NCNatural
Blue Ridge Parkway
HISTORY | HIKING
& CAMPING
| TRAVELOGUE | DESTINATIONS | PHOTOS | LINKS
NCNatural's
Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Guide
NC Mile by Mile Travelogue


   
|
ABOUT US | CONTACT

Points of Interest

Major points of interest along the parkway are listed by milepost from the northern end in Virginia to the southern end in North Carolina. Here are informational notes pertaining to the North Carolina, indexed by section.

NORTH CAROLINA

*Mile 190+ to Mile 220+
Va. Hwy 608 to Fox Hunters' Paradise

*Mile 220+ to Mile 270+
NC Hwy 1460 to Phillips Gap

*Mile 270+ to Mile 300+
E. B. Jeffress Park to Julian Price Memorial Park

*Mile 300+ to Mile 320+
Linn Cove Viaduct to Chestoa View

*Mile 320+ to Mile 340+
Chestoa View to Crab Tree Meadows

*Mile 340+ to Mile 380+
Big Laurel Gap to Craven Gap

*Mile 380+ to Mile 410+
Folk Art Center to Mt. Pisgah

*Mile 410+ to End
U.S. 276 to Great Smoky Mtns.

*Heintoga Spur -


sun

Map - Mile 190 to Mile 220+

Mile Post  
190.6 Va. 608
191.4 Va.608
191.9 Bluemont Presbyterian Church and Cemetery at private road crossing
192.3 Va. C-648, left to Mt. Airy; left on Va. C-771 to Wilus Gap
193.2 Volunteer Gap, elev. 2706
193.7 Orchard Gap, elev. 2675. Va. 691, right to Hillsville; left to Mt. Airy
194.7 Va. 608
195.5 Wards Gap, elev. 2750. Va.608; no access
196.45 Va. 682
198.4 Va. 685, left to Va. C-608
199.0 Va. 608
199.1 Turnoff connects with U.S. 52
199.4 Fancy Gap, elev. 2925. U.S.52, left 14 mi. south to Mt. Airy. 1.5 miles north to I-77.
199.9 Va. C-778
202.25 Va.608
202.8 Granite Quarry parking overlook, elev. 3015. S.
203.9 Piedmont overlook
204.85 Va. 700
205.75 Va. 608
206.1 Piper Gap, elev. 2759. Va. 620; no access
206.35 Va. 608, right to Va. 620 and 97
206.9 Mt. Carroll Methodist Church and Cemetery
207.75 Va. 608
208.25 Blue Ridge Church and Cemetery; access to Va.C-608
209.35 Va. 715, right to Galax
209.85 Va.716
209.9 Hank's Branch
211.1 Va.612
212.2 Hank's Branch
213.1 E. Fork Chestnut Creek
213.3 Va. C-612
215.15 W. Fork Chestnut Creek
215.3 Va.799
215.7 W. Fork Chestnut Creek
215.85 Va. 89, right 7 mi. to Galax; left 22 mi. to Mt. Airy
216.0 W. Fork Chestnut Creek
216.25 W. Fork Chestnut Creek
216.9 State Line, Virginia and North Carolina
217.3 Road connects with N.C.18; right 15 mi. to Sparta; left 22 mi. to Mt. Airy
217.5 Visitor centerpicnicrestroomshiking
Cumberland Knob, at 2,885' feet, is a delightful spot to walk through fields and woodlands. Cumberland Knob Trail and Bully Creek Trail. Visitor Center, parking, picnic area, 25 sites, comfort stations, shelter, cemetery. Elev. at Parkway 2740'.
218.6 hiking
Fox Hunters Paradise, a 10-minute walk, is where hunters could listen to their hounds baying in the valley below. Fox Hunters Paradise parking overlook, elev. 2805. Trail to High Piney Spur.S.

