The Best Blue Ridge Parkway Photo Spots: Our Complete Guide (with map!)
If you're planning a road trip through North Carolina or Virginia then the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-drive part of almost every route. You'll experience hundreds of miles of amazing mountain views as you make your way along America's Favorite Road.
There's an amazing photo opportunity around every turn on the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway which runs through the Appalachians, taking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest. Here are some of our highlights on this super-scenic route.
On top of the amazing photo opportunities, you can stop to hike, canoe or enjoy traditional mountain music as you travel along the Blue Ridge Parkway. So hop off the interstate and immerse yourself in the chance to explore this beautiful part of the country at a slower pace.
Please see the map below to see where our photo spots fall along the Blue Ridge Parkway:
For a rundown and short descriptions of each of these photo spots on Blue Ridge Parkway, please click here to jump to the bottom of this article.
1. Waterrock Knob
40 minutes (21 miles) from Cherokee
12 hours 5 minutes (479 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: If you take the trail from the visitor center to the top of Waterrock Knob, you'll be standing at the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located near milestone 451, on a clear day, you'll be able to see for miles across the surrounding mountains.
Where is it located on the route: In the middle of a tight hairpin turn just past Browning Overlook (coming from Cherokee) take the left turn which leads up to Waterrock Knob Visitor Center.
Best time to visit: You can enjoy 360-degree views here, so it's a popular place to come at sunrise or sunset. Wrap up warm though – temperatures can plunge overnight when you're up as high as 6,273 feet.
Where to park: There are parking, facilities and a stunning view at Waterrock Knob Visitor Center.
2. Richland Balsam Overlook
1 hour 10 minutes (40 miles) from Cherokee
11 hours 35 minutes (460 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: At 6,053 feet, this photo spot at milepost 431 is the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway itself. You can't get higher without hiking up to visit some of the peaks and summits off the road.
The balsams that the overlook is named after are the fir trees that line the slopes here – Fraser fir and red spruce to be precise – so you can get some interesting pictures of the forest landscape especially if you follow the trail to the top of Richland Balsam.
Location on the route: This photo spot is located directly on Blue Ridge Parkway.
Best time to visit: Colorful wildflowers brighten up the trails and slopes around Richland Balsam Overlook in late spring and early summer. Then, as summer moves on, the high elevation here often means that you'll enjoy a cooler hike than in some of the surrounding areas on hot summer days.
This stretch of the parkway will be closed for a lot of the winter. You should also check ahead for opening dates and driving conditions if you plan on visiting in late fall or early spring.
Where to park: There's a large pullover with parking – look out for the sign here marking out the overlook as the highest elevation on the Blue Ridge Parkway
3. Cowee Mountain Overlook
1 hour 15 minutes (40 miles) from Cherokee
11 hours 30 minutes (450 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: There are uninterrupted views of a succession of mountain peaks at Cowee Mountain Overlook, making it a great place for a wide-open landscape picture.
It's also right by the road, at milepost 430, so you won't have to hike through the dark if you're coming to photograph the sunrise or sunset.
Location on the route: This photo spot is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Best time to visit: This is a really popular spot for sunset photos – you'll have to be here a while before the sun goes down to be sure to get parked.
With its vivid new growth, spring is a great time to visit here, and fall offers classic colorful views of the surrounding mountains.
Where to park: A pullover lets you stop right by the overlook at Cowee Mountain.
4. Devil's Courthouse
1 hour 35 minutes (50 miles) from Cherokee
11 hours 15 minutes (450 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: The views from the top of Devil's Courthouse are unforgettable – you can see Tennessee and Georgia on a good day, as well as South Carolina. It's less than half a mile to hike up to the top from the trailhead near milepost 422.
If you don't fancy this steep uphill hike, simply stay down at Devil's Courthouse Overlook for a great view towards the rock.
Nearby, the Blue Ridge Parkway runs through Devil's Courthouse Tunnel, which you'll almost certainly have seen in pictures while researching your trip.
Location on the route: You can't drive right up to the top of Devils Courthouse but the hike starts from Devil's Courthouse Overlook which is located right on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Best time to visit: You can catch an amazing sunset looking west across the mountains and forests here – but bring a flashlight to make sure you get back to the parking lot safely.
Like many sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this part of the road can close in winter. Be prepared for slippery sections of the trail if you do get here in the colder months.
Where to park: There's parking at Devil's Courthouse Overlook, which you'll find at milepost 422, around 200m west of Devil's Courthouse Tunnel (driving from the tunnel towards Cherokee).
There's no parking lot immediately in front of Devil's Courthouse Tunnel but it's just a short walk from the parking at the overlook.
