Hike the Flat Rock Trail (NC)

Linville, North Carolina

Save

View all 6 photos

All 6 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

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

Hike to Rough Ridge on 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'...

Explore Beacon Heights on the Blue Ridge Parkway

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...

Explore Boone Fork Creek

Boone Fork Bridge and creek is situated at the base of Grandfather Mountain, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost 299.9. Elevation 3905'.The trailhead is at the left side of Boone Fork Creek parking area and the trail is a gentle meander through Rhododendrons and a hardwood forest.As you head towards the creek, the Boone Fork trail will merge with the Tanawha Trail. Veer left at this trail jun...