The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through some of North Carolina’s most spectacular mountain scenery, offering access to countless trails ranging from easy overlook strolls to challenging summit ascents. Discover the best hikes along America’s favorite drive.
America’s Favorite Drive
Stretching 469 miles from Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is consistently ranked among the most scenic drives in America. But the real magic lies beyond the overlooks—in the hundreds of miles of trails that branch from the roadway into the heart of the Southern Appalachians.
North Carolina claims 252 miles of the Parkway, including its highest elevations and most dramatic scenery. From the cultural heritage of the Appalachian foothills to the spruce-fir forests of the Black Mountains, this ribbon of road provides access to hiking experiences found nowhere else.
The Iconic Trails
Craggy Gardens
Milepost: 364.1
Distance: 1.4 miles round trip (to summit)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Rhododendron blooms, 360-degree views, unique high-elevation ecosystem
Perched above 5,500 feet, Craggy Gardens explodes with color when the Catawba rhododendrons bloom in mid-June. The trail climbs through tunnels of gnarled rhododendrons and mountain laurels to an exposed summit with views stretching from Mount Mitchell to the Great Smokies.
Even outside bloom season, the wind-sculpted vegetation and far-reaching views make this a memorable hike. The nearby Craggy Pinnacle Trail (1 mile round trip) offers equally impressive vistas with a bit more challenge.
Graveyard Fields
Milepost: 418.8
Distance: 3.2 miles (loop with both waterfalls)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Two waterfalls, mountain bogs, blueberry picking in summer
Named for the tree stumps that once resembled gravestones after a devastating fire, Graveyard Fields has regenerated into a beautiful high-elevation valley. The loop trail visits two waterfalls—Upper Falls and Second Falls—with the Yellowstone Prong creating a scenic thread through the landscape.
In late summer, the valley floor is dotted with wild blueberries, drawing both hikers and black bears. Keep your distance from wildlife and leave some berries for others!
Pro tip: This is one of the most popular Parkway trails. Arrive before 8 AM on weekends or visit midweek to secure parking and enjoy relative solitude.
Looking Glass Rock Trail
Milepost: 417 (access via FS 475)
Distance: 6.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Iconic granite dome summit, panoramic views
The massive granite face of Looking Glass Rock is visible from numerous Parkway overlooks, and the trail to its summit is one of the most rewarding hikes in the region. The relentless climb gains over 1,700 feet through hardwood and rhododendron forest before emerging on the broad granite summit.
The views from the top span from the Shining Rock Wilderness to Pisgah National Forest’s endless ridges. Watch for peregrine falcons that nest on the cliff faces—the area is closed to climbers during nesting season.
Mount Mitchell Summit Trail
Milepost: 355.4
Distance: 0.3 miles to summit (from parking)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Highest peak east of the Mississippi
At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi River. While a paved trail from the parking area reaches the summit in minutes, more adventurous hikers can approach via several longer trails through the spruce-fir forest.
The Black Mountain Crest Trail (12 miles one way) traverses the entire Black Mountain range, passing over six 6,000+ foot peaks—more high summits than any other range in the East.
Rough Ridge
Milepost: 302.8
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Boardwalk, rocky outcrops, stunning views into Wilson Creek valley
A boardwalk leads through a fragile high-elevation ecosystem to exposed rock outcrops with sweeping views of the Grandfather Mountain area. The unique vegetation—including sand myrtle and three-toothed cinquefoil—clings to the rocky substrate.
The short distance belies the trail’s dramatic scenery. This is an ideal leg-stretcher that delivers far more than expected.
Linville Falls
Milepost: 316.4
Distance: 2 miles round trip (visiting all overlooks)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: Multi-tiered waterfall, dramatic gorge views
Linville Falls is perhaps the most photographed waterfall in North Carolina. The Linville River plunges in multiple stages through a rocky gorge carved into ancient quartzite. Multiple overlook trails provide different perspectives:
- Erwin’s View: The classic postcard shot
- The Chimney: Most dramatic gorge views
- Plunge Basin: Closest approach to the falls base
The Linville Gorge itself—the “Grand Canyon of the East”—offers miles of challenging wilderness hiking below the falls. Also nearby is the Cascades Trail at E. B. Jeffress Park, offering another beautiful waterfall experience.
Hidden Gems Along the Parkway
Waterrock Knob
Milepost: 451.2
Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate (steep)
Highlights: 360-degree views, sunset destination
The highest trailhead on the Parkway (at 5,820 feet) leads to a summit with views into the Great Smokies, the Plott Balsam range, and on clear days, into Georgia and South Carolina. This is one of the finest sunset hikes in the mountains—watching the sun sink behind wave after wave of ridges is unforgettable.
