One of the great pleasures of hiking in the North Carolina High Country is knowing that a hot pizza is waiting for you at the trailhead. Whether you are conquering Grandfather Mountain, exploring Linville Gorge, or strolling the Moses Cone carriage trails, these pizza spots are perfectly positioned for your post-hike refuel.
After Grandfather Mountain
After descending from the Profile Trail or the Grandfather Trail, head into Blowing Rock for a well-earned meal. Mellow Mushroom is a favorite with hikers for its relaxed vibe and extensive beer list. Their House Special pie with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers is a crowd-pleaser that will replenish even the most depleted hiker.
Linville Gorge Area
Hikers tackling the Linville Gorge or visiting Linville Falls should make the short drive to Brick Oven Pizzeria on Beech Mountain. Their thick-crust pies and mountain-view patio make for a perfect post-hike meal. During peak foliage season, call ahead — the wait can be significant on weekends.
Boone Basecamp
If you are basing your hiking trip out of Boone, Lost Province Brewing Company is the ultimate post-trail destination. Their wood-fired pizzas pair perfectly with a flight of their house-brewed beers. After a long day on the trails, their BBQ chicken pizza and a pint of their award-winning ale is hard to beat.
Trail Tips
- Call ahead for takeout on busy weekends — October leaf season and summer Saturdays are the busiest
- Many restaurants offer online ordering through their websites — place your order before you lose cell service
- If you are staying in a cabin, check whether the restaurant delivers to your rental — not all drivers will attempt gravel roads
- Most pizza places in the area are open until 9 PM, but hours can vary significantly in the off-season (January-March)