Outbound Collective logo

Details

Distance

1.6 miles

Elevation Gain

4773 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Mary Moss

Enjoy spectacular mountain views of Grandfather Mountain and Linn Cove Viaduct, with distant views into the Piedmont, from the hike on Rough Ridge. Just a 1/3-mile uphill hike from the parking area (Milepost 302.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina) is a boardwalk atop the rocky mountain that protects fragile vegetation. Continue hiking for another 1/2 mile to the Rough Ridge summit. The views keep getting better! There are several large boulders along the trail that you can sit on to take in the views. At the summit, the highest rock has cables to help you reach the top.

I took out with my dog early that morning and made it to my destination around 10am. This hike wasn't too strenuous for me, but there were some places that I really had to push myself due to the height of the steps between "rocks"...  I have a rod in my right leg and climbing/hiking can be somewhat difficult when the incline or the "step" is steep/high.

When my dog & I reached our spot to eat lunch and rest for a bit, there were two young ladies sitting on the edge of the rock over hang, playing the mandolin and singing.  It was awesome!!

We continued in our journey to the summit, which provided amazing and beautiful views!!  

This hike was well worth the "sweat" and great for a day adventure!!

I will definitely do this again!

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic

Rough Ridge Trail Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Rough Ridge Lookout

Explore Boone Fork Creek

Calloway Peak via Daniel Boone Scout Trail

Beacon Heights Overlook

Rough Ridge via the Tanawha Trail from Beacon Heights

Profile Trail to Calloway Peak