back up to the index


sun

Map - Mile 220 to Mile 270+

Mile Post  
220.4 Secondary road, N.C. 1460
221.8 Saddle Mountain Church, elev. 2755. Secondary road crossing
225.2 Hare Mill Pond, elev. 2590. Secondary road crossing
226.2 Secondary road crossing
227.6 Secondary road crossing
229.2 Public road crossing
229.6 U.S. 21, elev. 2700. Right 7 mi. to Sparta; left 25 mi. to Elkin
230.1 Little Glade Mill Pond parking overlook, elev. 2709. E. Nice pond near a scenic turbine mill.
230.9 Public road crossing, left to Cherry Lane, to Sparta
231.5 Public road crossing
231.8 Public road access
232.5 Stone Mountain parking overlook. S.
233.7 Parking widening, elev.3200
234.0 Public road access
234.1 Bullhead Gap, elev. 3193;public road crossing
235.0 Mahogany Rock parking overlook, elev. 3436
235.7 Devil's Garden parking overlook, elev. 3428'.
236.9 Air Bellows Gap parking overlook, elev. 3744'.
237.15 Air Bellows Gap, elev. 3729'. Overpass; public road access
238.5 to 244.7 Doughton Park was named for Congressman Robert L. Doughton, a staunch supporter and neighbor of the parkway. One of the best locations to see deer.
238.5 hiking
Brinegar Cabin was built by Martin Brinegar about 1880 and lived in until the 1930s when the homestead was purchased for the parkway from his widow. The original cabin stands here today. Brinegar Cabin parking overlook, elev. 3508.5. Enter Doughton Park; Brinegar Cabin, weaving exhibits, and gift shop. Cedar Ridge Trail and Bluff Mountain Trail.
239.3 camping
Doughton Park Campground. Camping area, 96 campsites, 3 comfort stafions,campfire circle. There are also back-country camp sites available.
239.4 RV's
Doughton Park RV Camp. Trailer area, 28 trailer sites, 1 comfort station
239.9 Low Notch, elev. 3482
241.1 lodgingfoodgasrestroompicnichikingfishing
Doughton Park concessions and Bluffs Lodge. Right to coffee shop, service station; left to lodge (75 cap.), picnic area, 56 sites. S. Fodder Stack Trail and Bluff Ridge Trail. Wildcat Rocks is where the Caudill family had their homestead.
242.4 Alligator Back parking overlook, elev. 3388
243.4 Bluffs View parking overlook, elev. 3334
243.7 hiking
Basin Creek Trail.
243.8 Grassy Gap, elev. 3218
243.95 hiking
Grassy Gap Fire Road
244.5 Cemetery
244.7 hiking
Basin Cove parking overlook, elev. 3312. Flat Rock Ridge Trail.
246.1 Public road access right to N.C. 18
246.92 Public road crossing
247.26 Public road crossing (unimproved)
248.1 N.C. 18, right 2 mi. to 2 motels, restaurant, gasoline, Laurel Springs; left 24 mi. to N. Wilkesboro
249.3 Public road crossing
250.0 Public road
250.8 Peak Creek. Public road crossing, right to Upper Mountain experiment station
251.5 Alder Gap, elev. 3047. Public road access right
252.4 Public road crossing
252.8 Sheets Gap parking overlook, elev. 3342. Public road exit on left
254.1 Rattlesnake Mountain and public road crossing
255.1 Public road crossing
256.5 Public road crossing
256.9 gasfood
Cherry Hill coffee shop, gift shop, service station
257.7 Public road crossing
258.6 Public road crossing (old N.C. 16), Glendale Springs on right. Northwest Trading Post, gift shop. Northwest Trading Post is sponsored by the Northwest Development Association to keep alive the old crafts within North Carolina's 11 northwestern counties. Homebaked goodies and lots of crafts. Open April 15 to Oct. 31.
259.25 Public road crossing. Cemetery on left
259.85 Public road crossing
260.3 Jumpin-Off Rocks parking area, elev. 3165.
260.6 hiking
Jumpinoff Rocks, at the end of a short woodland trail, offers a beautiful vista.
261.2 Horse Gap, elev. 3108. N.C.16, right 12 mi. to W. Jefferson; left 22 mi. to N. Wilkesboro
262.25 Daniel Gap, elev. 3167
263.15 Joint crossing
263.7 Gilliam Gap, elev. 3238. Private crossing
264.4 hiking
The Lump provides sweeping views of the forested foothills.
264.45 The Lump parking overlook, elev. 3465
265.15 Calloway Gap, elev. 3439. Public road crossing
266.3 Radio relay tower, Watson's Dome
266.9 Mount Jefferson parking overlook. S.
267.65 Public road crossing, Blue Ridge Baptist Church and Cemetery
268.0 Benge, elev. 3330. Public road crossing
269.8 Phillips Gap, elev. 3221. Public road crossing; private minerals museum

