Rough Ridge is a really popular hike but most people don’t realize that it’s part of a longer, also incredible trail. That won’t be you, though. Below we cover why it’s a beautiful hike and also some of the hidden spots nearby on the Tanawha Trail.

Rough Ridge is one of the most beautiful hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The view at the top of the surrounding mountains is superb. So where is this fantastic hike and what are you in for if you decide to hike Rough Ridge?
First, Rough Ridge is near Blowing Rock, North Carolina on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 302.8. This section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is incredible, famously home to the Linn Cove Viaduct. It’s a really, really beautiful area. We’re not talking about that though, we’re talking about hiking Rough Ridge. As always, before planning a visit on the Blue Ridge Parkway check for closures.
Rough Ridge is just one part of a larger, amazing trail called the Tanawha Trail. It’s more than 13 miles of blissful mountain forest majesty. You don’t need to hike that whole distance to get lost in a stunning view. Rough Ridge can be a short, moderate hike or something a little more ambitious. Here’s how.
Where does the Rough Ridge hike start?
The hike begins at Rough Ridge Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 302.8). There is a smallish parking lot. This isn’t the only way to tackle the hike but it is the most direct. Hiking Rough Ridge from this nearby overlook takes about two hours and the entire way up is a steep climb.
Length: 1.2 miles Elevation Gain: 375 feet Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 302.8)
When to Visit: Spring, Summer, Fall
How We Rate It: 5/5, This is one of the best hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Most of the hike you are surrounded by thick forest so you won’t get any sweeping views on the way, but as you reach the top it opens up and you get to walk along the boardwalk. That’s right, there is a huge boardwalk in the sky!

The views, the boardwalk, the tons of rhododendron – these are the reasons why you hike Rough Ridge. It’s so, incredibly beautiful. That’s why so many people visit, and fill up the parking lot. So what happens when the parking lot is full?

One choice is to park along the road, if there is space. In that case you still hike from Rough Ridge Overlook. If that isn’t an option there is another way to hike to Rough Ridge.
The other way to hike to Rough Ridge
Rough Ridge is just one part of the Tanawha Trail. It’s a really awesome trail that runs from Beacon Heights to Price Lake along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Because of that there are several spots where you can get on or off the trail.
The next closest access point on the Tanawha Trail near Rough Ridge is at the Linn Cove Visitor Center. There is a lot more parking at the visitor center. Hiking to Rough Ridge from this direction makes for a hike that’s a bit less than five miles but the elevation gain is only about 100 feet more.
Length: 4.5 miles Elevation Gain: 500 feet Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 304.4)
When to Visit: Spring, Summer, Fall
How We Rate It: 5+/5, This is one of the best hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway and starting at the Linn Cove Visitor adds a lot of cool spots.

Surprisingly, this is a much less intense experience than hiking from Rough Ridge Overlook. The trail is also much more interesting because it passes under the Linn Cove Viaduct and takes you past some real hidden gems along the parkway.
Why you may want to hike from the Linn Cove Visitor Center?
There are some amazing spots on the way to Rough Ridge from the visitor center. Three areas really stand out and make hiking from the Linn Cove Visitor Center its own worthwhile experience.
The first spot is under the Linn Cove Viaduct. There is a rocky section where the trail snakes through huge boulders. It’s one of the most unexpected spots on the entire Tanawha trail.

Aside from the rocks there is also one of the most unusual trees I’ve ever seen.

The second really awesome spot is at Wilson Creek. Wilson Creek is fairly wide and has sloping banks on either side. There is a really awesome arch bridge across the creek.

The bridge is long and the creek slides down the mountain along a few cascades making it kind of a waterfall.
The final spot is near Rough Ridge. As you near Rough Ridge the forest breaks a few times and you get a view of what is to come. You could get to this one from Rough Ridge by just walking further, so reaching this one is as easy as knowing it’s there.

You can see Rough Ridge far in the distance. This spot is much less traveled than the main Overlook area at Rough Ridge.
Putting the two options together
Maybe you are excited for Rough Ridge and want to see the awesome stuff around Rough Ridge but are turned off by a five mile hike. Well, if you are meeting a friend and can bring two vehicles, park one at the Visitor Center and the other at Rough Ridge Overlook.
It’s all the tasty bits and none of the slog. I would strongly recommend starting at the Linn Cove Visitor Center and hiking to the Rough Ridge Overlook instead of the other way around so you can spread out the intensity of the climbs.
Length: 2.9 miles Elevation Gain: 500 feet Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 304.4)
When to Visit: Spring, Summer, Fall
How We Rate It: 5+/5, This might be the best of all. It’s still pretty short and you get all the good bits.

This is such an amazing hike. Even if you don’t hike from the Linn Cove Visitor Center and just do the short hike from the Rough Ridge Overlook parking lot.
After you’ve hiked Rough Ridge you’ll want to spend a little bit of time stopping at the nearby overlooks. Some of the most beautiful overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway are in this section of the parkway.
If you are really feeling ambitious you may even want to take on the entire Tanawha Trail.

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