One of Ashe County’s most iconic attractions, the Blowing Rock is a huge cliff 4,000 feet above sea level, overhanging Johns River Gorge that lies 3,000 feet below. If you are unfamiliar with this natural landmark, “The Blowing Rock,” gets its name because the rocky walls of the gorge form a flume through which the wind sweeps upward. This current of air inspired a Ripley’s “Believe-It-Or-Not” cartoon about the Rock that is captioned, “The only place in the world where snow falls upside down.” Not only is the Rock itself an interesting natural wonder, but the site also offers gorgeous panoramic mountain views.
According to legend, a Chikasaw chief was afraid of a white man’s attraction to his daughter. So the chief traveled from the plains to the Blowing Rock area and left his daughter in the care of a squaw mother. One day the maiden saw a handsome Cherokee brave and shot an arrow in his direction to get his attention. The two became lovers.
One day, the sky reddened, which the brave interpreted as a sign that he was to return to his tribe on the plains. Tormented about leaving his lover, the brave jumped from The Rock. The grief struck maiden prayed to the Great Spirit until the wind blew her lover back onto The Rock and into her arms. Ever since then a wind has blown up onto The Rock from the valley below.
Go see for yourself this fascinating rock formation that inspired such a romantic tale!
- Where: 432 The Rock Road, Blowing Rock
- When: June through October
Open daily from 8:30 to 7pm - Admission: $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $2 for children
- Visit: http://www.theblowingrock.com