back up to the index


sun

Map - Mile 270 to Mile 300+

Mile Post  
270.2 Lewis Fork parking overlook, elev. 3290
271.8 Right to E. B. Jeffress Park
271.9 hikingpicnic
Cascades parking overlook, elev. 3570. Picnic area, self-guiding trail to Cascades pedestrian overlook (Falls Creek), trail to historic building.
272 hiking
E. B. Jeffress Park has a self-guiding trail to the Cascades and another trail goes to the old cabin and Cool Spring Baptist church.
272.5 hiking
Thompkins Knob parking area; trail to historic buildings
273.6 Thompkins Knob, elev.3914
274.3 Elk Mountain parking overlook, elev. 3789. E.
274.5 Joint crossing
276.4 Deep Gap, elev. 3142. U.S. 421, right 12 mi. to Boone; left 26 mi. to N. Wilkesboro
277.1 Stoney Fork Valley parking overlook, elev. 3405
277.7 Osborne Mountain View parking overlook, elev. 3500
278.1 Carroll Gap parking overlook, elev. 3430
279.2 Public road crossing
280.1 Public road; no access
280.8 Access to U.S. 421 & 221, right 4 mi. to Deep Gap, 7 mi. to Boone; picnic area adjacent to U.S. 421
281.75 Grandview parking overlook, elev. 3240
285.1 Daniel Boone's Wilderness Road. E. Boone's Trace, which Daniel Boone blazed to the west, crosses near here.
285.55 Bamboo, elev. 3262. Access road to Boone on right
288.1 Public road crossing
288.55 Cemetery
288.8 Public road
289.1 Yadkin Valley parking overlook, elev. 3830
289.6 Raven Rocks parking overlook
290.5 Thunder Hill parking overlook, elev. 3776
290.7 Cemetery
290.75 Public road (Green Hill Road)
291.9 U.S. 321 & 221, right 7 mi. to Boone; left 2 mi. to Blowing Rock
292.7 to 295 hikingbikingfishing
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park has 25 miles of Carriage Roads, ideal for hiking and horseback riding. Flat Top Manor houses the Parkway Craft Center. Fishing is available.
293.5 Visitor centerhikingrestrooms
Moses Cone parking overlook, elev. 3865 294.0 Moses Cone Memorial Park Craft Center. Southern Highland Handicraft Guild handicraft shop, visitor center, and self-guiding trail; Cone family cemetery. S.
294.6 Sandy Flat Gap. U.S. 221, eft 2 mi. to Blowing Rock, 13 mi . to Beacon Heights; right to Shulls Mills Road, Flannery Fork Road, and Trout Lake
295.0 Leave Cone Memorial Park, enter Julian Price Memorial Park
295.1 to 298 hiking
Julian Price Memorial Park, the former retreat of an insurance executive, offers a variety of short trails and a lake.
295.4 Sims Creek Viaduct, 85 ft. high, 385 ft. span
295.9 Sims Pond parking overlook, elev. 3447
296.5 picnicrestrooms
Picnic area, 100 sites, 2 comfort stations
296.7 Price Lake parking overlook, elev. 3393 S.
297.15 campingRV'sdump station
Right to Campground; 99 tent sites, 62 trailer sites, 5 comfort stations
297.2 amphitheaterfishing
Parking overlook, elev. 3410. Amphitheatre and boat launching ramp. Left to Campground; 29 tent sites; 6 trailer sites, 1 comfort station.