5. Black Balsam and Graveyard Fields
1 hour 25 minutes (50 miles) from Cherokee
11 hours 20 minutes (445 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: From Graveyard Fields Overlook, you can follow trails through the valley which take in forest views and waterfalls. If you're really lucky you might be able to spot eagles or black bears in this area for some extra special photos.
If you're spending a little longer exploring this part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can pick up Black Balsam Knob or Sam Knob trailheads for some superb hiking with more amazing mountain views.
Location on the route: Graveyard Fields trailhead begins directly from the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 418.8. If you're heading up to Black Balsam to hike further, simply turn up Black Balsam Knob Road, which is around a quarter of a mile from Graveyard Fields.
Best time to visit: Wildflowers start to bloom in late spring, followed by vivid rhododendrons and fragrant honeysuckle.
Arrive early in the day as parking lots often fill up at this popular hiking spot – don't be tempted to park outside marked areas though, as this regularly causes accidents.
Where to park: There's a pull in with parking right by the start of the trailhead at Graveyard Fields
6. Looking Glass Rock Overlook
1 hour 35 minutes (55 miles) from Cherokee
11 hours 10 minutes (440 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: Looking Glass Rock is a huge granite monolith that rises up from the forest-covered slopes surrounding it.
If that doesn't sound striking enough for a photograph, come when the rock is wet or icy and you might see it glinting in the sunlight, just like a looking glass.
Location on the route: This photo spot is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Best time to visit: If the road is open, winter is a great time to get a picture of Looking Glass Rock reflecting the light. If that's not possible, simply visit when the sun is shining to see the reflection.
Where to park: There's a pull in with a few parking spaces at the overlook, which you'll find at milepost 417.
7. Pounding Mill Overlook
1 hour 40 minutes (60 miles) from Cherokee
11 hours 5 minutes (440 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: Pounding Mill Overlook, near milepost 413, has views across Pisgah National Forest towards Frying Pan Mountain and Looking Glass Rock.
In fact, it's also a great place to stop and see the sun reflecting off Looking Glass Rock in wet or icy conditions, as well as letting you enjoy some uninterrupted views of the forested surrounding slopes.
Location on the route: This photo spot is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Best time to visit: This east-facing overlook is a great sunrise spot, and because it's right by the road it's pretty straightforward to get here in time to watch the sun come up.
Where to park: There's a pull in with a few parking spaces right by the overlook.
8. Looking Glass Falls
2 hours (70 miles) from Cherokee
10 hours 45 minutes (430 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: Water cascades 60 feet over the rocks at this scenic spot in Pisgah National Forest.
Location on the route: Looking Glass Falls are located a short drive off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn onto the Pisgah Highway (US-276 S) at milepost 411.8 and follow it for a couple of miles until you reach the pull in which overlooks the falls.
Best time to visit: It might sound counterintuitive but visit Looking Glass Falls when there's a bit of cloud cover so that you don't have to contend with too much glare off the water.
This is a popular spot, so arrive early to beat the crowds.
Where to park: There's a pull in next to the viewpoint which looks out over the falls. As you round the bend, the safety barrier ends and the shoulder narrows so take care if you're pulling up here on a busy day.
This isn't a large parking area but most people just pause to take photos here so you shouldn't have to wait too long for a space.
9. Chimney Rock State Park
3 hours (110 miles) from Cherokee
10 hours 35 minutes (430 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: Chimney Rock is a 315-foot-tall spire that soars up above the Broad River. You can walk or take an elevator to the top, which offers unforgettable views over Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge.
You can also spend time exploring the beautiful state park which surrounds it.
Location on the route: Chimney Rock State Park is a short drive off the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you've just visited Looking Glass Falls, carry on along US-276 then join US-64 which takes you almost all of the way, passing Horse Shoe and Edneyville along the way.
Turn right after crossing the Broad River at Bat Cave then follow the signs to the state park.
If you're heading south from Craggy Gardens, turn off the Blue Ridge Parkway just south of Asheville to join Alt-74 which takes you all the way to Chimney Rock.
Best time to visit: Chimney Rock State Park is only open in daytime hours - note that an entrance fee is also payable. You can usually enter from 8.30 until 5.30, with reduced hours in the winter.
Bonus: Chimney Rock State Park provided many of the locations for the award-winning Last of the Mohicans, including the setting for the film's dramatic climax.
Where to park: Follow Chimney Rock Park Road to reach the parking lot and the start of trails up to Hickory Nut Falls.
10. Craggy Gardens
3 hours 10 minutes (110 miles) from Cherokee
9 hours 35 minutes (390 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: The landscape here is what gives this part of the parkway its name – you can follow atmospheric trails through the rocky crags then enjoy an amazing view from the summit. Several hiking trails start from the visitor center, or you can simply stop to picnic.
