Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia

Afton Overlook - Afton Overlook offers a stunning final view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially enchanting at sunset.

Humpback Rocks Visitor Center and Mountain Farm - This is an excellent spot to plan your next Virginia road trip. You can pick up a last-minute souvenir or get your questions answered at the ranger station.

Raven’s Roost Overlook - Raven’s Roost is a favorite overlook on this part of the Parkway. It only takes a moment to see why, with its breathtaking panorama of the valley and mountains below, offering two great spots for photos.

Sherando Lake Recreation Area - A hidden gem just off the parkway, Sherando Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities. There’s a beach perfect for relaxing or playing in the sand, and two man-made lakes, one for fishing and the other for water sports like swimming, canoeing, or kayaking.

20-Minute Cliff Overlook - Named for a unique light effect, from the nearby town of White Rock, the sun illuminates these rocks exactly 20 minutes before sunset in the summer.

Big Spy Mountain Overlook - If you missed stretching your legs at Whetstone Visitor Center, you have another chance here with a 10-minute short trail. It leads up a hill where you can enjoy a decent view of the surrounding mountains.

Whetstone Ridge Visitor Center - More of a quick stop than a full Visitor Center, Whetstone Ridge is only necessary if you need a clean restroom. There are no other amenities at this stop.

Yankee Horse Ridge Trailhead to Wigwam Falls - There are two short walks at Yankee Horse Ridge Trailhead. One follows the re-created tracks of an old railroad, originally used for timber transport from a logging operation.

Irish Creek Valley Overlook - From the Irish Creek Valley Overlook, you can see for miles. The creek and valley were named after the Scotch-Irish immigrants who settled in the area in the 17th century.

Chimney Rock Mountain Overlook - Chimney Rock Mountain is another fantastic overlook, featuring trees in the middle, offering two different views for the price of one.

Buena Vista - Just a few minutes off the Parkway, Buena Vista is a perfect stop for refueling. It also offers a variety of dining options, with both local restaurants and national chains to suit everyone’s taste.

Indian Gap Rocks - If you skip the longer trail at Otter Lake, Indian Gap Rocks is a great place to stretch your legs. It’s under a mile out and back and features several rock formations.

Otter Lake Waterfalls - A moderately challenging loop trail around Otter Lake. There’s a stone bridge over the creek, a man-made waterfall, and a fishing pier (if you have the required license).

James River Visitor Center - This smaller Visitor Center is definitely worth a visit. It marks the lowest point on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. That’s right, from the highest to the lowest point in Virginia, all on one tour!

Thunder Ridge Overlook - One of the more popular overlooks along the Parkway, Thunder Ridge offers a panoramic view of the Arnold Valley below. A stone platform provides the perfect spot for taking stunning photos without interruptions.

Apple Orchard Mountain Overlook - Unfortunately, there are no apples here, but the view is breathtaking. This is the highest Parkway elevation in Virginia at 3950 feet above sea level.

Apple Orchard Falls Trailhead - Despite the name, there are no apples at the Apple Orchard Falls Trailhead. However, you can enjoy a moderately strenuous walk down to a beautiful waterfall.

Peaks of Otter Lodge - This hotel is within sight of the Visitor Center and is the only food and lodging available directly on the Parkway. Reservations are recommended for staying in one of the rooms, but any visitor is welcome to enjoy the restaurant, offering both sit-down dining and grab-and-go options.

Don’t forget to check out the view of the Peaks of Otter from behind the lodge! There’s also a peaceful walk around a man-made lake, which is paved, shady, and ADA-compliant. It’s the easiest walk on your tour today, taking about 30 minutes, depending on how much scenery you want to enjoy.

Peaks of Otter Visitor Center - The first visitor center along the Blue Ridge Parkway today is also the most popular. It has everything you could want, including a museum dedicated to the natural history of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

There is a ranger-staffed desk for all your questions about the area, a general store with road provisions, and a gift shop for souvenirs. There’s even a restroom if nature calls.

In the rear of the Center, you will find an amphitheater hosting presentations, as well as the start of two separate trails. The Elk Run trail is moderately easy and should take about 45 minutes.

The Harkening Hill trail, on the other hand, is quite challenging and will take around 5 hours in total. The Elk Run is recommended as it’s more manageable and will help you get back on the road.

Porter Mountain View - As the name suggests, this overlook offers a profile view of Porter’s Mountain. Additionally, you can see down into the Goose Creek Valley, over 2000 feet below.

Pine Tree Overlook - Here, enjoy a beautiful 180-degree vista interrupted only by a lone pine tree. Is this the pine tree that gives the overlook its name? No one is really sure, but it makes for great photographs.