back up to the index


sun

Map - Mile 300 to Mile 320+

Mile Post  
304.4 Visitor Centerhikinghandicapped access
Linn Cove Viaduct, a design and engineering marvel, skirts the side of Grandfather Mountain. There is a visitor center and trails. The viaduct was the last section of the Parkway to be completed - 52 years after construction began. It is said to be the most complicated, concrete bridge ever built and the effort to build it was put forth in order to help preserve Grandfather Mountain.
305.1 U.S. 221, Beacon Heights. Right 3 mi. to Linville. Nearby: Grandfather Mountain is a unique, privately owned wildlife and nature preserve. It is an ancient and most impressive mountain. There is an admission charge and permits are required to hike Grandfather Mountain trails. Linville Caverns is 4 miles south.
305.25 hiking
Beacon Heights parking area, elev. 4212. A trail leads to good views of the east, south and west.
306.2 Grandmother Mountain Gap, elev. 4051
306.6 Grandfather Mountain parking overlook, elev. 4154
307.4 Grandmother Mountain parking area, elev. 4063
307.6 Parking widening, elev. 4015
307.9 Public road, right 2 mi. to Linville; left to Roseboro
308.3 hiking
Flat Rock parking area, elev. 3987. Self-guiding trail. Flat Rock is worth the walk for the superb view of Grandfather Mountain and Linville Valley.
310.0 Lost Cove Cliffs parking overlook, elev. 3812. E. This is the best Parkway overlook for seeing the Brown Mtn. Lights - mysterious lights on the mountain that have no known logical explanation.
312.25 NC. 181, right 2 mi. to Pineola; left 32 mi. to Morganton
315.6 Camp Creek parking overlook, elev. 3442
Mile 316.3 Visitor centerhikingfishing
Linville Falls roars through a dramatic, rugged gorge. Trails to overlooks. Also check out NCNatural's Guide to the Linville Gorge, which offers much more detailed information on the area, including a photo gallery.
316.4 campingRV'sdump stationhiking
Linville Falls Campground, 55 campsites, 20 trailer sites, campfire circle, parking area, and self-guiding trails to Linville Falls overlooks
316.5 picnicrest rooms
Linville River Picnic area, elev. 3250. 100 sites, 3 comfort stations.
316.6 Linville River Bridge, elev. 3257
317.55 U.S. 221, right 6 mi. to Spruce Pine; left to Linville Falls community, 24 mi. to Marion
318.4 North Toe Valley parking overlook, elev. 3540. S.
319.8 Humpback Mountain Viaduct
320.7 hiking
Chestoa View Trail provides spectacular views of vertical cliffs.

back up to the index


sun

Map - Mile 320 to Mile 340+

Mile Post  
320.8 Chestoa View parking area, elev. 4090'. Nice view of Table Rock Mountain.
323.1 Bear Den parking overlook, elev. 3359'.
325.9 Heffner Gap parking overlook, elev. 3067'.
327.3 North Cove parking overlook, elev. 2815
327.5 McKinney Gap, elev. 2790. Public crossing, right S mi. to Spruce Pine; left 10 mi. to U.S. 221
328.6 Apple Orchard parking overlook, elev. 2980.5.
329.4 Swafford Gap, elev. 2852
329.7 Table Rock parking overlook, elev. 2870. E.
330.9 Visitor center
Gillespie Gap, elev. 2819. N.C. 226, right to Visitor center at Museum of North Carolina Minerals. The Museum of North Carolina Minerals interprets the state's mineral wealth. Spruce Pine, 6 mi.; Marion, 14 mi.; N.C. 226A, Little Switzerland, 3 mi.
332.6 Lynn Gap, elev. 3109
333.4 Little Switzerland Tunnel, 547 ft. long
333.9 McCall Gap public road,elev. 3490. Left to Little Switzerland
335.4 Bearwallow Gap and Crabtree public road (no access), elev. 3482
336.3 Gooch Gap, elev. 3360. Wildacres public road
336.8 Wildacres Tunnel, 249 ft.long
337.2 Deer Lick Gap parking overlook, elev. 3452. E.
338.8 Three Knobs parking overlook, elev. 3880
Mile 339.5 campingRV'sfoodgasamphitheaterhiking
Crabtree Meadows turn pink in May. You can walk to Crabtree Falls and campgrounds are available. Restaurant, gift shop, service station, campground, 71 campsites, 22 trailer sites, 3 comfort stations, amphitheatre.

