Hike the Flat Rock Trail (NC)

Linville, North Carolina

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

Save

View all 13 photos

All 13 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

0.6 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Merritt McKinney

Often overshadowed by nearby hikes, Flat Rock is a short and easy hike perfect for bringing a picnic lunch.

Flat Rock Trail is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 308. There is a pull-off from the Parkway with a sign designating the location. There are several picnic tables around the pull-off, but I would recommend taking your lunch up to Flat Rock.

The wide, clear trail is practically flat and easily traveled. Follow the yellow arrows to the overlook.

After a quarter-mile, you will encounter an enormous piece of flat rock (as the name implies). Follow the rock to the right as it continues along the treeline. The view overlooks the small town of Linville. I would recommend this hike to anyone traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway who wants to get out of the vehicle but not hike too far.

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

Chillin

Photography

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Groups

Picnic Area

Scenic

Wildflowers

Hike the Flat Rock Trail (NC) Reviews

PRO

Kaytie Widener

PRO

Hike the Flat Rock Trail (NC)

07/08/23

Love a good loop. The majority of this loop is under shaded forest canopy and is so nice. It’s a self-guided loop so there are signs along the way for the local plant life. About midway along the loop is where you come to the flat rock area. Lots of little places to take a break with great views of the surrounding area.

5.0

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Rough Ridge via the Tanawha Trail from Beacon Heights

If you're feeling frisky, set your alarm for the early am and park at the Beacon Heights Parking area about 30 minutes before dawn. Put on your head lamp and hike the short trip to Beacon Heights, bask in the glory of the warm morning sun, then head back down and connect with the Tanawha Trail. As you leave Beacon Heights be sure to look up and see Grandfather Mountain smiling down on you - he'...

Beacon Heights Overlook

Beacon Heights is the perfect hike when you're on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville and Grandfather Mountain, Milepost 305.2. The trail is a steady climb uphill for less than a half mile. The last section being fairly steep and rocky. Once at the top, there are several rock outcroppings, but veer left to enjoy the perfect sunrise. You will know you're in the right spot when you see a lone...

Rough Ridge Lookout

The trailhead for Rough Ridge will be on your righthand side when driving the Blue Ridge Parkway from Boone, NC. This trail gets busy in the warmer months, but parking usually is not too much of an issue. This trail is not open in the winter. Rough Ridge will take you around 30-45 minutes to reach the top, at an average pace. About halfway up the trail turns to wooden platforms, where you can ...

Calloway Peak via Profile Trail

Profile Trail to Calloway Peak

If you're looking for a challenge and hoping to escape the crowds at Grandfather Mountain, this is the hike for you. Climbing up the back side of the mountain (opposite the famed mile-high swinging bridge) this trail is fee-free and easy-to-access with its own parking lot. The trail, marked with orange blazes, begins in a shaded forest along the Watauga River. You will begin your ascent jus...

Calloway Peak via Daniel Boone Scout Trail

At 5,946 feet, Calloway Peak provides hikers with perhaps the best view of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. You'll have to earn this view - it is a tough climb up, although not terribly long. Begin at the trailhead for Tanawha Trail in the Boone Fork Parking Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take Tanawha Trail left (south) out of the parking lot for about a half mile where you'll hit the j...

Hike the Flat Rock Trail (NC)

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Hike the Flat Rock Trail (NC) Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Rough Ridge via the Tanawha Trail from Beacon Heights

Beacon Heights Overlook

Rough Ridge Lookout

Calloway Peak via Profile Trail

Profile Trail to Calloway Peak

Calloway Peak via Daniel Boone Scout Trail

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps