South · Southbound, mileposts count up

Linn Cove Viaduct

The engineering piece that curls around Grandfather Mountain instead of blasting through it. Twelve and a half miles of Parkway, and the best sixteen hundred feet of road on the whole thing.

1. Step 1

   Right onto US 321 South

   Out of the lot at 5058 Highway 321, turn right toward Blowing Rock.

   2.1miles
2. Step 2

   Parkway ramp, MP 291.8

   Take the Blue Ridge Parkway ramp and bear south. Mileposts count up from here.

   0.4miles
3. Step 3

   MP 294, Moses H. Cone Park

   Flat Top Manor on the right, with carriage trails if you want to stretch.

   2.2miles
4. Step 4

   MP 296.7, Julian Price Park

   Price Lake sits on the left. First reliable restrooms since the lot.

   2.7miles
5. Step 5

   MP 302.8, Rough Ridge

   Boardwalk overlook. The small car park fills by mid-morning, so go early.

   6.1miles
6. Step 6

   MP 304.4, Linn Cove Viaduct

   The viaduct curls around Grandfather Mountain. Visitor centre is just past it.

   1.6miles
7. Step 7 · Return leg

   Retrace north to the lot

   Back up the Parkway to MP 291.8, then US 321 North to the lot.

   15.1miles

Mileposts are Blue Ridge Parkway markers. Distances are measured from 5058 Highway 321. The Parkway closes sections for weather and construction, so check current closures at nps.gov before you set out. Cell service drops for long stretches, so download your map at the lot.