back up to the index


sun

Map - Mile 340 to Mile 380+

Mile Post  
340.5 picnicrestrooms
Crabtree Meadows Picnic area, 82 sites, 1 comfort station
342.25 Black Mountains parking overlook, elev. 3892. E.
344.1 hiking
Buck Creek Gap parking overlook, elev. 3373. N.C.80, right 14 mi. to Micaville; left 6 mi. to Marion.S. Woods Mountain Trail.
344.56 Twin Tunnel, 240 ft. long
344.7 Twin Tunnel, 401 ft. long
345.3 Singecat Ridge parking overlook, elev. 3406
347.6 Big Laurel Gap and U.S.F.S. road, elev. 4048
348.8 Curtis Valley parking overlook, elev. 4460
349.0 Rough Ridge Tunnel, 245ft. long
349.2 Licklog Ridge parking overlook, elev. 4602
349.9 Mount Mitchell parking overlook, elev. 4821. E.
350.4 hiking
Green Knob parking overlook, elev. 4761. Lost Cove Ridge Trail.
351.9 hiking
Deep Gap, elev. 4284. U.S.F.S. road right (gated). Deep Gap Trail.
352.6 Big Pine Bear Stand, elev. 4479
353.9 Cherry Log Ridge, elev. 4925
354.8 Toe River Gap, elev. 5168. U.S.F.S. road (Old Perely Toll Road) left.
355.0 hiking
Game warden's cabin, right. Bald Knob Ridge Trail.
355.3 Black Mountain Gap, elev. 5160. Ridge Junction parking overlook, elev. 5160. Take NC. 128, west 4.8 mi. to Mount Mitchell State Park; NPS and commercial radio antennas. Mount Mitchell State Park has a picnic area and restaurant, lookout tower, and the highest point east of the Mississippi River. For more in-depth infromation about the Mt. Mitchell area and its history, be sure to visit our feature, "Elisha Mitchell and the Black Mountains"
355.4 Enter Asheville watershed
358.5 Highest point on Parkway north of Asheville, elev. 5676.5
359.8 hiking
Balsam Gap parking overlook, elev. 5320. Big Butt Trail.
361.1 Cotton Tree Gap, elev. 5141
361.2 Glassmine Falls parking overlook, elev. 5197. S.
363.4 Bullhead Gap. Graybeard Mountain parking overlook, elev. 5592
363.4 to 369.6 Craggy Gardens seem covered with purple rhododendron in mid-June. Excellent wildflower viewing throughout the summer and into fall.
364.1 hiking
Craggy Dome parking overlook, elev. 5640. Craggy Pinnacle Trail.
364.35 Craggy Pinnacle Tunnel,176 ft. long
364.4 Visitor centerrestroomshiking
Craggy Gardens visitor center, elev. 5497'. Self-guiding trail. Excellent views from a sharp ridge top.
365.5 Craggy Flats Tunnel, 335ft. long
367.6 picnicrestroomshiking
Bee Tree Gap, elev. 4900'. Spur road right 1.38 mi. to Bear Pen (Craggy Gardens) picnic area, elev. 5220'.
368.2 Potato Field Gap, elev.4600' (south end Asheville watershed).
372.1 Lane Pinnacle parking overlook, elev. 3890
373.8 Bull Creek Valley parking overlook, elev. 3483. S.
374.4 hiking
Tanbark Ridge Tunnel, 746 ft. long. Rattlesnake Lodge Trail is at the southside of the tunnel.
375.3 Bull Gap, elev. 3107
375.7 N.C. 694 (Elk Mountain scenic road), right 8 mi. to Weaverville
376.7 Tanbark Ridge parking overlook, elev. 2782
377.4 Craven Gap, elev. 3132. N.C. 694 (Town Mountain Road) right 7 mi. to Asheville

