Afton Overlook

Afton Overlook is a great overlook for a last look at the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially if you are here as the sun sets.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Humpback Rocks Visitor Center and Mountain Farm

It is a great place to plan your next Virginia road trip. You can also get a last-minute souvenir, or ask any questions at the ranger station.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Raven’s Roost Overlook

Raven’s Roost is one of the most popular overlooks on this section of the Parkway. It should only take a few minutes for you to see why. A gorgeous panorama of the valley and mountains below, with two possible locations for photographs.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Sherando Lake Recreation Area

A true hidden gem just off of the parkway, Sherando Lake features several outdoor activities. There is a beach, ideal for relaxing or playing in the sand. There are two man-made lakes, one for fishing and the other for water sports like swimming, canoeing, or kayaking.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

20-Minute Cliff Overlook

This overlook was named for an interesting trick of the light. From the nearby town of White Rock, the sun will hit these rocks exactly 20 minutes before sundown in the Summer.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Big Spy Mountain Overlook

If you did not stop to stretch your legs at Whetstone Visitor Center, you have another chance here at this 10-minute short trail. It leads up a hill where you can get a decent view of the surrounding mountain.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Whetstone Ridge Visitor Center

More of a short break than a true Visitor Center, Whetstone Ridge is only necessary if you need to use a clean restroom. There are no other amenities at this stop.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Yankee Horse Ridge Trailhead to Wigwam Falls

There are two short walks at Yankee Horse Ridge Trailhead. One leads along the re-created tracks of an abandoned railroad, originally used to move timber from a logging operation.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Irish Creek Valley Overlook

You can see for miles and miles from the Irish Creek Valley Overlook. The Creek and valley were named for the Scotch-Irish immigrants who settled in the area in the 17th century.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Chimney Rock Mountain Overlook

Chimney Rock Mountain is another wonderful overlook, this time boasting trees in the middle, giving you two different views for the price of one.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Buena Vista

Located just a few minutes off of the Parkway, Buena Vista is an ideal stop if you need to fill up on gas. It’s also perfect for food, with several local restaurants and national chains, with something for everyone.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Indian Gap Rocks

If you skip over the longer trail at Otter Lake, Indian Gap Rocks is a great stop for stretching your legs. It is under a mile out and back and features several rock formations.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Otter Lake Waterfalls

A moderately difficult loop trail that takes around Otter Lake. There’s a stone bridge over the creek as well as a man-made waterfall and a fishing pier (if you already have the required license).

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

James River Visitor Center

This smaller Visitor Center is definitely worth the visit. For one thing, it is the lowest point on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. That’s right, we’ve gone from the highest to the lowest point in Virginia, all on one tour!

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Thunder Ridge Overlook

One of the more popular overlooks along the Parkway, Thunder Ridge gives a panoramic view of the Arnold Valley below. There is a stone platform that gives you the opportunity to take outstanding pictures with no interruptions.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Apple Orchard Mountain Overlook

Once again, there are unfortunately no apples to be found here at this overlook. What you can find is a breathtaking view, as this is the highest Parkway elevation in all of Virginia at 3950 feet above sea level.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Apple Orchard Falls Trailhead

Despite the name, there are no apples to be found at the Apple Orchard Falls Trailhead. What you can find is a moderately strenuous walk down to a beautiful waterfall.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Peaks of Otter Lodge

This hotel is within sight of the Visitor Center. It is the only food and lodging available directly on the Parkway itself.

Reservations are recommended if you would like to stay in one of the rooms, but any visitor is welcome to enjoy the restaurant. There’s sit-down dining or grab-and-go food available.

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. It’s paved, shady, and ADA-compliant.

It’s the least difficult walk on your tour today, and should only take about 30 minutes, depending on how much of the scenery you want to take in.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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 possibly want. There’s a museum dedicated to the natural history of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

There is a ranger-staffed desk for all of your questions about the area. There’s a general store with provisions for the road, as well as a gift shop for souvenirs. There’s even a restroom if you feel the call of nature.

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

The Harkening Hill trail, on the other hand, is pretty difficult and will take around 5 hours in total. We recommend the Elk Run, it’s far more manageable and will help you get back on the road.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Pine Tree Overlook

Here we have a beautiful 180-degree vista broken 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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Montvale Overlook

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

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Great Valley Overlook

The Great Valley runs through the Appalachian Mountains from New York State all the way down to Alabama. This overlook gives you 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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Quarry Overlook

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

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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?

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Blowing Rock

Situated at the lower end of the Moses H. Cone Estate, Bass Lake is the sparkling gem you can see 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.”

• Admission Ticket Free

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.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

• Admission Ticket Free

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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.

• Admission Ticket Free

Grandfather Mountain

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

• Admission Ticket Free

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.”

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

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.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

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!

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

• Admission Ticket Free

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

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.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Standing Rock Overlook

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

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Thunder Struck Ridge Overlook

This is another splendid overlook of the layered mountains and valleys beyond.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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!

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free