Watauga County introduced significant enhancements at Howard Knob County Park this summer, including a new Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant skybridge overlook. The improvements, available as of June, also feature a picnic shelter equipped with charcoal grills and picnic tables, alongside an expanded parking lot, aiming to improve accessibility and visitor amenities at the long-standing overlook.
The new skybridge overlook was designed by Destination by Design and provides a 200-degree view from an elevation of 4,396 feet, according to the firm’s website. The project's initial concept originated in 2018 as part of the Imagine Watauga initiative, a 15-year plan aimed at “enhancing quality of life” in Watauga County. Imagine Watauga is a collaborative effort led by the Watauga County and Boone Tourism Development Authorities.
Scott Carter, who became the new Director of Watauga County Parks and Recreation in July, visited the updated overlook shortly after starting his role. Carter has returned to the site multiple times since and anticipates people utilizing the new picnic shelter. “I think it’s a great place to host things,” Carter stated, emphasizing its potential for small gatherings. The overlook's entirely flat surface is a key feature contributing to its ADA accessibility, as noted by Carter.
Visitors are already experiencing the refreshed park. James Blair, an Appalachian State University alumnus, revisited Howard Knob to recall his freshman year visit in 2018, noting the area was less developed then. He expressed a desire to compare the past with the present, though his previous visit felt distant.
Jamie and Joanie Ogden also explored Howard Knob while visiting friends in Banner Elk. Joanie Ogden, whose daughter graduated from App State in 2007, described her perspective of Boone from the overlook as “so eye-opening,” particularly appreciating the “gorgeous” trees following recent rain. She also highlighted the practical benefit of the skybridge, noting that “climbing those rocks would not be as easy” for older visitors, acknowledging the enhanced accessibility compared to previous conditions. Jamie Ogden, a cartographer, remarked on his familiarity with such views, stating he “always thoroughly enjoyed looking down, using imagery to look down on the Earth.”
The beauty of the High Country from Howard Knob is a recurring theme among those who have seen the improvements. Case Neal, a senior landscape architect at Destination by Design, appreciates observing the changing seasons from the knob, even on rainy days, stating that it’s “always something different.” Carter also looked forward to the autumn spectacle, predicting that “when the leaves start to change colors, that view that people are going to get up there is going to be amazing.” Neal further suggested that the overlook is an excellent location for both first-time visitors and repeat guests to experience something new.
While no official date has been set for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Hope Thingelstad, Director of Partnerships and Outreach for Boone TDA, indicated that the organization hopes to hold one before the end of the year.
Howard Knob County Park operates daily from May 1 through October 20, with hours from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
