Not Too Bad Of A Hike. Very Rewarding Views At The End! Slippery When Wet. Wear The Proper Shoes! read more

Rough Ridge Overlook - Parks Near Me - Linville, North Carolina

You can't pay for views like this, and good news is... you don't have to! Rough Ridge Overlook is a local *and* tourist hot spot for some of the best views in the state! I went there with some GFs for nature and the views, and it didn't dissapoint. Definiteluy put this spot on your map when planning a trip to Grandfather Mountain. read more

This isn't a business but instead is a trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a classic spot to hike when visiting Boone or Blowing Rock or surrounding areas. The hike is relatively easy in that it is pretty short and is essentially "paved" the whole way with a path of rocks, sometimes even carved to create easy steps to walk up. I would guess the hike is 1/4 a mile up to the first seating area with benches and a rock to stand over. While the hike is "easy," the only thing is that you are pretty much walking uphill the whole time (as makes sense to get to the views). I've seen people of all ages and fitness levels and experience levels on this trail. Try not to go when raining or after it has rained recently as the rocks could be very slippery when you're headed back down. Parking is available right at trail start. On busy days, you'll see people parking on the side of the Parkway. More people are there the nicer the weather and during "peak times" (fall, spring, weekends, and 11-3pm-ish). read more

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I did not make the hike up to the overlook but I did manage to get under it. I'm so NOT a hiker and honestly, the view from the road is also pretty darned good considering that I was here for the leaf peeping and the extra 100-150 feet of elevation would have moved this from five stars to five stars. The view from here is amazing, even from the ground. Though just as I got to the view of the valley, that was when the clouds started to move it. [Review 15919 overall - 3134 in North Carolina - 1424 of 2021.] read more

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This hike is very crowded, but the views are definitely worth it. I recommend waking up early and getting there for sunrise. We got there around 7:45am and the parking lot was already full. We were able to park on the side of the road though. It got way more crowded later in the day. It's only about a 2.5 mile hike round trip from the parking area. We tried to hike further on the trail, but ended up taking a wrong turn that brought us back to where we started. It was recommended to start at Linn Cove Visitor Center and hike the back way there for less crowds. We wanted to do this, but the parking lot was closed so we couldn't. This is a great hike in the fall for gorgeous fall colors. It's hard to beat the views. read more

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Rough Ridge has been dear to my heart since my high school days. After all, we spent quite a few days skipping school to go wander trails like Tanawha. The views from the ridge top and boardwalk areas are among my favorites in the whole region. Even the wooden bridge near the parking area is lovely. But here's the thing: I don't know when, but everyone and their mother found out about Rough Ridge long ago, and it's simply become far too crowded for my taste. I grew up loving the place because it was an escape from the crowds, clutter, and noise of the "civilized world." Unfortunately the crowds and noise are now on the mountain. It's a public place, of course, and everyone has the right to enjoy the views. If you choose to go, show the place (and others enjoying it) due respect. Example: if the paved parking lot is full, change your destination rather than parking on the grass shoulders. There's no need to overcrowd the area or damage parkway property, especially when there are plenty of other sights nearby Another example: if you're on the trails, give others their space and avoid yelling or shouting. And for goodness sake, please stay on the trail. The boardwalk, perimeter cables, and signs are there for good reason! read more

I've completed this hike twice on two very different days. First time was sunny with incredible views as far as I could see. It was sunny and very hot so we had to take lots of breaks and drink a lot of water. The second time last weekend was very cloudy with muddy trails. No views but clouds for miles. It was still an amazing hike with awesome photo ops! Trails are beautiful and still easy to hike when wet. Not as many stops with the low heat and misty rain was so pleasant. Don't miss this hike! A must do. read more

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Highly recommended. Not a hiker? No problem, there is a trail that is easy for everyone. The sight is breathtaking. We walked further and sat on a rock and just enjoyed the whole scenery. We were lucky enough to find a good parking spot but noticed when we walked back the whole area was full and people were ready to park in our spot. I would definitely come back again. Well worth the trip! read more