back up to the index


sun

Map - Mile 380 to Mile 410+

Mile Post  
Mile 382 Vistor center restroomshiking
The Folk Art Centeroffers sales and exhibits of traditional and contemporary crafts of the Appalachian Region. Interpretive programs are offered in addition to a gallery and library. Mountains To The Sea Trail and Shut-In Trail.
382.6 U.S. 70, right 5 mi. to Oteen and Asheville; left 9 mi. to Black Mountain. Food and lodging available nearby in either direction.
383.5 Swannanoa River, elev.2040
384.7 U.S. 74, right 5 mi. to Asheville; left 17 mi. to Bat Cave
386.9 Biltmore Estate reservoir
388.85 U.S. 25, right 5 mi. to Asheville; left 16 mi. to Hendersonville. Nearby; Biltmore House, estate of George Vanderbilt. Downtown Asheville. Blue Ridge Parkway Headquarters, 400 BB&T Building, One Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801. Info (828) 298-5998
393.5 French Broad River, elev. 2000'.
393.6 N.C. 191 & 280, right 9 mi. to Asheville. Nearby; North Carolina Arboretum. Gardens and Trails. 828-665-2492. Go North on 191 about 1/4 mile. Follow signs.
393.8 French Broad parking overlook, elev. 2100. S.
395.1 Glenn Gap, elev. 2495
396.4 Walnut Cove parking overlook, elev. 2915
396.8 Reynolds Gap, elev. 2865
397.1 Grassy Knob Tunnel, 600ft. long
397.3 Sleepy Gap parking overlook, elev. 3920
398.3 Chestnut Grove parking overlook, elev. 3035. E.
399.3 Pine Mountain Tunnel,1320 ft. long
399.7 Bad Fork Valley parking overlook, elev. 3350
400.3 Bent Creek Gap, elev. 3270. U.S.F.S. road (gated)
400.9 Ferrin Knob Tunnel No.1, Trace Ridge, 360 ft. long
401.1 Wash Creek Valley parking overlook
401.3 Ferrin Knob Tunnel No.2, 310 ft. long
401.5 Ferrin Knob Tunnel No.3, 230 ft. long
401.7 Beaver Dam Gap parking overlook, elev. 3570
402.6 Stony Bald parking overlook, elev. 3750
403.0 Young Pisgah Ridge Tunnel, 400 ft. long
403.6 Big Ridge parking overlook, elev. 3815
403.9 Fort Mountain Tunnel, 350 ft. long
404.2 Standhill Mountain parking overlook, elev. 3975
404.5 Mills Valley parking overlook, elev. 4085
405.5 Elk Pasture Gap (formerly Cutthroat Gap), elev. 4235
406.9 Little Pisgah Tunnel, 500 ft. long
407.4 Buck Springs Tunnel, 380 ft. long
407.6 hiking
Mount Pisgah parking area. Mt. Pisgah Trail and Buck Springs Trail. Mount Pisgah was part of the Biltmore Estate. The estate became home of the first U.S. forestry school and the nucleus of the Pisgah National Forest. For much more in-depth information on things to see and do in this area of the Pisgah National Forest, also visit our Pisgah Forest section.
407.7 Buck Springs Gap parking overlook, elev. 4980
407.8 picnic
Mount Pisgah Picnic Area, 50 sites
408.4 Flat Laurel Gap, elev. 4925'.
408.6 lodgingfoodgas
Mount Pisgah Inn, 29 units, restaurant, service station. Good food and views. PO Drawer 749, Waynesville, NC 28786. 828-235-8228.
408.8 campingRV'sdump stationhiking
Mount Pisgah Campground,73 tent sites, 75 trailer sites. Frying Pan Mountain Trail.
409.3 Tunnel Top parking overlook, elev. 4925
409.6 Frying Pan Gap, elev. 4931.

