- Highlights: Great views, interpretive signs, wildflowers
- Distance: .7 mile lollipop
- Elevation Change 137 feet
- Trail Surface: Dirt with some rocks
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Trailhead Parking: Rough Ridge Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 308.2, near Blowing Rock NC
- Trail Markings: No blazes, signs at trail junctions
- Website: AllTrails
- Beer Pairings: Blowing Rock Brewery—Meadow Mist Hazy IPA & 321 Crushable IPA
Trail Map:
The Hike:
This easy, short hike is great for kids of all ages. Flat Rock has great views of the Linville Valley and Grandfather Mountain. Interpretive signs tell the story of the plants, trees, animals, and geological features of the forest.
Hike Photos:
Click on an image below for an enlarged view.
Beer Pairing:
Blowing Rock Brewery and Ale House https://blowingrockbrewing.com/blowing-rock-ale-house-restaurant/ is about 10 miles north of the trailhead on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The brewery has great food, 15 taps of craft beer, a full food menu, indoor and outdoor seating, and they are kid and dog friendly.
Kathy really loved Meadow Mist (6.5% ABV • 40 IBU), a hazy IPA brewed with new-age hops and a unique malt profile of barley and triticale. It was one of her favorite beers of this hiking trip. Pete gave high marks to 321 Crushable IPA (4.8% ABV • 20 IBU) a west-coast style IPA brewed with Mosaic and El Dorado hops. Good food. Good beer. Great location.
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.