Top trails (116)
- Crabtree Falls TrailThis waterfall is the tallest along the Blue Ridge Parkway and is a beautiful must-see while in the area. The trail has beautiful forest views all along the way to stop and admire. Beware of the false summits- a good portion of the trail is uphill. If you are going during the fall hunting season, make sure to wear a bright color as there are many hunters in the area.
- Rattlesnake Lodge TrailThere is ample roadside parking located on a steep cross-slope. The trailhead is located by a low stone wall at the entrance and then there is a sign up the trail pointing toward Rattlesnake Lodge Trail. The trail is generally not too steep and well-marked. There is a decent amount of shade on the trail making this a great pick for a hot summer day.
- Craggy Pinnacle TrailCraggy Pinnacle Trail is one of the most beautiful trails to hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially when the rhododendrons bloom. The flowers form a canopy of magenta and purple color against the greenery. The trail starts in the parking lot, which continues to the upper parking lot, where you will see the parkway sign "Craggy Dome." The trailhead is just on the other side, indicated by a sign. The first part of the journey is a gradual climb; then, you reach a bend and a nice elevated...
- Mountains to Sea Trail: Folk Art Center to Haw Creek OverlookModerate•4.5(3704)#4 - Mountains to Sea Trail: Folk Art Center to Haw Creek OverlookLength: 4.7 mi•Est. 2h 12mThis hike begins at Folk Art Center at mile marker 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail heads north through a beautiful forest to an area just above the Haw Creek Valley Overlook. The hike is a steady uphill climb above Haw Creek Valley to the top of the mountain. The area to access the view of the Haw Creek Valley Overlook is not marked, but it is on your left once you reach the top of the mountain. Roadway noise may be on this trail due to traffic traveling on the...
- Sharp Top TrailThis is a steep but very popular hike to the summit of Sharp Top Mountain, which has amazing 360-degree views from the top. If you would rather not go all the way, you can stop at Buzzard's Roost instead. You can also ride a shuttle to within 0.25 miles of the top to have a shorter walk. Private vehicles are not allowed to use the road to the top.
- Rough Ridge Overlook TrailFrom the Rough Ridge Trailhead on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can start your hike on the Tanawha Trail which takes you through a stunning hardwood forest while providing breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As you continue on the trail, you'll come across several rock outcrops that offer amazing panoramic views. It's a popular trail, so don't expect much solitude while hiking on this stretch of the Parkway. However, it's a great way to explore some of the best trails in western...
- Craggy Gardens TrailThis trail starts at the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area, a beautiful summer getaway amid some of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s colorful scenery. Spring and summer wildflowers, blooming rhododendrons, and fall leaves make this an ideal spot for a Parkway picnic. Driving up the curving access road to Craggy Gardens Picnic Area is a treat. Mature hardwood trees surround the picnic area, including buckeyes, birch, and mountain ash. Access to the Craggy Gardens Trail is up the steps in the far corner of...
- Waterrock Knob TrailWaterrock Knob is a hidden gem on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located just 18 miles from the southern end of the Parkway, it has a more remote and quiet feel. This is a perfect hike for escaping the crowds and enjoying a more wilderness experience. Waterrock Knob has the highest elevation on the Parkway. The visitor center is located at 5,820 feet, and the summit itself is 6,273 feet. A large open parking area provides fantastic long-distance views anytime but can be particularly stunning for...
- Browning Knob and Waterrock KnobThe hike up to Browning and Waterrock Knob is short but challenging. The trail gradually ascends to the first knob, and then the trail to the second knob becomes very technical. Hikers will need to scramble over rocks and roots, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. In the summer of 2023, the remains of a plane near the Browning Knob Trail were removed. The Blue Ridge Parkway advises hikers to stay on the established trail, as the old social trail leading to the crash site is...
