Rough Ridge

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

This is a great shorter out-and-back hike with several places to stop and take in the views including Grandfather Mountain. This trail is a popular one and good for all skill levels—appropriate for kids and dogs too! The trail begins at Mile Marker 302 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Will need shoes with good soles for grip to get to the top. The trail can be muddy and slippery after rain. There is limited parking.

I decided to hike this small portion of the Tanawha Trail with my son. The view is amazing, and it's not very long. If I wasn't so out of shape, I'm sure we could have done this much faster. But why would you want to? Savor the views!

There is moderate traffic on a weekday, and the trail is likely busy on the weekend. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains never disappoint! The hike starts off with a short set of stairs and leading over a bridge. Then it's up the hill with rock stairs and railroad ties to help with terrain.

Next you come to a boardwalk section and a view, but that's not the top! Keep going up the trail until you reach the open area where there are metal posts and wire barrier for safety. If you climb to the top of that huge rock, you look out over Grandfather Mountain. The majority of the trail is under the canopy with the overlooks being exposed.

Lots of rhododendron and fragile sand myrtle (protected by the boardwalk).