VALLE CRUCIS & BOONE, NC – Howard Knob towers over Boone at an elevation of 4,396 feet. Once the hideout for British Loyalist Benjamin Howard, it has been the focus of environmentalists since the 1990s.
In September 2025, Blue Ridge Conservancy announced a deal to purchase 73 acres along the north and east slopes of Howard Knob. The Mast General Store committed $50,000 toward the project, which will play a part in a larger project, the Northern Peaks State Trail, across two counties, as well as linking the county’s Howard Knob Park with the Boone United Trail.
“Saving Howard Knob has been a top priority of Blue Ridge Conservancy since day one,” says Eric Hiegl, BRC’s Senior Director of Land Protection and Conservation Planning. “Land conservation projects have their own time schedule and happen when the time is right. Luckily for us the time to Save Howard Knob is now.”
The flanks of Howard Knob were heavily timbered in the early 1900s but now are lush with a high-elevation oak forest. In addition to protecting the scenic beauty and cultural significance of the area, the Preserve will provide recreational opportunities for hikers and climbers.
“This land acquisition took patience and time to come to fruition,” said Lisa Cooper, president of Mast General Store. “Many people and organizations have already stepped up to contribute, but there is still more to do.”
The Mast Store held a roundUP during the month of December where guests could round up their purchases to the next dollar to make a contribution toward the Howard Knob project. The roundUP, in combination with a percentage of sales from the Blue Ridge Conservancy goods on Mast’s shelves, resulted in an additional contribution of $7,000 to help with the project. “I Helped Save Howard’s Knob” t-shirts and stickers are available for purchase at Mast Store to raise awareness of the project and to contribute to its success with 20% of the sale earmarked for Howard Knob support.
“Protecting Howard’s Knob, as the locals call it, will have a lasting impact for generations to come, and for that I am grateful,” continued Cooper.
Blue Ridge Conservancy's acquisition of the Howard Knob property was the first step of many in protecting nature and enabling outdoor recreation at the Preserve. Please do not visit the Preserve at this time while BRC is working to bring project plans to fruition. If you have questions about the project, please contact Jordan Sellers. In the meantime, you can support BRC’s efforts by making a donation to the project at blueridgeconservancy.org/howardknob.
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Caption for lead photo:Mast Store President Lisa Cooper delivers a check for $57,000 to support Blue Ridge Conservancy's Howard Knob project while taking a tour of the Preserve. (L to R) Laura Pell (Mast Store Community Relations Manager), Ryan Robinson (Mast Store Corporate Responsibility & Community Partnership Manager), Eric Hiegl (Blue Ridge Conservancy Senior Director of Land Protection and Conservation Planning), Lisa Cooper (Mast Store President), David Ray (Blue Ridge Conservancy Executive Director), and Sara Crouch (Blue Ridge Conservancy Director of Development).Photo courtesy of Blue Ridge Conservancy.
Caption:Two t-shirt styles available at Mast General Store support Blue Ridge Conservancy's Howard Knob project. Stickers are also available.