back up to the index


sun

Map - Mile 410 to End/Great Smoky Mtn. National Park

Mile Post  
410.1 Frying Pan Tunnel, 275 ft. long
410.3 The Pink Beds parking overlook, elev. 4825
411.0 Rich Mountain parking overlook, elev. 4710
411.85 Cold Mountain parking overlook, elev. 4542
411.9 U.S. 276, right 22 mi. to Waynesville; left 17 mi. to Brevard. Nearby: towards Brevard to Cradle of Forestry, Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Rock, Looking Glass Falls and Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education.
412.2 Wagon Road Gap parking overlook, elev. 4550
412.5 Pigeon Gap, elev. 4520
413.2 Pounding Mill parking overlook, elev. 4700
414.2 Bennett Gap, elev. 4402
414.9 Bennett Cove, elev. 4525
415.6 Tunnel Gap, elev. 4325
415.7 Cherry Cove parking overlook, elev. 4330. E.
416.3 Log Hollow parking overlook, elev. 4445
416.8 Bridges Camp Gap, elev. 4450
417.05 hiking
Looking Glass Rock parking overlook, elev. 4493. S. East Fork Trail.
417.8 Seniard Gap, elev. 4775
417.9 Yellowstone Falls
418.3 East Fork parking overlook, elev. 4955
418.8 hiking
Graveyard Fields parking overlook, elev. 5115. S. Graveyard Fields Loop Trail.
419.4 John Rock parking overlook, elev. 5330
420.2 Balsam Spring Gap, elev. 5550. U.S.F.S. road (gated) right. Access to Black Balsam area of Pisgah NF and Shining Rock Wilderness.
421.1 Old Silver Mine
421.7 Andromeda parking overlook
422.1 Devils Courthouse Tunnel, 650 ft. long
422.4 hiking
Devil's Courthouse parking overlook, elev. 5462. Trail. S. Devil's Courthouse is a rugged exposed mountain top rich in Cherokee legends. A walk to the bare rock summit yields a spectacular view of Pisgah National Forest.
422.8 Mount Hardy parking overlook, elev. 5415
423.2 Beech Gap, elev. 5340. Right 23 mi. to Waynesville; left 17 mi. to Rosman
423.5 Courthouse Valley parking overlook, elev. 5362
423.7 Tanassee Bald
424.0 Herrin Knob parking widening, elev. 5510
424.2 Black Mountain Gap, elev. 5490
424.4 Herrin Knob parking widening, elev. 5510
424.8 Wolf Mountain parking overlook, elev. 5500
425.3 Wolf Bald
425.4 Rough Butt Bald parking overlook, elev. 5300
425.5 Buckeye Gap, elev. 5377
426.5 Haywood Gap
427.1 Rough Butt Bald
427.6 hiking
Bear Pen Gap parking area, elev. 5560. Bear Pen Gap Trail gives access to Mountains To The Sea Trail.
427.8 Spot Gap parking overlook, elev. 5610
428.0 Caney Fork parking overlook, elev. 5650
428.3 Little Bear Pen Gap, elev. 5600
428.5 Beartrap Gap parking overlook, elev. 5580. E.
429.1 Reinhart Gap, elev. 5455
430.0 Reinhart Knob
430.4 Beartrail Ridge parking area, elev. 5865
430.7 Cowee Mountain parking overlook, elev. 5960
431.0 hiking
Haywood-Jackson parking overlook, elev. 6020. Selfguiding trail. Richland Balsam's self-guiding trail takes you through a remnant spruce-fir forest.
431.4 Richland Balsam parking overlook, highest point on Parkway, elev. 6050
432.7 Lone Bald parking overlook, elev. 5635. Enter Waynesville watershed
433.0 Lone Bald
433.3 Locust Gap parking overlook, elev. 5580
433.4 Locust Gap, elev. 5575
434.2 Old Bald
434.8 Racking Horse Gap, elev. 5400
435.3 Doubletop Mountain parking overlook, elev. 5365
435.7 Licklog Gap parking overlook, elev. 5135
436.7 Deep Gap, elev. 5260
438.8 Brassy Ridge Mine parking overlook, elev. 5250
439.0 Steestachee Bald parking overlook, elev. 4780
439.1 Cove Ridge
439.2 Leave Waynesville watershed
439.4 Cove Field Ridge parking overlook, elev. 4620
439.7 Pinnacle Ridge Tunnel, 750 ft. long
440.1 Saunook parking overlook, elev. 4375
440.9 Waynesville parking overlook, elev. 4110
441.4 Standing Rock parking overlook, elev. 3915
441.9 Rabb Knob parking overlook, elev. 3725. S.
