(Updated March 9, 2026)
The Blue Ridge Parkway is currently OPEN in the Blowing Rock area from milepost 317.5 in the Linville Falls Community all the way north into Virginia. Some storm-related closures remain in areas south of milepost 317. Blowing Rock is located at milepost 294.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is getting some much needed repairs near Blowing Rock in 2026 – Please note that closures will be staggered. Detours will be in use so you can still access your favorite Blue Ridge Parkway features as much as possible. Work begins in mid-March and is expected to be complete in fall of 2026.
Stay updated with details on the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Road Status page!
Please remember: closed means closed. Please respect the ongoing repair process so that it can continue unhindered!
The area between mileposts 285 and 305 on the Blue Ridge Parkway includes many favorite locations, including Thunder Hill Overlook, Cone Estate, Price Lake, Rough Ridge, and Beacon Heights.
Here are some things to note at various places as you enjoy exploring this section of the Blue Ridge Parkway:
Moses Cone Estate
Open: Parking and trails, Restrooms at Bass Lake
Closed: Carriage Barn Restrooms
Park at Flat Top Manor, also known as the Cone Mansion, to access miles of carriage trails and great views from the manor itself. The Southern Highland Craft Guild re-opens in April. Restrooms are not available in the Carriage Barn adjacent to the manor; they remain closed at this time.
Feeling up to a challenging hike? A 6-mile round-trip route takes hikers to the fire tower at the highest point on Flat Top mountain and back again. The tower is open to climb to the top and the views are incredible!
Access Bass Lake Trail from Hwy 221 for an easy, 1 mile stroll around the scenic lake. The restrooms at Bass Lake are open.
Price Park
Open: Picnic Area (expect portable toilets) and trails
Closed: Campground
Enjoy an incredible picnic area, Price Lake, and some of the best hiking on the Blue Ridge Parkway inside Julian Price Memorial Park. The picnic area features dozens of sites with tables and grills, along with restrooms and expansive parking. The Price Lake Trail loops around the lake, and Green Knob Trail offers a more strenuous 2.3 mile route through diverse terrain. Note that Boone Fork Trail remains closed for repairs.
Bring a pole (and NC or TN fishing license) to enjoy some serene lake fishing along calm waters. A public boat launch is available for non-motorized watercraft.
Rough Ridge Trail
Please note that the Rough Ridge section of the Tanawha Trail is steep and rugged. The hike is fairly strenuous but short, and incredibly popular. In fact, if the parking area is full, please plan to return at another time. The trail is located in a unique ecological area and overuse can lead to habitat degradation.
Linn Cove Viaduct
This engineering marvel is an iconic Parkway feature. The s-curve bridge seems to float along the slopes of Grandfather Mountain. Driving over the Linn Cove Viaduct is a can’t-miss experience! If you’d like to get a closer look, a narrow trail offers access along the edge of the roadway. Park at Yonahlossee Overlook, a small parking area at the northern end of the Linn Cove Viaduct. A footpath leads from the parking area toward the Viaduct.
Beacon Heights
This popular view can be enjoyed by hiking from the Beacon Heights parking area just before milepost 305. It’s a moderate hike, just under a mile, that follows a portion of the NC Mountains To Sea Trail. The hike ends at two wide, rock outcroppings with panoramic southern views. The foliage in these views is mostly spent at this point in the season, but the view is still incredible and well worth the hike.
Grandfather Mountain Attraction
It’s a beautiful drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Grandfather Mountain any time of year. From Blowing Rock, take the Blue Ridge Parkway south just 11 miles. The entrance to Grandfather Mountain is 1 mile down Hwy 221 after exiting the Parkway. As always, booking tickets and a reservation time online in advance is highly recommended.
Grandfather Mountain State Park
Open: most trails and campsites
Closed: Profile Trail, Profile Connector Trail, and Profile Campsite
Please note that Grandfather Mountain State Park is a separate entity from the Grandfather Mountain Attraction and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Most trails in the park are available for hiking, including those accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Profile Trail remains closed at this time. Please obey all posted closings. Visit the State Park’s official website for updates.
More
Looking for more fun activities around Blowing Rock? Try one of our local attractions like attractions like The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, The Blowing Rock, Mystery Hill, and Doc’s Rocks and make a reservation for activities like Sky Valley Zip Tours, High Gravity Adventures, and Tee 2 Green Indoor Golf.
For up-to-date programming, check out our event calendar!