Montvale Overlook - This is another perspective on the mountains, complete with the small town of Montvale in the distance.

The Great Valley Overlook - The Great Valley runs through the Appalachian Mountains from New York State all the way down to Alabama. This overlook provides a fantastic view of the valley below.

The valley itself was once used by Native Americans as part of the Great Warrior path, as well as by settlers on their way to the frontier.

The Quarry Overlook - The first overlook on our tour today features views of the distant mountains as well as a real, working quarry.

Explore Park - The first stop along our tour, this state-run park has a visitor center with helpful staff and a gift shop featuring arts and crafts from local artists. Want to start the day off with a hike?

Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville

Blowing Rock - Situated at the lower end of the Moses H. Cone Estate, Bass Lake is the sparkling gem visible from Flat Top Manor. The tranquil fishing lake can be reached by one of the carriage trails or by car via Highway 221.

A lovely one-mile walking path circles the lake and offers a view of the manor home on the hill behind it. The charming town of Blowing Rock is just a few minutes away.

There, you’ll find quaint shops, cafes, lodging, parks, and North Carolina’s oldest tourist attraction and town namesake, The Blowing Rock. It’s “The only place in the world where snow falls upside down.”

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park - The centerpiece of the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is Flat Top Manor, the magnificent summer home of textile giant Moses H. Cone and his wife Bertha.

Price Lake - Price Lake is the jewel of Julian Price Memorial Park. Although swimming isn’t allowed, you can stroll along the lovely walking path that circles the lake or paddle around in a canoe or kayak.

Rough Ridge Lookout - Rough Ridge Lookout on the Tanawha Trail is one of the top places to view fall colors on the parkway. Just a short 10-minute hike to a wooden boardwalk offers multiple viewpoints the higher up you go.

Linn Cove Viaduct - Probably the most photographed structure on the parkway, the Linn Cove Viaduct is an engineering marvel. The complicated bridge appears to float gently around Grandfather Mountain on tall concrete piers.

Grandfather Mountain - Grandfather Mountain is a must-see tourist destination that showcases all the beauty and splendor of Grandfather Mountain.

Flat Rock Trail - Off the beaten path, Flat Rock Trail is one of the parkway’s hidden gems. This short, easy 0.6-mile loop trail offers views of interesting trees, plants, and fascinating geological features called “bathtubs.”

Lost Cove Cliffs Overlook - Lost Cove Cliffs Overlook is one of three places people come to view the mysterious Brown Mountain Lights. Unfortunately, tall trees block most of the view.

Linville Falls - Trail and Waterfall - The Linville Falls Visitor Center features a small gift shop, restrooms, maps, and hiking information for the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. Trails for iconic Linville Falls begin behind the visitor center.

Linville Caverns - Linville Caverns reveal the natural wonders hidden deep inside Humpback Mountain. Guided cave tours showcase fascinating limestone features like stalactites, stalagmites, the “Ballroom” and a frozen waterfall.

Bear Den Overlook - In addition to more stunning views, this overlook has a “beary” interesting history. The overlook was built on a spot along the mountain where black bears once had a den.

Heffner Gap Overlook - This is another place where the Overmountain Men passed on their way to the Battle of King’s Mountain during the Revolutionary War.

North Cove Overlook - From North Cove Overlook, you’ll be able to view the Orchards at Altapass in the distance.

Surprisingly, the orchards were planted over a hundred years ago–not by farmers–but by the Clinchfield Railroad company whose rails once crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains right here at McKinney Gap.

The Orchard at Altapass - Not only does the Orchard at Altapass pride itself on growing the best heirloom apples possible, but it also works hard to preserve the regional traditions and culture of the land.

Open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 30, the orchard hosts educational and entertaining activities for all ages. Activities include:

Live Old Time Music
Apple picking
The Clinchfield Model Railway
walking trails
“Hey” Rides–a storytelling ride through the orchard that brings to life the history of the Overmountain Men during the American Revolution and the fascinating life of early settler Charles McKinney.

Wrap up your visit at the General Store with a serving of fresh, hot apple pie alamode. Check out their website for seasonal hours.

Museum of North Carolina Minerals - The Museum of North Carolina Minerals, located in the heart of the Spruce Pine Mining District, is home to interactive exhibits about North Carolina minerals and their mining history.

It’s open year-round from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed for lunch between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.). The museum sits in Gillespie Gap where the Overmountain Men crossed the mountains during the Revolutionary War on their way to the Battle of King’s Mountain.

In mid-September, the museum hosts a re-enactment of the Overmountain Men. You can access the Overmountain Men Victory Trail behind the building.

