New River State Park Campground

Before you head out, check the status of the Blue Ridge Parkway (it periodically closes during the winter).  The entire Bluff Mountain Trail is a 7.1 mile trail that traverses the Doughton Park Area along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  To do this particular hike, park at the bathrooms in the Doughton Park parking area immediately off the parkway at MP 241.  There is a small trail to the left of the b...

A treasure in North Carolina that doesn't get as much attention as it should, Doughton Park has some of the best trails around. It is the largest park operated by the Blue Ridge Parkway and has over 30 miles of trails available.  The parking area for the Basin Creek Trail is small, but rarely crowded. Park across the street from the trail head in the gravel parking lot and follow the right trai...

The Lump Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Purlear, North Carolina.

Located just inside the park entrance of Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia, Sugarland Overlook provides an outstanding easterly view of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.  The Sugarland Overlook is located about a mile up from the ranger station and is on the righthand side of the road.  Sugarland Overlook is easy to access and has a lot of parking spots for visitors to enjoy the amaz...

Park at the Visitor Center; don't stress when you get to the parking lot and can't see it, it's up the hill. From the parking lot hike across the road and find the staircase. Follow this up to the Visitor Center. If you're standing in front of the Visitor Center, the trailhead will be to the left and is marked by a post that says "Twin Pinnacles." Follow this trail and you'll quickly summit the...

Three Top Mountain sits within the same vicinity of Elk Knob. The mountain gets its name from its three prominent rock projections at its peak. The highest point, unofficially named “Big Rock”, is at an elevation of 5020 feet. Prior to the originally named rock peak, you will arrive at Huckleberry Rock where the epic 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains that surround you begins.  Fr...