Scenic stops, short hikes, and must-visit overlooks along one of the most iconic stretches of the Parkway.

There’s a reason the Blue Ridge Parkway is called “America’s Favorite Drive.” And the stretch between Boone and Linville, North Carolina? It’s peak Parkway magic—especially when the rhododendrons bloom in June or the fall foliage sets the hills ablaze in October.

This 25-mile drive packs in everything we love about the High Country: panoramic views, hidden hikes, historic landmarks, and those perfect pull-offs that make you want to linger a little longer.

Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or just looking for the ultimate afternoon drive, here’s your guide to the best spots from Boone to Linville.

1. Thunder Hill Overlook

📍Milepost 290.4
Ease into the journey with wide-open views over the rolling foothills. Thunder Hill is one of the first major overlooks heading south from Boone, and it’s an underrated spot for sunrise or stargazing.

Local Tip: If you’re starting the day early, grab coffee from Birdie’s Coffee & Treats before heading up.

2. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

📍Milepost 294.1
This historic estate—known locally as Cone Manor—is one of the crown jewels of the Parkway. Flat Top Manor sits high above Bass Lake, surrounded by over 25 miles of gently rolling carriage trails.

Walk or ride the trails (great for families!)
Shop handcrafted goods at the Southern Highland Craft Guild
Chill on the porch with stunning long-range views

Best For: Light hikes, leisurely mornings, craft shopping, photography

3. Sims Pond Overlook

📍Milepost 295.9
This quiet overlook doubles as a trailhead for the Green Knob Trail, a 2.3-mile loop that winds through forests, pastures, and alongside Sims Creek. From the parking area, a set of steps drops you straight into a thicket of rosebay rhododendron, which puts on a dazzling show from late June to early July.

The trail itself is varied—you’ll pass under a bridge, cross open meadows, follow Sims Creek, and climb sections that near the top of Green Knob. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of pastoral views and dense woodlands.

Trail Length: 2.3-mile loop
Best For: Rhododendron blooms in early summer, fall color at Sims Creek bridge, a moderate hike with lots of variety

Local Tip: The Sims Creek bridge offers one of the best close-up fall color views on the Parkway, thanks to the dense variety of trees along the creek banks.

4. Julian Price Memorial Park

📍Milepost 297
Home to open meadows, rhododendron groves, and shaded picnic areas, this park is a peaceful place to pull over and relax. With ample parking, restrooms, and shelters, it’s a convenient stop for groups or a mid-drive break.

Local Tip: If you want to stretch your legs, hop on the Boone Fork Trail—a 5-mile loop with waterfalls, creek crossings, ladders, and mountain views. It’s a longer hike, but one of the Parkway’s hidden gems.

5. Price Lake

📍Milepost 297.2
A little farther down the Parkway, you’ll find Price Lake—the sparkling centerpiece of the Julian Price Memorial Park lands. With Grandfather Mountain reflecting in its waters, this spot is a favorite for hikers, paddlers, and photographers.

Price Lake Loop Trail (2.3 mi) circles the shoreline with peaceful water views
Canoes and kayaks are available for rent in the summer months at Price Lake Boat Rentals
Fall brings brilliant reflections of color across the lake

Best For: Easy hiking, paddling, or a scenic stop to relax and recharge

6. Rough Ridge Trail

📍Milepost 302.8
This short, steep trail delivers one of the most epic views in the entire region. Within 0.8 miles, you’ll reach a wooden boardwalk with panoramic vistas of Grandfather Mountain and the famous Linn Cove Viaduct.

Trail length: 1.5 mi round trip
Elevation gain: ~500 feet
Best during golden hour (but get there early—parking is limited)

Pro Tip: Wear proper shoes—there are exposed rock faces and sometimes slick sections.

7. Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center

📍Milepost 304.4
A marvel of modern engineering, the Linn Cove Viaduct curves gracefully around the edge of Grandfather Mountain. Stop at the visitor center to learn how it was built without disturbing the natural landscape. Note: The visitor center is currently closed; however, a stop there will allow you to hike under the viaduct.

Walk beneath the viaduct on the Tanawha Trail
Grab a classic photo of the structure from nearby overlooks

Best For: Lovers of architecture and design, scenic photos, quick stretch

8. Stack Rock Overlook

📍Milepost 304.8
Blink and you’ll miss it—but this stop is a peaceful forest walk that leads to a towering, moss-covered boulder. It feels more enchanted than epic, but it’s worth the detour if you’re craving a quiet spot.

Trail Length: ~0.2 miles

9. Beacon Heights Overlook

📍Milepost 305.2
This quick trail rewards you with big views and big sky. The exposed rock slabs are perfect for picnics or a late-afternoon break before wrapping up your drive.

0.3 mi to the top (0.6 mi round trip)
Offers views of both Grandfather Mountain and Table Rock in the distance

Local Tip: Catch a sunset here—it’s a crowd favorite for a reason.

🛣️ Want to Keep Going?

Flat Rock Trail

📍Milepost 308.3

An easy 0.6-mile loop that’s often overlooked but offers some of the Parkway’s best panoramic views. The trail winds through rhododendron and mountain laurel before opening onto a broad rock outcrop with sweeping vistas.

Trail Length: 0.6-mile loop
Best For: Families, picnics, wildflower spotting, sunset views
Local Tip: This spot stays quieter than Rough Ridge or Beacon Heights, making it a peaceful alternative.

Linville Falls

📍Milepost 316.4

Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians,” Linville Falls is one of the most iconic stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The waterfall plunges 45 feet into the Linville Gorge, carving one of the most dramatic landscapes in the region.

Currently, the Visitor Center is closed and access is limited—both the Plunge Basin Trail and the Upper Falls Overlook are closed. However, hikers can still enjoy the Erwins View Trail, which features three overlooks that provide incredible perspectives of the gorge and lower falls.

Chimney View (0.7 mi): First point where you can see both the upper and lower falls together; framed by rugged rock outcrops.
Gorge View Overlook: A sweeping look at the Linville River winding through the wilderness area.
Erwins View Overlook (0.8 mi): A panoramic vantage point capturing the falls and the expansive gorge beyond.

Trail Length: 1.6 miles round trip (moderate)
Best For: Iconic waterfall views, photography, fall color

Local Tip: Parking fills up quickly in peak seasons—arrive early or go on a weekday for more solitude.

Grandfather Mountain Entrance (Off US-221)

Not officially part of the Parkway, but worth a detour. The Mile-High Swinging Bridge and rugged backcountry trails (like the Profile or Daniel Boone Scout Trails) offer even more ways to explore the region’s namesake peak. There is an admission fee in order to get into the park and the attractions.

🧭 Before You Go

Download maps—cell service is spotty
Pack layers—temps can change quickly at elevation
Leave no trace—help keep these trails beautiful

Your Blue Ridge Parkway Adventure Starts Here

This Boone-to-Linville route is proof that the journey really is the destination. So load up the car, cue up your favorite playlist, and hit the road—you’ve got mountain magic waiting around every bend.

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