Rough Ridge Hike: Blue Ridge Parkway

ventureswithvictoria
12 minutes ago
3 min read

Hike Stats

Trail: Rough Ridge Trail

Distance: 1.2 miles RT

Elevation Gain: 367 ft

Location: Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 302-303, North Carolina

Date Hiked: June 2024, October 2025

Rough Ridge is one of the most well-known hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway and for good reason. With panoramic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge mountains and a bird's-eye view of the famous Linn Cove Viaduct, this is a year-round hike that cannot be missed!

From the parking lot, hop onto the connector trail until it reaches an intersection with the Tanawa Trail/MST and head left at the junction. Like many hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the hike to Rough Ridge is short but starts climbing almost immediately. There are some areas where it flattens out a bit and several spots to stop and take in the view so it never feels too challenging. As such, it is a great hike for the family and for hikers of all skill levels!

After about a quarter of a mile or so, you’ll reach the boardwalk section, a beautiful area filled with vibrant green and flowering plants in the spring/early summer and red, yellow, and orange plants in the fall. It is here where you get your first view of the surrounding mountains and of the looming Grandfather Mountain. There's a flat rocky outcrop to the side of the boardwalk that’s a good spot for a quick break.

From here there’s another short climb up a fairly rocky and rooty section to reach the famous photo spot where people (and by people I also mean me) tend to sit precariously on a piece of rock that juts out from a rocky outcrop, looking out over the rolling mountains in the background. It looks like they are sitting over a large drop off…and they kind of are, but it’s not as dramatic as it seems. It really is a great photo op just don’t do anything stupid!

Many people turn around here after taking the obligatory photo, but there are even higher and more panoramic views if you continue up the trail about another third of a mile. The trail here becomes narrower and the rhododendron and laurel almost seem to swallow you as you ascend.

The very top does require a short scramble up a rock slab but you will be rewarded with even more excellent views with just a fraction of the crowds. I loved being able to look out over the boardwalk section from before. It’s a great place to sit and relax before heading back down.

Trail Tips

Fall is the most crowded time to hike this trail which is no surprise as the fall colors truly are incredible. Peak colors usually occur in the second or even third week of October however this can vary by year. Check sites like AllTrails and Blue Ridge Parkway Facebook pages for current conditions.
This trail also has some beautiful wildflowers, with rhododendron and mountain laurel being the standouts. Typically early June is the best time for these. Late spring tends to see significantly fewer crowds on this trail compared to fall.
There isn’t really a “best” time of day for this hike on a sunny day as the sun will almost always backlight at least a portion of the views since the views are so extensive, but I would definitely avoid midday so that the sun isn’t directly behind you for your rocky outcrop photo. The hike also stays pretty consistently busy throughout the day so unless you go in the offseason, you’re probably not going to beat the crowds.
The parking lot is fairly small so you will see a lot of cars parked along the side of the road. Just make sure your car is fully off of the roadway. Alternatively you can park at the Boulder Field Overlook, the Wilson Creek Overlook, or at the Linn Cove Visitor Center and hop on the Tanawa Trail/MST and hike along that for a longer hike that will take you to Rough Ridge from the opposite direction.
Be considerate and don’t stand in someone else’s photo at the rocky outcrop; if there is a line, please don’t cut. Let’s keep this busy hike pleasant for everyone!
Take all trash with you, including orange and banana peels.