Blue Ridge Parkway

Torry Ridge & Sherando Lake Loop

Trail Map: The Hike: This hike packs in a lot in just under ten miles: a waterfalls, mountain views, two lakes, and a ridge line. We hiked over Labor Day weekend so the water levels in the falls were a bit low and peak foliage is still weeks away—but this was still a great hike. […]

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Flat Rock

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

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Rough Ridge on the Tanawha Trail

Trail Map: The Hike: This short hike on the Tanawha Trail has some amazing views. It’s rocky and steep, but the views are well worth the effort. The trail leads through a dense thicket of mountain laurel and rhododendron and reaches a boardwalk and wood observation platform. The Rough Ridge Lookout has some of the

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Apple Orchard Falls & Cornelius Creek Loop

The Hike: We hiked to Apple Orchard Falls in the dry summer of 2021. The water level in the falls that year was just a trickle—but it was still a great hike. We wanted to go back when the water level was higher to see the 200’ falls in all of its glory.  Kathy is

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Humpback Mountain & Humpback Rocks

Highlights: Great views, Appalachian Trail Distance: 10.2 miles out and back Elevation Change 2,112 feet Trail Surface: Dirt with rocky sections Difficulty Level: Strenuous (distance, elevation gain, rocky sections) Trailhead Parking: Humpback Rocks Picnic Area parking area, Blue Ridge Parkway MP 8.5 Website: National Park Service and AllTrails Beer Pairings: Blue Mountain Brewery—Bumper Crop IPA

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Thunder Ridge to Apple Orchard Mountain

Highlights: Great views, the Guillotine, Appalachian Trail Distance: 5.4 miles out and back Elevation Change: 948 feet Trail Surface: Dirt with rocky sections Difficulty Level: Moderate (distance, rocky sections) Trailhead Parking: Thunder Ridge parking area, Blue Ridge Parkway MP 74.7 Website: AllTrails Beer Pairings: Loose Shoe Brewing Co.—Apprentice Brown Ale & Alpha Mare IPA The

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Dripping Rock to Cedar Cliffs AT

Highlights: Great views, Appalachian Trail Distance: 2.3 miles out and back Elevation Change: 245 feet Trail Surface: Dirt with rocky sections Difficulty Level: Easy (rocky sections) Trailhead Parking: Dripping Rock, Blue Ridge Parkway MP 9.6 Website: AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/virginia/dripping-rock-south-via-appalachian-trail Beer Pairings: Stable Craft Brewing—Shenny Doah Pilsner & Robot Cowboy Hazy IPA The Hike: This short hike

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Reeds Gap to Dripping Rock AT

Highlights: Great views, Cedar Cliffs, Appalachian Trail Distance: 9.6 miles out and back Elevation Change: 831 feet Trail Surface: Dirt with rocky sections Difficulty Level: Moderate/strenuous (distance, rocky sections) Trailhead Parking: Reeds Gap, Blue Ridge Parkway MP 13.7 Website: Virginia Trail Guide Beer Pairings: Skipping Rock Beer Co.—Roasted Pecan Brown Ale & Bru-1 IPA The

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White Rock Falls

Highlights: Waterfalls, mountain views Distance: 4.4 mile loop Elevation Change: 886 feet Trail Surface: Dirt with several rocky sections Difficulty Level: Moderate (elevation)  Trailhead Parking: White Rock Gap parking area, Blue Ridge Parkway mile post 18.5 Website: AllTrails Beer Pairings: Brewing Tree Brewing Co.—Chapter 2 IPA & Flip Flop Pils The Hike: Most people like

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