Little Switzerland - One of the closest towns to the parkway, the Alpine-themed village of Little Switzerland offers lodging, shopping, and food. If you have the time and budget, consider checking out Emerald Village.

This fun tourist attraction offers family-friendly mining activities where the young and young-at-heart can:

pan for gold
Dig for real gemstones
tour extensive exhibits in their 10-story Discovery Mill
or tour a historic mine
Warning–prospecting for gold and gems requires some digging in the dirt, so pack an extra outfit and bring along Ziploc bags for treasures. Open daily between April 1 and October 31. Check their website for seasonal hours and separate activity fees.

Crabtree Falls - If you have the time and energy to tackle one of the longer hikes on this tour, consider adding Crabtree Falls to your itinerary. This beautiful 70-foot cascading waterfall is a photographer’s delight and a popular destination for hikers.

The moderate three-mile loop trail includes steep sections with rocks and roots. There’s also a slightly shorter in-and-out option. See the hiking guide for detailed information.

Crabtree Falls Picnic Area - Just for the record, even if you aren’t hungry, this place is worth a drive-through. Crabtree Falls Picnic Area has to be one of the most scenic places to enjoy lunch on the entire parkway. Each table has a view. Bon Appetit!

Black Mountains Overlook - This time, instead of sweeping views of the valley from above–you’ll get a stunning view of the mountains from below. The entire Black Mountain Range coming right at you!

Laurel Knob Overlook - The main attraction at this stop is the gnarly dead tree. This unusual landmark sets this overlook apart from all the others–not to mention it makes a great photo backdrop!

Green Knob Overlook - The sweeping views from Green Knob Overlook were featured in the opening scene of the 1992 movie The Last of the Mohicans. It’s one of the overlooks you definitely won’t want to miss!

Mount Mitchell State Park - Located in the high-elevation forests of the Black Mountains, Mount Mitchell State Park is really one of the must-see stops on this tour. It’s free to enter, and the short walk up to the 6,684-foot summit might just be the highlight of your trip.

In addition to several hiking trails, you’ll find a museum, gift shop, restrooms, a seasonal restaurant, concessions, and a visitor center.

To get the fullest experience, visit both the observation deck on the summit for out-of-this-world views as well as the Balsam Nature Trail for a walk through the magical spruce-fir forest.

Craggy Gardens Visitor Center - The Craggy Gardens Visitor Center is open seasonally from April 15 to November 13 and highlights the unique ecology of the rhododendron heath bald. The center’s daily hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. after October 31.

After visiting the center, take the Craggy Gardens Trail for about 10 minutes and hang a left at the trail shelter to enter the secluded rhododendron heath bald.

This beautiful mountaintop meadow offers stunning views, especially in the spring when the rhododendrons are in full bloom. Another option is to hike up to the top of Craggy Pinnacle for panoramic views of the valley.

It’s one of the most spectacular spots to catch a sunrise or sunset. This section of the parkway is often blanketed in fog and can sometimes be closed due to inclement weather. Check our hiking guide for more details.

Lane Pinnacle - The views are just starting, and they get even better as we go along! Lane Pinnacle Overlook features a view of Lane Pinnacle, a small peak named after Charles Lane, an early settler who built an iron mine on this land.

As you leave this overlook, you’ll find yourself gradually driving higher and higher into the mountains where the fog and mist can sometimes blanket the road making for a magical ride.

Tanbark Ridge Overlook - Tanbark Ridge is the first scenic overlook we’ll be stopping at. There are many more on this section of the parkway, and you are free to stop at any or all of them–even if they aren’t mentioned on the tour.

Just a note–if you do decide to stop at a different overlook, just pause the app and resume when finished. Otherwise, it will keep talking, and you may miss the next set of directions!

The Folk Art Center (Southern Highland Craft Guild) - The Folk Art Center at Milepost 382 in Asheville is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The center showcases Appalachian arts and crafts in its Folk Art Gallery and also houses the headquarters of the Southern Highland Craft Guild.

A gift shop sells handmade Appalachian crafts. You can hike a section of the Mountain-to-Sea Trail behind the center.

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center - While not an actual stop on the tour, the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center is the official starting point. Narration will begin on the parkway heading north immediately after the visitor center.

Blue Ridge Parkway South

The North Carolina Arboretum - This elegant arboretum is a massive 400-acre park with cultivated gardens, a cool Bonsai tree display, and some hiking trails through forests and mountains. There’s a small cafe that’s handy for a light meal or beverage.

Those looking for easy or accessible walks through beautiful gardens and trees should prioritize this stop.

Bad Fork Valley Overlook - Heading south from Asheville, this is the first overlook after you’ve driven up into the mountains and gained some more elevation. But, there are plenty of overlooks to come.

