Mabry Mill
A wooden water-powered mill at milepost 176 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, reflected in a small pond. It is the most photographed scene along the entire parkway.
Mabry Mill is located at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 176.2, about an hour's drive from Roanoke. Built around 1910 by Ed Mabry, the wooden waterwheel mill, blacksmith shop and old log cabins are arranged along the pond. A loop trail of about 800 meters runs around it, and the autumn foliage reflected in the water is especially photogenic. In peak season there are demonstrations of milling and blacksmithing, and the nearby restaurant is famous for its buckwheat pancakes and cornmeal cakes. Admission is free. Facilities close in winter, but you can still take photos on the trail. Parking lots fill up on weekends, so arrive early.
Opening hours
Trails open all day; mill exhibits and restaurant approx. April–November 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Dragon's Tooth
- Grandin Village
- Roanoke River Greenway
- Mill Mountain Zoo
- Mill Mountain Star (Roanoke Star)
- Virginia Museum of Transportation
- Center in the Square
- Historic Roanoke City Market