Smart View Loop Trail

This 10.8 mile loop is a very demanding, but very rewarding hike that will take most of the day to complete. The hike can be started from many different locations but in this write-up it starts at the Saddle Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the loop is in the counter-clockwise direction.From the Saddle Overlook take the trail to the right of the parking area, which ascends quickly into th...

Park at the Alta Mons camp parking lot, and start walking the gravel road. There will be signs throughout the trail that lead to the waterfall. Continue down the trail for 1.5 miles. Look out for the white trail markers that indicate the Stiles Falls trail. After 1.5 miles, you will reach the waterfall! Enjoy the view of a 60-foot waterfall. To return, follow the trail back to the parking lot.

Mabry Mill is one of the most photographed spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and rightfully so. Located at MP 176.1 the mill is beautiful in any season and easily accessed from the parking lot. Since this place is so popular, be prepared for crowds.This place is a nice " leg-stretcher" if driving the Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway or a short side trip from the trailhead if you're hiking Rock Cas...

COVID-19 CLOSURE: Due to Covid-19, this trail will be closed effective April 10, 2020 at 8 PM until June 24, 2020.  A short 1.0 mile hike to the summit with 700’ elevation gain, the trail switchbacks steeply up to the exposed rocky summit. To the north you can see Sharp Top and Flat Top at the Peaks of Otter, and to the south you can see Pilot Mountain in North Carolina. The summit has many pla...

This is a part of the Huckleberry Trail (which is paved), but off of it is the dirt hiking/walking trail loop. It is a really fun area to explore, and the parts that are on the Huckleberry have plaques with historical information on it which is all very interesting. It also has a beautiful wooden path/deck. Coal Mining Heritage Park is closest to the parking/entry area near Merrimac, but it is ...

The Roanoke Mountain Road is a 4 mile one-way loop accessed at mile post 120.3 off the Blueridge Parkway. It's a winding single-lane road, and I would certainly not venture up there with a trailer. There is a large parking area at the main overlook which provides an excellent view of the sunset. There are also plenty of picnicking areas available.So if you're short on time, or simply aren't in ...