Activities & Attractions
The Blowing Rock Attraction
Parking: 2 spots
Bathrooms: 1 accessible bathroom
Amenities: The area around the Blowing Rock offers paved, wide walkways that would be easily accessible by a wheelchair. There are trails that branch off of this walkway that would not be appropriate for a chair but they are marked clearly. There is an observation deck with a ramp leading up to it that offers a panoramic view of the John’s River Gorge, however the railing may be difficult to see over from a sitting position.
Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
Parking: 4 spots
Bathrooms: There are bathrooms on each floor equipped with an accessible stall.
Amenities: The flooring in the museum is level and appropriate for all modes of transport. There is a large elevator that brings guests to the second floor as needed. All directional signs offer braille.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a number of beautiful views from accessible overlooks, plus some accessible amenities at certain locations.
For more details on individual sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway, see the full Blue Ridge Parkway section below.
Broyhill Park Lake Trail
Parking:
Bathrooms: There are no reserved restrooms for this area. The closest bathroom is the one at the Robbins Pool. A paved, inclined path leads from the parking area to the restrooms at the pool.
Amenities: Gazebo, plentiful benches around trail, and a paved path. There is also a dock for fishing.
Chetola Sporting Reserve
Bathrooms: 2 accessible stalls
Amenities: Chetola Sporting Reserve offers a Sporting Clay Course, a 5 Stand Clay Station, Archery, a Pistol and Rifle Range, Fly fishing Wade Trips, Fly Fishing Float Trips, and Trophy Waters. Chetola is committed to offering the best experience possible for people of all abilities. They urge people to call ahead and explain their needs so that they can make the appropriate accomodations.
Grandfather Mountain
Parking: Assigned spots at all major stops.
Bathrooms: All bathrooms have at least one accessible stall.
Amenities: Grandfather Mountain offers awesome views and learning experiences for people of all ages. There is also an elevator that takes people with limited mobility up to the Mile High Swinging Bridge and allows them to cross. For more information on Grandfather Mountains Accessibility click here.
Image courtesy of Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.
Memorial Park Picnic Area
Parking: There are 2 spots reserved right outside of the park. All parking, even handicapped parking, is limited in Blowing Rock. There are also spots reserved nearby at the American Legion Hall with only a gentle incline to the park area.
Bathrooms: Public bathrooms sit right next to the picnic area. Recently renovated, they offer 2 handicapped stalls and sinks.
Amenities: Shaded and unshaded picnic area. Trash receptacles. Nearby bathrooms.
Middle Fork Greenway
Parking:
Bathrooms: No bathrooms available.
Amenities: Wide paved path that can be enjoyed by everyone. Flat grade. Cyclists welcome too.
Shoppes on the Parkway
Parking: 10 Spots
Bathrooms: 2 bathrooms with accessible stalls
Amenities: There are ramps from the accessible spots to the walkway around the stores. The stores do not have steps up to them, so everyone is able to enter. The doors can be a little small for larger electric wheelchairs, however if someone is holding the door open it is maneuverable.
Sky Valley Zip Tours – Mountain Cat EAV Tour
Parking: There is plentiful parking at the Mountain Cat location as well as their main office location.
Bathrooms: Each of their locations offers an accessible bathroom.
Amenities: The Mountain Cat EAVs were created for non-ambulatory people. They are made to drive from the hand, and can explore miles of off-road trails. Participants must be 14 years of age and up.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Bass Lake
Parking: 2 spots
Bathrooms: 1 bathroom with accessible stall. The door is heavy.
Amenities: Wide track made of packed fine gravel. Some light erosion in places. Plentiful benches, however the area around them is a little worn down and roots are sticking out.
Price Lake
Parking: There is a parking lot at Price Lake, however, no spots are reserved.
Bathrooms: There are no bathrooms at this location. The closest bathrooms are at Price Park Picnic Area.
Amenities: There is a dock for accessible fishing. However, the trail leading up to the dock is narrow and in disrepair.
Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center and trail
Parking:
Bathrooms:
Amenities: This location is temporarily closed. However, the trail is wide and paved as far as the section under the Linn Cove Viaduct, a distance of about 1/3 mile. Trail begins at parking area and includes some gentle inclines.
Moses Cone Manor
Parking: 3 marked parking spots next to ramp.
Bathrooms: Bathrooms have an accessible stall.
Amenities: The walkway winds and rambles down to the Manor House. Only the first level of the Manor House is really accessible. They have two doors, one wide enough for large electric wheelchairs. There is a National Park Service store, and a craft center filled with beautiful local crafts. It’s definitely worth the trip.
Overlooks
Parking: first come first served, no marked spaces
Bathrooms: no restrooms available
Amenities: Many overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway offer sweeping views. No amenities are available, but they have flat, paved places to pull off of the road and enjoy the view.