Craggy Pinnacle
Milepost: 364.1
Distance: 1 mile round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Rocky summit scramble, 360-degree views
While most visitors head to Craggy Gardens, the Pinnacle trail offers a more adventurous experience. A short but steep climb leads to a rocky summit with unobstructed views in every direction.
Devil’s Courthouse
Milepost: 422.4
Distance: 0.9 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate (steep)
Highlights: Dramatic rock outcrop, Cherokee legend
According to Cherokee legend, the slant-eyed giant Judaculla held court in the cave beneath this imposing rock formation. The steep half-mile trail climbs to a rocky summit with views stretching into four states on clear days.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Milepost: 294
Distance: 25+ miles of carriage trails
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Historic estate, gentle terrain, craft center
The Cone estate preserves a different kind of Blue Ridge experience. Twenty-five miles of carriage trails wind through apple orchards, past serene lakes, and through meadows with mountain views. The flat terrain makes this perfect for families, and the Parkway Craft Center in the manor house showcases traditional Appalachian crafts.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (April-May)
- Wildflowers bloom at lower elevations, working upward as season progresses
- Waterfalls run at peak volume
- Fewer crowds before Memorial Day
- Higher elevations may still have winter conditions in April
Summer (June-August)
- Rhododendron bloom at Craggy Gardens (mid-June)
- Wildflowers at highest elevations
- Afternoon thunderstorms—start early
- Peak visitation—arrive early at popular trails
- Wild blueberries at Graveyard Fields (August)
Fall (September-November)
- Spectacular foliage September through October
- Peak color varies by elevation (higher elevations peak first)
- Crisp temperatures ideal for hiking
- Largest crowds of the year during leaf season
Winter (December-March)
- Parkway sections close during snow and ice
- Solitude when road is open
- Ice formations at waterfalls
- Bare trees reveal hidden views
- Check road conditions before visiting
Practical Considerations
Parkway Closures
The Blue Ridge Parkway is susceptible to weather-related closures, especially at higher elevations. Snow, ice, and fog can close sections with little notice. Check current conditions at the National Park Service website or call ahead before planning a winter visit.
Facilities
The Parkway is a limited-access road with no commercial services. Plan ahead:
- Fill your gas tank before entering
- Pack food and water for your hikes
- Restrooms are available at visitor centers and some overlooks
- Cell service is spotty to nonexistent in many areas
Lodging Options
On the Parkway:
- Peaks of Otter Lodge (Virginia section)
- Pisgah Inn (MP 408.6)—highly recommended, book months in advance
Gateway Towns:
- Asheville: Full services, thriving food and beer scene
- Boone/Blowing Rock: Charming mountain towns with abundant lodging
- Little Switzerland: Small, quaint, close to attractions
Camping
The Parkway offers several campgrounds, typically open May through October:
- Crabtree Falls (MP 339.5)
- Mount Pisgah (MP 408.6)
- Linville Falls (MP 316.3)
- Julian Price (MP 297)
Reservations recommended, especially for weekends.
Combining Hikes
The Parkway’s linear nature makes it easy to combine multiple hikes in a single day. Here are some suggested itineraries:
Northern Section Day (MP 294-340)
- Morning: Rough Ridge
- Midday: Linville Falls
- Afternoon: Crabtree Falls
- Evening: Sunset at one of the many overlooks
Central Section Day (MP 355-420)
- Morning: Mount Mitchell summit (arrive early)
- Midday: Craggy Gardens or Craggy Pinnacle
- Afternoon: Graveyard Fields
- Evening: Dinner in Asheville
Southern Section Day (MP 420-469)
- Morning: Looking Glass Rock (early start essential)
- Midday: Devil’s Courthouse
- Afternoon: Waterrock Knob
- Evening: Sunset at Waterrock Knob summit
Leave No Trace
The Blue Ridge Parkway’s trails see heavy use. Help preserve these special places:
- Stay on designated trails—fragile alpine vegetation can’t survive trampling
- Pack out all trash, including apple cores and orange peels
- Don’t pick wildflowers or collect souvenirs
- Keep pets leashed and clean up after them
- Yield to uphill hikers on steep trails
- Respect wildlife—never feed or approach animals
Final Thoughts
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers something rare: world-class hiking accessible directly from your car. From quick leg-stretchers at overlooks to full-day summit expeditions, the trails along this scenic corridor showcase the best of the Southern Appalachians.
But the Parkway’s real gift is perspective. Driving the ridgeline, stopping at overlooks, walking trails to hidden waterfalls—you begin to understand the scale of these ancient mountains, how they’ve shaped the people and culture of this region, and why they continue to draw us back.
The road is calling. The trails are waiting. Take your time, pull over often, and let the Blue Ridge work its magic on you.
Happy trails!