The Blue Ridge Parkway is where many of the area’s best loved attractions and recreational areas are located. On this page, I have included some of my favorite parkway attractions and places of interest. All of these areas are near a variety of my featured listings. You can visit the areas listed in secession as you follow along on the Blue Ridge Parkway traveling from the north to south. A great deal of the real estate that I list and sell all around the High Country is near some of these fantastic places.
Cumberland Knob
This area, located at Milepost 217.5, features a nice visitors center and is the location where construction first began on the Blue Ridge Parkway back in September of 1935. Just a short drive from areas in Alleghany County, like Sparta and the resort town of Roaring Gap, Cumberland Knob is a wonderful place to visit right before the parkway enters the state of Virginia.
Doughton Park
When you visit Doughton Park, located around Milepost 238.5-244.7, you can check out historic Brinegar Cabin, hike, and fish on the many trails and enjoy the views from the Bluff Mountain Overlook (elevation 3,792 feet above sea level).
Jumpinoff Rocks
In Ashe County, the Jumpinoff Rocks area is quite famous. Located just near Milepost 260, the elevation at Jumpinoff Rock is 3,222 feet above sea level and the overlook provides stunning views of the valley and gorge below. There are numerous trails that lead away from the area.
E.B. Jeffress Park/Cascades Waterfall
This wonderful park area and waterfall is located right near the Ashe County and Watauga line. You can park here and enjoy the enormous picnic area, walking trails, light hiking trail (that leads to a spectacular parkway waterfall). Restrooms and water are available here.
Moses H. Cone Estate Manor & Julian Price Memorial Park
You will find the stately antebellum mansion, that was built for denim king Moses Cone’s and his wife’s summer estate, right at Milepost 293 on The Blue Ridge Parkway in Blowing Rock. You can tour part of the home, which is now the location of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and Parkway Craft Center, and enjoy the miles and miles of endless hiking, biking and horseback riding trails that cover the estate. Julian Price Park has tons of great areas in which you can fish if you have a valid NC fishing license.
The Blowing Rock
The Blowing Rock Attractions are not exactly located off The Blue Ridge Parkway, but just off Hwy 321. The Blowing Rock is a famous parkway attraction as it is just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famous lookout rock provides great views of the parkway, as well the Johns River Gorge. Visitors to The Blowing Rock can enjoy the overlook and gift shop and learn more about the Native American Indian legend that has been told and retold here.
Linn Cove Viaduct
Blue Ridge ParkwayThe Linn Cove Viaduct at Milepost 304.6 is one of man’s most remarkable engineering feats and was the last portion of the parkway to be completed. You can visit the Linn Cove Viaduct, see models that were made beforehand, and tour a trail that leads right along and under this internationally known concrete bridge.
Grandfather Mountain
From a variety of locations and areas in which I sell North Carolina Mountain Property, you can see the famous profile of Grandfather Mountain. The mountain is aptly named as the rocks that form the peaks seem to resemble an old man lying down, and one jagged rock in particular seems to show the face of an aging man. Atop Grandfather Mountain is the wonderful recreation attraction where you can visit the museum, walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, see live animals in their habitats, and enjoy the numerous hiking trails nearby.
Linville Falls
The amazing waterfalls located at Linville Falls can be found at Milepost 316.3. There is an observation deck and numerous trails for hiking near the falls. Be sure to bring along a camera if you plan to visit Linville Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
