The Redevelopment of Howard Knob

Vivian Kaufman, Staff Writer for Watauga PowderhornAll Photo Credits: Vivian Kaufman

New Howard Knob Sign that sits at the entryway, created by Destination By Design.

Howard Knob has been a monumental part of Watauga since the 1980's when it was officially founded, given it is one of the few views of the entire town. As of this summer of 2026, it has evolved into something even more beneficial to the community. After a 14-month period of construction, the recreational space officially reopened July 2026 with a new sign, a circular overlook--the Sky Bridge--a pavilion, and more!

“I really liked Howard Knob. I would give it a 10/10. It's such a beautiful view! “ said Sarah Earp. “Parks like Howard Knob affect our community in a good way. It gives people somewhere to go that's not inside or on our phones.”

The town of Boone's economy heavily relies on tourism and beautiful mountain views like Howard Knob that attracts many visitors. "I think it draws a lot of tourism here, which is very helpful for the economy, " said Zadie Meier Servon. "We have a bunch of great views and great nature here. Providing more access to those views is a really great thing to do."

Man ponders the view of Boone from Howard Knob.

Close-up of the detailed design of the new Sky Bridge at Howard Knob , the biggest addition to the park.

The leaves at the park are beginning to change during early October.

View of Boone and App State University from the bridge at Howard Knob.

Howard Knob as a park has been around for quite some time, dating back to 1980. Within this past year, Howard Knob has developed into more than just a view from a scattering of boulders.

"It has vastly improved. At first, it wasn't anything at all. So, the before and after are two very different pictures," said Meier Servon. "We didn't have access to the view we now have [after the addition of the Sky Bridge]."

Many of the people visiting this magnificent view are not aware of the copious effort put into purchasing and protecting the land around the Howard Knob park, also known as The Knob Boulders & Nature Preserve.

“It took Blue Ridge Conservancy over 30 years to acquire the 74-acres that we protected on Howard Knob. It is a process of patience, flexibility and determination to see the project be completed,” said Jordan Sellers, trail director and coordinator for the Blue Ridge Conservancy. “The journey began with App State students in the early 1990s and culminated in December of 2025 when we were able to sign a deal with the land owner.”

Rock at Howard Knob Park displaying the park's information, such as the elevation, and a thanks to the board of commissionaries and directors.

While the process of gaining acquisition of the land was difficult and long lasting, the efforts are not entirely over, it still takes effort to keep The Knob Boulders & Nature Preserve protected.

“We are building trails, a parking lot, signage, and maps,” said Sellers. “Relying on our volunteers and various partner organizations to help us care for the trails will be some of our future efforts, but others, such as forest management may come into play.”

Plenty of labor and work goes into the upkeep of stunning parks with resplendent views that are a huge part of Watauga. But Howard Knob Park is one of the only places with a 200-degree panoramic view of the entire town.

“I would definitely recommend it to people here. It's so cool to stand up there and see the places you go to every day, and you are like ‘Oh my goodness, that's where I go to school!’ or another place you go to a lot,” said Earp. “ ‘It looks so small from up here’, or "Wow, I didn't realize that place was there’. I think that tourists would definitely like the view, and they could see a lot of our community from up there and the beautiful mountains.”
This view is breathtaking, but Howard Knob is more than a gorgeous sight. It's a symbol of Watauga's society, and how it has come together to protect the beautiful nature surrounding it.

“I think that this park means a great deal to the Watauga community. It’s the view of downtown Boone and home to incredible natural beauty, all within minutes of town,” said Sellers. “It’s also the story of perseverance and commitment to protecting our natural world. Numerous people worked diligently to see this mountain protected and despite the decades long journey of ups and downs it finally happened.”

Gazebo covering at the park, the perfect place for activities like a picnic at the park.

Another angle of the gorgeous view of Howard Knob from the circular overlook.

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