1. Rough
Ridge: This unique hike offers plenty of viewpoints and a wooden boardwalk over
fragile vegetation. The one-mile climb to the summit features many rock
outcrops along the way to enjoy the views of Grandfather Mountain, Linn Cove Viaduct
and mountain ranges. Milepost 303
2. Beacon
Heights: This one-mile roundtrip hike has a big pay-off with spectacular views
from a smooth rock face. Since it’s a short climb, it’s great spot to take
along your picnic! Milepost 305
3. Linville
Falls: See five viewpoints of the most photographed waterfall in North Carolina
via two trails that begin at the Visitors Center. Only one of the trails is
strenuous and you can hike to all viewpoints with a four-mile hike. Milepost
316
4. Crabtree
Falls: A three-mile loop trail takes
you to a beautiful 70-foot waterfall with many wildflowers along the way. Milepost 340
5. Mt.
Mitchell: Since you can drive almost to the summit of the highest point east of
the Mississippi, a short paved trail takes you to the observation deck at the summit.
The best hike at Mount Mitchell is the Deep Gap Trail to Mt. Craig (the second
highest peak in Eastern USA). The two-mile roundtrip hike through a lush forest
includes a good bit of climbing, but it is not overly strenuous. Milepost 355
6. Craggy
Gardens: There are two great, easy hikes here. The 1.5-roundtrip trail to the
top of Craggy Pinnacle provides exceptional 360-degree mountain views.
The Craggy Gardens Trail runs from the south end of the Visitor Center parking
area to the north end of the picnic area and crosses a rhododendron bald with peak color in mid June.
Milepost 364
7. Mt.
Pisgah: The popular
three-mile roundtrip trail to the 5,721-foot summit is strenuous. But you can
reward yourself with a hearty meal at the nearby Pisgah Inn restaurant afterwards!
Milepost 407
8. Graveyard
Fields: This very popular hiking spot
features two waterfalls in a mild-high valley filled with wildflowers and
surrounded by Blue Ridge Mountains with 6,000-foot peaks. The Graveyard Fields
Loop is about four miles. It will reopen in July 2014 after renovations. Milepost 419
9. Black
Balsam Knob: For sweeping 360-degree
views that lasts for miles along a trail, roam the bald mountaintops. Almost
entirely devoid of trees above 6,000 feet, the summits are more reminiscent of
New England than North Carolina. Milepost 420
10. Devil's
Courthouse: This short but strenuous trail climbs a half mile to the mountaintop for
panoramic views from the 5,720-foot peak. Its "devilish" look has
created many folk tales to enjoy.
Milepost 422
For more information about these and other stops and things to do along the Blue Ridge Parkway, go to http://www.romanticasheville.com/BlueRidgeParkway.htm. Our
list covers 170 miles of the Parkway near Asheville, starting from
the north near Grandfather Mountain and going south to the Great Smoky
Mountains National Park.
