your hike to enjoy some old time or bluegrass music! The Blue Ridge Music Center has live music daily during summer and early fall. Test your mountain music knowledge by visiting the indoor museum to discover the roots of this music in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Details
Duration
60-90 Minutes
The listed times allow one to hike at a moderate pace with occasional one-minute stops to look and listen. All hikers starting the trail after 2:00 PM must park at the alternative trail head. The visitor center gates are locked at 5:00 PM, so you will not be able to exit the Music Center parking area if you return to your car after this time.
Activity
Hiking
Age(s)
People of any age can enjoy this hike, but children will especially enjoy exploring this Kids in Parks TRACK Trail. Each family-friendly TRACK Trail features self-guided brochures and signs that turn your visit into a fun and exciting outdoors experience. TRACK Trail brochures are available at the Blue Ridge Music Center. Topics include The Need for Trees, Birds of the Blue Ridge, Natures Hide and Seek, and Music From the Mountains.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Please be sure your pet is always on a leash no longer than 6 feet long. Recreate responsibly and clean up after your four-legged friends! No horses are allowed on the trail.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Blue Ridge Music Center at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 213
There are two trailheads to access the High Meadow Trail. One is located behind the Music Center. The second trailhead is located 0.5 miles south of the Music Center entrance gate on Foothills Road.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Accessible in the off season (November-Early May) via Foothills Road and the alternative trailhead. Entering the Music Center from the parkway, proceed to the stop sign. Turn right down the gravel, one-lane Foothills Road until you see a gravel parking lot to your right.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
All hikers starting the trail after 2:00 PM must park at the alternative trail head. The visitor center gates are locked at 5:00 PM, so you will not be able to exit the Music Center parking area.
Accessibility Information
The high meadow trial is not handicap accessible due to the terrain and narrow trail bed. Trail width is anywhere from 2ft to 5ft wide. The surface material is mostly compacted dirt and leaf litter. Watch for raised roots and sticks on the ground. Uneven tread requires good balance.