Scout-Approved Camping: The Blue Ridge Mountains
I saw a picture pop up on Instagram about a month ago with the most gorgeous view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and all I could think was how I needed to get there NOW for some exploration. Living on the east coast, I have taken for granted the fact that these misty mountains are basically in my backyard – I have never driven any part of the Blue Ridge Parkway! As I started doing some research into the Parkway itself, I discovered that it was started in the early 1900s but not finished for 52 years, due to World War II and logistical projects that needed to be worked out. At 469 miles long, it is a park that is expansive, and yet at some points only 800 feet wide (literally, just the road itself). Obviously, being the goal-oriented person I am (oh, you didn’t know I was all about some goals? Check out this blog I wrote about the topic and get yours going too!), I decided to pack up my toddler and husband and go exploring along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Check out my list of must-sees, must-do’s, and must-stays.
Camping Combined with Hiking Options
Doughton Park: Mile marker 238-241. This is a pretty large campground area that has lots of space for tent camping and RV camping. You can take your pick of trails, although there are not really any that I would classify as truly “easy”, unless you are picking a section of one of the longer trails – that is what I would recommend doing for families with littles. The Fodder Stack Trail is the shortest hike in this section, but is a little overgrown. However, it would be a great little stop off to check out and get a short little discovery walk in with a great view from Wildcat Rock that even gives you a peep of the Caudill Cabin, the only remaining structure from the community that lived in Basin Cove in the early 1900s. For a longer hike, the Bluff Mountain Trail is beautiful with some picture-perfect moments built in (7.5 miles).
Julian Price Park: Mile marker 296-297. This area is watched over by Grandfather Mountain and is a gorgeous area to stop for hiking, camping, fishing, boating, etc! If you are looking for some time in civilization during your time away, take the short ride into Boone, where great local restaurants are plentiful, but the real gem of this area are the varied hiking paths. You can take an easy walk around Price Lake on the Price Lake Trail, where you might even see some beaver activity (2.5 miles), or head up for some majestic mountain views on the Green Knob Trail. It is a bit more strenuous, but well worth it for some amazing vistas! For a choose-your-own type of adventure, you can jump on (and off) the Tanawha Trail. It is about 13.5 miles, but you can access it from the campground area, along with a few other points along the Parkway (including Linn Cove listed in the section below!).
Mt. Mitchell State Park: Mile Marker 355 (take NC 128 exit). Mount Mitchell Campground may be small (only nine camping spots), but it is a doozy of a sweet site! Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi and this stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway is absolutely stunning. As in I couldn’t stop staring and snapping pictures – seriously magical. For families with small kids, the Summit Trail is about a quarter of a mile, round trip and is completely paved. It offers amazing views, making for some stunning pictures! For a more intense hike, try the Old Mitchell Trail – it is moderate (about 4.5 miles, round trip) or the Commissary Trail is a longer trail and definitely more rugged, but worth the climb!
Hiking and Must-See Options
Linn Cove: This section of the Parkway is unbelievable – it feels like the road is floating, and you can hike the Tanawha Trail to really experience the cove section (talked about above in the Julian Price Park). I would recommend starting between mile mark 303-304 to catch Linn Cove, depending on how far you want to hike that day.
Cone Manor House: Located around mile marker 294, this site is definitely a neat stop-and-see. It is a beautifully preserved country estate with trails, craft demonstrations, AND local artist displays. It is open seasonally, so be sure to check the website for their calendar of events and schedule your hiking around a cool demonstration.
Linville Caverns: Just 4 miles off of the Blue Ridge Parkway exit at mile marker 317, this is a must-see stop for families! Just think… you could re-learn the difference between stalactites and stalagmites (ha), along with checking out the amazing underground world that makes up these caverns! They were discovered in the 1800s and have been open to public tours since the 1900s. Definitely a fun way to break up regular outdoor hikes.
Little Switzerland: This is the quaintest little town to stop in and visit. The locals are friendly and have amazing suggestions on what to do in the area, and it is the perfect place to stop to get a meal that isn’t cooked over a campfire, if that is your thing (wink, wink). I would also recommend visiting the Grassy Creek Falls for another one of those amazing picture moments.
Craggy Gardens: Visit this area in July to catch the full glory of the rhododendrons in bloom, but really any time is a beautiful time in this high area. There are picnic spots, a visitors center, a few trails can be accessed from here, most notably the Craggy Pinnacle Trail, which is a moderate 20-minute hike – the perfect way to break up driving around the Parkway!
After this quick run through, I am pretty hooked. I can’t wait to head back and discover more hiking and hidden gems along this gorgeous historic landmark of a road! And just a heads up, you will definitely hear from people that you need to visit in the fall because of the changing of the leaves, but honestly, I think all seasons are gorgeous in the mountains. Don’t wait on checking out this area! Oh and as a reward for all of the hiking and exploring, take a moment to stop and eat in Asheville – it is a very dog-friendly city with amazing food. Speaking from experience.
Happy exploring!
