2.4 HOWARD KNOB PARK Howard Knob Park is an iconic regional asset that provides
2.4.3 PUBLIC ART
outstanding views of downtown Boone. The 5.7 acre park,
Partner with the Watauga Arts Council to incorporate
owned and managed by Watauga County, was developed
public art at Howard Knob Park.
in the mid-80s, and many of the facilities have fallen into disrepair. The Boone Area Outdoor Recreation Plan (2011)
2.4.4 EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE
and the Northern Peaks Trail Master Plan (2017), plans
Support efforts to develop and install interpretive
which were spearheaded by the WCTDA, identify Howard
signage to educate residents and visitors on the unique
Knob Park as a priority for redevelopment.
geography, geology, and history of the park and Boone’s nearest amphibolite peak.
SPECIFIC WCTDA ACTION ITEMS IN SUPPORT OF
HOWARD KNOB PARK INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: 2.4.1 HOWARD KNOB PARK MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION Partner with Watauga County to implement the Howard Knob Park Master Plan including a new viewing platform, parking area expansion, support facility improvements, and additional recreation amenities.
UPDATED SIGN WOODLAND WALK
2.4.2 NORTHERN PEAKS STATE TRAIL CONNECTOR SIGNAGE
“THE GROVE”
Develop informational and interpretive signs that provide visitors with information about the NPST
TRANQUILITY GARDEN
corridor and its unique biodiversity. Partner with BRC to
WOODLAND WALK
KIOSK ADA ACCESSIBLE PATH
connect Howard Knob Park to NPST towards Elk Knob
ADA ACCESSIBLE PATH
State Park and the Town of Boone.”
COUNCIL RING
RELOCATE UTILITIES
RESTROOM
UPDATED PICNIC SHELTER
NEW OVERLOOK AREA
PICNIC AREA
“THE BOWL”
KIOSK
ADA OVERLOOK
NEW OVERLOOK AREA
UPDATED STAIRS
RAILING WHERE NEEDED
NEW DECK AT EXISTING OVERLOOK AREA
NEW OVERLOOK AREA SELECTIVE THINNING FOR VIEWS
BOULDERING AREA
STEEP CLIFF
BOULDERING AREA
“THE CHIMNEY”
PICNIC AREA
BOULDERING AREA
5.699 ACRES RAILING WHERE NEEDED
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Plan Recommendations
OVERLOOK DECK WITH 200 DEGREE VIEW