Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway Mile by Mile
Milepost 5.8 – Humpback Rocks
Hike to the famed rock outcropping high on the mountain to enjoy the magnificent view or stroll through the farm museum. In summer and fall, rangers and volunteers can be found at the farm site to answer questions and, occasionally, demonstrate 19th-century Appalachian life. Highlights: Visitor center, museum, historic farm, trails, picnic area. Region: Ridge
Milepost 85.9 – Peaks of Otter
Stunning mountain views, cool summer temperatures, and amazing natural resources have enticed visitors to Peaks of Otter for centuries. Climb to the rocky peak of Sharp Top or relax on the shore of Abbott Lake. Highlights: Visitor center, historic lodge, Johnson Farm, hiking trails, campground, picnic area, restaurant. Region: Ridge
Milepost 167.1-176.3 – Rocky Knob & Mabry Mill
The sights and sounds of rural life in Appalachia resonate throughout the Rocky Knob area during the summer and fall. Stop by Mabry Mill to view the old grist mill, enjoy cultural demonstrations, or tap your toes to traditional mountain music. Highlights: Visitor center, historic mill, cultural demonstrations, summer concerts, hiking trails, campground, picnic area. Region: Plateau
Milepost 213- Blue Ridge Music Center
Here, visitors can explore the interactive Roots of American Music museum and enjoy live music daily from Memorial Day through October, as well as the Summer Concert Series during the warmer months. Highlights: Visitor center and museum, live folk music and jam sessions, hiking trails. Region: Plateau
Milepost 238.5-241.4 – Doughton Park
Appalachian history comes to life among the ridgetop meadows and steep mountainsides here. Hike 30 miles of trails, visit Brinegar Cabin, and stop for a bite at The Bluffs restaurant. Highlights: Visitor center, Brinegar Cabin, The Bluffs restaurant, hiking trails, campground, picnic area. Region: Highlands
Milepost 292.7-295.8 – Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Moses H. Cone built a textile empire by bringing denim production to the South in the late 1800s. He and his wife, Bertha, built Flat Top Manor at the turn of the 20th century. Explore the manor and 25 miles of carriage trails on the estate. Highlights: Crafts, historic estate and grounds, hiking trails, horseback riding. Region: Highlands
Milepost 296.4-298.6 – Julian Price Memorial Park
Julian Price established one of the nation’s largest insurance companies and purchased this land in the 1930s as a recreational retreat for his employees. Visitors today find opportunities to explore the mountains through camping, picnicking. and canoeing and fishing on Price Lake.
Highlights: Hiking trails, canoeing, fishing, campground, picnic area. Region: Highlands
Milepost 304 – Linn Cove Viaduct
The rugged slopes of Grandfather Mountain challenged engineers as they completed this last section of the Parkway in 1987. A marvel of engineering, the viaduct was painstakingly designed to protect the ecologically sensitive slopes of the mountain. Highlights: Historic architecture/ Parkway design, hiking trails. Region: Highlands
Milepost 330.9 -The Museum of North Carolina Minerals
Discover the area’s rich mineral resources and mining heritage with hands-on exhibits that explore the creation of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the region’s wide variety of minerals. Use mapping resources to find an alternative route during closures.
Highlights: Visitor center and museum. Region: Pisgah
Milepost 364.1 – Craggy Gardens
These high-elevation summits are home to spectacular rhododendron displays inMay and early June, and to a unique forest of gnarled and twisted trees that has been shaped by harsh weather. Access to this area is subject to change. Highlights: Visitor center, hiking trails, rhododendron blooms, picnic area. Region: Pisgah
Milepost 382 – Folk Art Center
Find a large array of regional crafts created by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild as well as National Park Service
visitor information and a park bookstore. Craft demonstrations provide opportunities to meet the artists at work. Highlights: Folk art exhibition hall, hiking trails, park store. Region: Pisgah
Milepost 384.5 – Parkway Visitor Center Asheville
No Parkway visit is complete without stopping at this visitor center. Enjoy an orientation video, explore exhibits on Parkway history and design, discover regional recreation opportunities, and shop for souvenirs.
Highlights: Visitor center and park film, National Heritage Area information, park store, hiking trails. Region: Pisgah
Milepost 407.6 – Mount Pisgah
each new heights as you explore Mount Pisgah, the birthplace of forestry. Hike historic trails, spend the night at the Parkway’s highest campground or lodge, and be sure to catch the sunrise.
Highlights: Historic lodge, hiking trails, campground, picnic area, restaurant. Region: Pisgah
Milepost 451.2 – Waterrock Knob
Touch the clouds at the southernmost and highest elevation visitor
center on the Parkway. Come prepared for cooler weather and spend time enjoying mountain views that stretch to the horizon. Highlights: Visitor center, hiking trails. Region: Pisgah