Beaver Dam Gap Overlook - Most overlooks along the Parkway offer a view pointed in one direction. But here, up on a ridgeline, you can get a lovely view in either direction from the parking lot.

Mt. Pisgah Trailhead - Mt. Pisgah is easily visible from the Asheville area, and now you have the opportunity to hike to the top. It’s about a 4.5 mile, or 7 kilometer, round-trip hike to the top, and rated moderate to strenuous. It’s a rewarding view when the summit’s not covered by clouds.

Pisgah Inn - A touch of civilization before heading further into the woods. Grab a meal at the restaurant, or some grab-and-go food and snacks at the shop or wayside building.

But make sure to check out the observation deck and rocking chairs, just behind the restaurant, for a really marvelous view of the mountains.

Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower - This hike is a little different, following an old gravel road instead of a trail. It’s a moderate hike uphill, but it ends at an old, steel lookout tower, and the view from the top is outstanding. The hike is about a mile and a half round trip.

Cradle of Forestry in America - Learn about the birth of forestry education at this tidy little museum. The interactive exhibits are a nice change of pace for kids in tow, and everyone will enjoy the air-conditioning and history. The grounds include easy, paved trails that pass the buildings from the school.

Sliding Rock - This gently-graded waterfall doubles as a natural waterslide! Don your swimsuits, then wait in line to slide down into the chilly pool below. A lifeguard is on duty during the busy summer months.

Looking Glass Falls - This 60-foot, or 18-meter waterfall, is one of the most popular in North Carolina because you can see it from the road! There’s no need for a hike for this one.

Coon Tree Picnic Area - Flush toilets and picnic tables are the highlight here, and it’s also a handy spot to turn around and park for Looking Glass Falls.

Skinny Dip Falls - The trail to Skinny Dip Falls is about a mile round trip and is easy to moderate. It’s not the most impressive waterfall on the tour, but some people enjoy taking a dip in the pool.

The trailhead is across the Parkway from Looking Glass Rock Overlook, which is a great view of the granite monolith Looking Glass Rock.

Graveyard Fields - Graveyard Fields got its spooky name, and look, from a series of natural disasters. But it’s also one of the most popular hiking spots on the entire Parkway because there are two waterfalls.

The first waterfall is on a fairly easy loop trail, about a mile and a half long. To see the other waterfall, add another mile and a half on a connected spur road.

Black Balsam Knob - Just off the Parkway, this trail is about one and a half miles round-trip. The moderately-difficult hike takes you to a 360-degree panorama of the mountains.

So if the weather’s nice, this could be the best view of the day. The view is open most of the way up, so the reward is well worth the effort.

Devil’s Courthouse - You can enjoy this impressive cliff from the overlook, or you can hike to the top. A path heads up through the woods and comes out at the summit, where you can see four states. It’s under a mile round-trip, and will probably take around 45 minutes. But it’s also a pretty steep hike.

Cowee Mountain Overlook - Our vote for the best overlook on the tour! There’s nothing blocking your view as you gaze at miles upon miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Richland Balsam Nature Loop Trail - The view from the overlook is just okay, but the main attraction here is the Richland Balsam Trail, a moderately difficult one-and-a-half-mile loop through the forest. It’s a nice walk through the woods if you have time.

Richland Balsam Overlook - The view from this overlook is mostly concealed by trees, but it’s the highest point on the entire Parkway at 6053 feet or over 1800 meters. There’s a sign designating the overlook as the highest point, which is a popular photo opp.

Lone Bald Overlook - There are a series of excellent overlooks in a row on this stretch of the Parkway. We like this one because of the nice layered look of the mountains marching away in the distance.

Standing Rock Overlook - Near the entrance to this overlook is a large, standalone boulder that’s a popular photo op.

Waterrock Knob - The view from this large overlook is one of the best on the entire Parkway, from over 6,000 feet up. There are plenty of picnic tables, as well as a small visitor center.

There’s also the Waterrock Knob Trail. This 1-mile round-trip hike is not especially easy, but it goes to the top of Waterrock Knob for another incredible view.

Thunder Struck Ridge Overlook - This is another splendid overlook of the layered mountains and valleys beyond.

Soco Falls - Just about a mile off the Parkway, Soco Falls is a double waterfall, with two cascades meeting together at a pool. The waterfall is actually visible a few steps from the parking lot. But, if you’re game for a little scramble, the best view is at the base of the falls.

Bunches Bald Overlook - A lower elevation overlook, compared to the heights up near Waterrock Knob, but still lovely and possibly a terrific spot for fall colors.

After you complete the last stop on the tour, feel free to enjoy nearby Smoky Mountain National Park!

• Take the tour when you want
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