Boulder Field Overlook is an often skipped over stop near Blowing Rock, North Carolina on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Driving by, you would never know what surprising things are waiting at the small overlook.
Boulder Field Overlook is at milepost 302.4 and is one of the least visited overlooks in the Blowing Rock area. From your window, it looks like a parking lot at the forest’s edge.
It isn’t until you stop and explore that you find there is more to this often missed stop.
The overlook is named for the large boulders that have settled on the forest floor. When you visit you will be able to see the boulders peaking out of edge of the forest.
Why visit Boulder Field Overlook?
Boulder Field Overlook isn’t on our list of best best overlooks near Blowing Rock. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit.
There are a few things this overlook offers you may want to see.
Before you make any visit to the Blue Ridge Parkway check for closures. Heavy fog is frequent around Blowing Rock and the parkway closes frequently.
1. Climbing and exploring around the boulders
The boulders are relatively small and low to the ground and kids will love scrambling around on the rocks. There are endless small nooks and crannies to explore.
Besides just climbing on the rocks you can look forward to spotting some creepy crawlies hiding on the boulders.
Be mindful of the weather and recent rain. Most of the rocks are moss covered and will be slippery if it has rained recently.
2. See the Linn Cove Viaduct
Yonahlossee Overlook is the best place to see the Linn Cove Viaduct, but not the only place.
Boulder Field Overlook is about a mile and a half from Yonahlossee Overlook and provides a long view of the viaduct. In fact, this is the first overlook where you can see the Linn Cove Viaduct.
3. See the Beautiful Nearby Mountains
All along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock there are beautiful mountain views at most of the overlooks.
You’ll have a view of the mountains from Boulder Field Overlook across the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is one of the least visited overlooks in this section and you may find you can enjoy the mountain views without crowding.
Boulder Field Overlook connects to the Tanawha Trail via a short access trail. If you are panning on Hiking Rough Ridge on a busy weekend around peak fall colors and can’t find parking you can park here and hike to Rough Ridge. This adds a little more than a mile to your total hike distance.
Boulder Field Overlook isn’t going to show up on any list of must visit overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway but it is still has some unexpected fun.
For people that like to explore or have kids, a visit here is the perfect way to spend half an hour enjoying one of the less known spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
You may want to check out or posts on the best hikes and best overlook near Blowing Rock. Some of the views are truly breath-taking.
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