Rough Ridge Trail
Rough Ridge
A short hiking trail beside the Parkway with a wooden boardwalk and lookout, offering views of the Linn Cove Viaduct and the mountains.
The Rough Ridge Trail begins at the parking area at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 302.8. It follows the Tanawha Trail uphill for about 1.6 km, passing a small wooden bridge and a stretch of stone steps, before reaching a boardwalk on a rocky ridge. This is the classic spot to photograph the Linn Cove Viaduct winding through autumn-colored mountains. The round trip takes about one to one and a half hours, with some steep sections. To protect the alpine vegetation, stay on the boardwalk. Parking is limited, so arrive early on autumn weekends.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Linn Cove Viaduct
- Grandfather Mountain
- Mile High Swinging Bridge
- Hawksnest Snow Tubing & Zipline
- Price Lake (Julian Price Memorial Park)
- Sugar Mountain Resort
- Mast General Store (Valle Crucis)
- Moses H. Cone Memorial Park