442.2 Balsam Gap parking overlook, elev. 3630
443.1 Balsam Gap, elev. 3370. U.S. 19A & 23, right 8 mi.to Waynesville; left 12 mi. to Sylva
444.6 The Orchards parking overlook, elev. 3810
445.2 Jones Knob parking overlook, elev. 4000
446.0 Woodfin Valley parking overlook, elev. 4325
446.7 Woodfin Cascades parking overlook, elev. 4535
448.1 Wesner Bald parking overlook, elev. 4912
448.5 Scott Creek parking overlook, elev. 5050
449.0 Fork Ridge parking overlook, elev. 5280
450.0 Yellow Face parking overlook, elev. 5610
451.2 Visitor centerrestroomshiking
Waterrock Knob parking overlook, elev. 5718. E. Waterrock Knob provides a panorama of the Great Smokies and 4 states. A trail, exhibits, and a comfort station are available.
452.1 Cranberry Ridge parking overlook, elev. 5475
452.3 Wollyback parking overlook, elev. 5420
453.4 Hombuckle Valley parking overlook, elev. 5105
454.4 Thunderstruck Ridge parking overlook, elev. 4780
455.1 Soco Gap parking overlook, elev. 4570
455.4 Overlook
455.7 Soco Gap, elev. 4340. U.S.19, right 8 mi. to Dellwood; left 12 mi. to Cherokee
456.2 Jonathan Creek parking overlook, elev. 4460'.
457.6 Docks Gap, elev. 4930'.
457.8 Plott Balsam overlook, elev.5020'. S. Named for the German immigrant who settled here in the early 19th century.
457.9 Cherokee Reservation Road; no access
458.2 Wolf Laurel Gap, elev.5100. S. Heintooga Ridge spur road goes to a mile-high overlook 1.3 miles from the parkway.
458.8 Lickstone Ridge Tunnel, 402 ft. long
458.9 Lickstone parking overlook, elev. 5150
459.3 Bunches Bald Tunnel. 268ft. long
459.5 Bunches Bald parking overlook, elev. 4925. S.
459.7 Bunches Gap, elev. 4850
460.8 Jenkins Ridge parking overlook, elev. 4445
461.2 Big Witch Tunnel, 348 ft. long
461.6 Big Witch Gap, elev. 4160'. Bunches Creek Road to right, Cherokee Road (Wrights Creek) left
461.9 Big Witch parking overlook, elev. 4150'. E. The overlook views the home of the last important Cherokee medicine man, Big Witch, who was an 'eagle killer'. The eagle killers were responsible for gathering eagle feathers for use in ceremonies.
462.35 Barnett fire tower road
463.9 Thomas Divide parking overlook, elev. 3735
465.6 Rattlesnake Mountain No.4 Tunnel, 410 ft. long
466.25 Sherill Cove No.6 Tunnel,572 ft. long
466.7 Sherill Cove parking overlook, elev. 2970
467.4 Balihoot Scar parking overlook, elev. 2550
467.9 Raven Fork parking overlook, elev. 2400
468.4 Oconaluftee parking overlook, elev. 2200
469.1 End of Blue Ridge Parkway. U.S. 441, right 29 mi. to Gatlinburg, Tenn.; left 2 mi.to Cherokee, N.C. Southern End of the Blue Ridge Parkway intersects with U.S. 441 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee Reservation.

back up to the index


sun

HEINTOGA SPUR

Mile Post  
0.0 Begin at Mile 458.2, Blue Ridge Parkway, Wolf Laurel Gap, elev. 5110
0.1 Cherokee Reservation service road
0.5 Plott Ridge
0.9 Mollie Gap, elev. 5352. Cherokee Road (left) to Soco Bald
1.3 Mile High parking overlook, elev. 5250. S.
1.4 Maggie Valley parking overlook, elev. 5220
2.3 Lake Junaluska parking overlook, elev. 4905
3.3 Horsetrough Ridge parking widening
3.4 Horsetrough Ridge parking widening
3.6 Black Camp Gap parking area
3.65 Boundary, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
3.9 Parking overlook
6.2 Parking overlook
8.4 Balsam Mountain campground, elev. 5340. 47 sites, campfire circle
8.9 Heintooga Ridge picnic area, 37 sites
9.0 Parking area; end of paved road.
Fire road (one-way traffic in summer) continues to Round Bottom, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

© 1995-2002 NCNatural, Last updated
Park information , some pictures, and other stuff courtesy of Uncle Sam ( The BRP and the Park Service)