Two Favorite Hikes On The Blue Ridge Parkway Near Blowing Rock
Two of my favorite family hikes are located on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, NC. I have to admit, however, that I will always choose these hikes with or without the kiddos. They are just that good. Both Rough Ridge and Flat Top Tower trails offer incredible vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and are worth every step.
Rough Ridge Hike
Beginning of the boardwalks and wooden platforms on the Rough Ridge Hike Near Blowing Rock, NC
We have hiked this short trail located on the Blue Ridge Parkway for many years. We’ve hiked it carrying our daughter as a baby in a Baby Bjorn Carrier, as a young toddler in a backpack, as a young child partially on piggy back, and recently with no extra weight at all. Finally!
Directions to Rough Ridge Trail- Drive to the Rough Ridge Overlook at Milepost 302.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll see a large parking area, and the trailhead will be found at the right end of the parking lot.
Trail Description- Located about a 15 minute drive south from Blowing Rock, the Rough Ridge hike is a short trail that leads to amazing mountain vistas. The trail itself is uphill but manageable and follows a relatively narrow, rocky path.
It’s takes only 1/3 of a mile to reach the wooden boardwalks with where amazing views await you, so it offers a lot of reward for minimal effort. It’s also one of the best trails near Blowing Rock for fall foliage.
Near the beginning of the hike, you’ll walk over a bridge to cross the rushing creek on your way uphill to a series of wooden platforms offering beautiful vistas of Grandfather Mountain and Linn Cove Viaduct. You’ll find large boulders near the platforms that are perfect for a picnic or photo op. Relax, enjoy the views, and listen to the wind. It doesn’t get any better.
You can continue hiking past the wooden boardwalks for a longer hike to the Rough Ridge Summit. This would add approximately 1/2 mile more. Keep in mind that the trail can be muddy after recent rains but don’t let that prevent you from enjoying this wonderful hike.
Every time we’ve hiked this trail, we’ve been treated to beautiful views. Even when overcast, watching the clouds float over us is still a wonderful hiking experience. It's a well-known hike, but it has never been crowded during our week day visits.
The Flat Top Tower Trail
Flat Top Tower Trail at Moses Cone Manor on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Unlike the Rough Ridge hike, the Flat Top Tower hike is completely doable with a jog stroller. It is one of the many carriage trails found on the property of Moses Cone Manor located at Milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Like Rough Ridge, I will always return to this hike to take in the phenomenal pastoral and mountain views.
The Flat Top Tower Trail is a gradual uphill hike on a wide gravel trail (wide enough for a horse and carriage) and meanders through the woods to an open meadow perfect for kite flying and a picnic. It eventually summits at a fire tower (which you can ascend by stairs) for additional panoramic mountain vistas.
Some years, our end point has been at the wide meadow for a picnic after 1 mile of walking. Other years, we’ve taken advantage of happy spirits and clean diapers and made it to the fire tower for a 5 mile roundtrip hike. Either way it’s beautiful.
Directions to Flat Top Tower Trail: Follow signs on the Blue Ridge Parkway for the Moses Cone Manor House found at Milepost 294. Park away from the Manor House and closer to the outdoor restrooms.
Tip: The Moses Cone Manor houses the Parkway Craft Center operated by the Southern Highland Craft Guild with handmade crafts by hundreds of regional artists. Make time to browse the collection or sit on a rocker on the front porch.
Moses Cone Manor
To begin the hike, walk down the stairs from the parking area at Moses Cone Manor towards the restrooms and turn left.
You’ll see a pedestrian tunnel that goes under the Parkway. Go through the tunnel and bear right at the trail intersection to begin the Flat Top Tower Trail. It’s approximately 2.5 miles from the tunnel to the fire tower but only about 1 mile to the meadows. There you’ll find large open fields and a short path to the Cone Family Cemetery. Tip: Bring a jacket as it can get super windy here.
Where We Stay in Blowing Rock, NC
One of the only towns located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the small mountain village of Blowing Rock, NC offers immediate access to miles of fantastic trails. It is located within a 2 hour drive from both Asheville, NC and Charlotte, NC.
You’ll find plenty of mountain cabins in both Blowing Rock and Boone, NC. We like to stay near Appalachian Ski Mountain for convenience to town shops and restaurants as well as these great hikes.
Cozy Home on App Ski Mountain. VRBO 2215019. 3 bedroom, 3 bath, sleeps 10. Kids will love the double bunk bedroom and hot tub. Just 10 minutes from Moses Cone Manor.
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