- Linville Falls Overlook TrailThe Linville Falls Overlook Trail is an excellent option for hikers of all skill levels as it offers well-maintained paths and great views of the waterfalls. The trail is clearly marked and is at its best during the spring when the showers ensure there is plenty of water for a rushing waterfall. Although the trail is popular and attracts many visitors, it provides stunning views of the falls and gorge, making it a must-do hike.
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Helpful reviews of trails in Blue Ridge Parkway
Steep but a cool stop along the blue ridge parkway! When we initially pulled up at 1pm it was very crowded. We did our hike at MTS and balsam knob before coming back around 4pm and it was not crowded at all! Worth the stop for the stunning views and a cool history lesson too!
Very wet and muddy today, as is to be expected with the recent weather. That means anything green is going to be very slippery. Use caution and plan your steps. This is not a quiet hike since it parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway the whole way.
We first heard about this hike by reading an article authored by WNC hike leader Danny Bernstein. She named it the “Lunch Rock Trail” (see ExploreAsheville.com https://www.exploreasheville.com/stories/post/lunch-rocks-trail/ ). We can’t find that trail name used in any other book, article, or on All Trails.
Anyway, this is a straightforward section of the MST, beginning at the Folk Art Center. The path is well established with white trail blazes, and used frequently. In the first mile there are numerous unmarked side trails. There is also a plentiful crop of poison ivy at your ankle level in this early section of the trail.
Stay on the main path until you reach the Blue Ridge Parkway crossing at 1.1 miles. Watch for traffic and cross to the other side, where there is a parking area with a prominent MST trail marker. Continue into the woods.
Walk an additional 1.4 miles (2.5 miles total from the Folk Art Center) on the trail as it winds and turns, usually within sight of the Parkway and its noticeable traffic noise. You’ll reach a side trail to the left with a “Haw Creek Overlook” arrow. At this junction the tree on the right side of the MST has both a hand painted red dot along with a white circle. Take a left here and go down a little to “Lunch Rocks”/Haw Creek Overlook. You'll easily find a large rock outcropping with a shelf convenient for sitting. The Parkway will be below you.
Some hikers have seen bears in this area and we passed two warning signs from Bearwise.org . However, we didn’t see any today.
Wrong address for navigating there: it’s actually 39000 Blue Ridge Parkway!
GORG really well maintained trail. Not sure why it’s recommended to go counter clock wise, it mostly made it uphill both ways? But if you want the majority of the hike to be at the beginning instead of the end then counter clock wise is good!
The falls were breathtaking! Like hiking through a rainforest.
Happened upon this well finishing my drive from east to west along the Blue Ridge Parkway. What a delight! Part of the trail is a wide graveled Road. Other parts are dirt with some rocks and roots. The waterfall is just fabulous with a lot of different little sections. And then there is a wide overlook view.
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Frequently asked trail questions about Blue Ridge Parkway
Where is the best place to hike in Blue Ridge Parkway?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Blue Ridge Parkway is Crabtree Falls Trail, which has a 4.7 star rating from 4,495 reviews. This trail is 2.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 577 ft.
What is the longest trail in Blue Ridge Parkway?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Blue Ridge Parkway is Shut-In Trail: North to South. This trail is estimated to be 16.4 mi long.
How many trails are in Blue Ridge Parkway?
There are 116 trails in Blue Ridge Parkway. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 65,960 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Blue Ridge Parkway?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Blue Ridge Parkway has you covered. Blue Ridge Parkway boasts the most elevation gain with 66,840 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Blue Ridge Parkway: Blowing Rock to Asheville, which will get you 9,881 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Blue Ridge Parkway?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 9 camping trails in Blue Ridge Parkway and the most popular is Sharp Top Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 2,810 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Blue Ridge Parkway?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 45 running trails in Blue Ridge Parkway and the most popular is Mountains to Sea Trail: Folk Art Center to Haw Creek Overlook with an average 4.5 star rating from 3,704 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Blue Ridge Parkway?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 7 biking trails in Blue Ridge Parkway and the most popular is Old Mitchell Toll Road with an average 4.5 star rating from 36 community reviews.
