Beacon Heights Hike: The Most Amazing short trail on the Parkway

Beacon Heights is a hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305.2 and has not one but two stunning, and I mean STUNNING, overlooks. All of this is packed into an easy hike just a little more than half a mile.

There are a lot of hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Some of them are really good, some are okay, and a few are amazing. Beacon Heights is close to the top of that small list of amazing hikes.

Not only is it beautiful at the overlooks, it is also really easy to reach the overlooks.

The parking lot is on the smallish side and the trail leaves from the back of the lot. There is no view from the parking lot so you will have to hike to see the amazing view.

To begin the hike you will cross over Carroll Gragg Rd and head into the thick forest. If the parking lot on the Blue Ridge Parkway is full you may be able park along Carroll Gragg Rd.

The trail to the incredible overlooks is like a tunnel though the lush forest.

There are two forks on the trail to Beacon Heights. The first is with the Tanawha Trail and the second is a split with the Mountains to Sea Trail.

Stay right at the Tanawha Trail and stay left at the Mountains to Sea Trail. The trail is well marked and it’s easy to stay on path.

Once you reach the bench at the top of the trail there is another split. Each trail goes to the overlooks.

The Overlooks

These are some really amazing overlooks. Go to both of them.

The path to the right goes to a super wide view on a mostly flat rock. The view from this overlook is vast. Of the two overlooks this one is the widest.

The path to the left climbs up stone steps to the a more narrow overlook, but one beautifully framed. The left overlook is ideal for catching a sunrise or for having a picnic.

Planning your visit

Before rushing off to Beacon Heights there are a few things to know.

• Check for closures on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This section of the parkway experiences frequent fog and closes frequently for inclement weather in winter.

• Don’t skip the other amazing overlooks and hikes nearby. This is an amazing section of the Blue Ridge Parkway that includes Rough Ridge and the Yonahlossee Overlook.

• Consider hiking a section of the Tanawha Trail. The entire hike is 13.5 miles. That’s a big undertaking but there are a few shorter sections that are incredible.

The 3 Best times of the year to visit Beacon Heights

In the Blue Ridge Mountains there are three times of the year when it is an especially great time to visit.

Late spring to early summer, Late summer, and during the fall color change. Each of these times are distinct from the other.

The last week of May into the first two weeks of June are beautiful in the Blue Ridge. Bright colored flowers and new green leaves spread across the mountains.

By August the heat has blanketed the valleys of Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. In the mountains, especially the high elevations in North Carolina, it is much cooler.

At times the temperature can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler. This is a perfect time to escape the summer heat and take in the amazing views.

Fall in the mountains is by far the most popular time to visit. Bright fall colors blanket the forests. Beacon Heights is no different. It is amazing to see and at this point everyone knows it.

Make your plans to visit early or mid week if at all possible. If you arrive and can’t find parking you can park at the Linn Cove Visitor Center and access Beacon Heights from the Tanawha Trail.

This increases your hike by quite a bit but the trail isn’t terribly difficult. Instead of 0.6 miles round trip you will be hiking a little more than 2.5 miles.

Beacon Heights is one of the best hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway at one of the most amazing sections of the parkway.

Some of the best overlooks, best hikes, and best waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway are close by. Be sure to check them out while you’re planning so you can get the most out of your trip.