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This is probably the best hike in the northern part of the Blue Ridge Parkway! The views are WELL worth the moderate hike. I still had to take a couple of breaks but it was manageable for sure. There are roots and lots of rocks to overcome so you'd have a difficult time without the proper boots or shoewear meant for the outdoors. I added a really cool picture of my bf at the most classic photo op the hike has to offer. Find that pose on every Appalachian State student's instagram! The picture is easy to take but a bit deceiving because the rock doesn't hang off the entire mountain; it hangs over an earlier part of the trail (although still a long way down). Rough Ridge is a can't-miss. It will definitely be crowded on the weekends or on pretty days so parking is difficult, but you HAVE to make it happen! Family-friendly, dog-friendly (plz pick up poop), and a great date idea! read more

Rough Ridge Overlook - Parks Near Me - Linville, North Carolina

This is an amazing hike, hard at times but do able. The cliffs can be steep. Make sure you wear some sturdy shoes because If the rocks are wet they can be slippery. Free to do. Bring the bug spray read more

Rough Ridge Overlook - Parks Near Me - Linville, North Carolina

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I love this trail off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are several stunning places to stop and enjoy ridge line views on the ascent. It's hard to beat fresh mountain air, lush forest, birds chirping and spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This trail is no secret though and at times the small parking area can be jam packed, but it's well worth the effort to enjoy this natural gem. read more

Rough Ridge Overlook - Parks Near Me - Linville, North Carolina

This is a great spot for a view and it's only a short hike from the parking area. It is steep and uphill the whole way and the path is rocky but it doesn't take long to get to the overlook. The parking area has a small but pretty waterfall right in front of it behind some branches. This is a clue that you are at right spot. I didn't check the sign at the beginning of the trail but not far after you start hiking there is a fork in the trail. Turn left because there was no sign at the fork showing which way to go for the overlook when I was there. When you get up top, there are nice wooden walkways with railings in order to protect the sensitive ecosystem and to keep you on the trail. There is spot where you are allowed onto some large boulders and from there the views are gorgeous with many miles of low rolling Appalachian mountains visible. I was here just as the sun was setting and it was beautiful. I visited this spot in the evening at the end of October and there were no crowds at all. I saw two people when I was there, one person coming down when I was going up and one person set up at the overlook with a camera and a tripod to catch the sunset. That was it. read more

Rough Ridge Overlook - The view is big up here - Parks Near Me - Linville, North Carolina

This is a great hike off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It can be a little strenuous, but not super difficult. You do have to climb over some rocks, so I wouldn't recommend it if you aren't sure on your feet. When you reach the boardwalk the views are amazing. You can see for miles and miles. It really makes you feel in tune with nature. From the boardwalk you can continue up the trail to the top for more amazing views. The trail is not very long and the views are fantastic. I would definitely recommend this trail to truly see the vast beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. read more

Rough Ridge Overlook - View from the boardwalk - Parks Near Me - Linville, North Carolina

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Great moderate hike. Amazing views and rocks. Several lookout areas and massive rocks perfect for pictures. Standing on the mountains, listening to the birds, feeling the breeze and looking out to such a wonder sure makes me feel lucky to live in NC. Trail marking is poor so know where you are going and be careful. Definitely a must! read more

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I think the hike is rated streneous on most sites. It really isn't too bad. Might be pretty slick after a rain. Beautiful views, several different places to stop along the way. So many photo ops! Truly my fav hike to date!! It's not so hard that you become annoyed with the walking and the view is breathtaking. Recommend over Hawksbill, and craggy. read more

Great hike for the perfect amount of time. Very rocky and straight up the mountain the whole way up. So just prepare for that.

Decided to come check this out after it was referred to me by an entertainment company (who conveniently cancelled out reservation, see the 1 star review). This place was an easy 15 minute walk, but horrible to find. We drove about 3-4 extra miles after Julian Price park and we found it by driving into every overpass since it isn't clearly labeled and the infamous mile marker doesn't exist. If you got time, enjoy the hike and see the spectacular view. read more