Rampant rhododendrons add spectacular color to the hillside in early summer, with plentiful smaller wildflowers also bursting into bloom through the spring and summer.
Location on the route: This photo spot is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 364.
Best time to visit: Craggy Gardens is a popular photo spot at both sunset and sunrise through much of the year, but visit in June in particular to see the vivid pink rhododendrons.
The visitor center and picnic area are only open seasonally (April to November for the visitor center, May to September for the picnic area)
Where to park: There's plenty of parking right on the parkway by Craggy Gardens Visitor Center. You can also drive up to the picnic area by turning off at milepost 367.6
11. Mt Mitchell Summit
3 hours 55 minutes (140 miles) from Cherokee
7 hours 50 minutes (360 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: Mt Mitchell proudly claims to be the highest peak east of the Mississippi and, as you'd expect, that means there are some amazing views on offer.
You can drive most of the way to the summit from milepost 355, meaning you don't have to be a serious hiker to enjoy this fabulous photographic vantage point. There are trails starting near the summit too, if you want to head out to explore different views of these forested slopes.
You can also stop to look up at Mt Mitchell from the overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway itself at milepost 349.9.
Location on the route: When you reach the milepost, turn onto NC 128 and follow it to the parking lot where you'll find a museum and picnic area as well as the trailhead to the summit.
Best time to visit: The high elevation means that Mount Mitchell is even more likely to be affected by cold weather than the surrounding parts of the parkway, so check ahead if you're traveling up here in winter.
Where to park: You can park near the summit at the park office.
12. Crabtree Falls
4 hours 10 minutes (150 miles) from Cherokee
8 hours 35 minutes (350 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: As well as being able to photograph the impressive waterfall, this stop also includes an atmospheric woodland hike that comes alive with wildflowers at the start of summer.
Among all the big skies and mountain landscapes, this is a great choice if you prefer to focus on the smaller details.
Location on the route: Turn off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Little Switzerland, near milepost 339.5. You'll find a parking lot for Crabtree Falls – park up here and follow the 3-mile round trip hike which takes you to the falls.
Best time to visit: Come in late spring or early summer to see the wildflowers that bring splashes of color to this trail.
Where to park: You can park at Crabtree Falls parking lot on the parkway then follow the trail to see the magnificent cascade.
13. Chestoa View Overlook
4 hours 35 minutes (170 miles) from Cherokee
8 hours 10 minutes (330 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: A short walk from the parking lot, you'll be able to see Grandfather Mountain from Chestoa View Overlook as well as enjoying views of Linville Gorge and the amazing landscape of Pisgah National Forest.
You can also follow the short and relatively easy Chestoa View Trail if you want to spend a little longer seeking out scenic spots nearby.
Location on the route: This photo spot is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 320.7.
Best time to visit: Come in fall to see Pisgah National Forest displaying its colorful foliage.
Where to park: There's a parking area signposted just off the main parkway, then just follow the steps down to the viewpoint.
14. Linville Falls
4 hours 35 minutes (170 miles) from Cherokee
8 hours 10 minutes (330 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: The accessible trails run through woodland beside the beautiful Linville River to reach a series of cascades.
Location on the route: Turn off the parkway onto Linville Falls Road, which will take you to the visitor center. This turning between mileposts 316 and 317 is clearly signposted.
You can also get to the falls through the small town of Linville Falls, which sits on US-221. Park up on the edge of town and join the trail towards the river.
Best time to visit: You can visit Linville Falls any time of day and come home with some amazing photographs
This is a really popular stop on the parkway, so you might prefer to visit mid-week and outside holiday seasons if you want to photograph the river and falls free of crowds.
Bonus: Bonus 1992 hit movie Last of the Mohicans includes scenes filmed at Linville Falls, as well as other points along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Where to park: There are parking places at the visitor center and on the edge of the town where the trails to the waterfalls start.
15. Big Flat Rock Overlook
4 hours 50 minutes (180 miles) from Cherokee
7 hours 55 minutes (220 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: A relatively easy trail takes you the short distance from the parking lot to Flat Rock Overlook, which is named after the wide, flat rock you'll find at the end of the trail.
The overlook itself has an amazing panoramic view across the surrounding forested slopes, with Grandfather Mountain in the distance.
Location on the route: This photo spot is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Best time to visit: This wooded view is beautiful in fall.
Where to park: There's a small pull in off the parkway where you can park to follow the short trail up to the overlook.
16. Grandfather Mountain Overlook
4 hours 55 minutes (180 miles) from Cherokee
7 hours 50 minutes (320 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: Grandfather Mountain is one of the most famous natural landmarks on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and from the overlook at milepost 306.6 you can pause to appreciate the peak.
Location on the route: Grandfather Mountain Overlook is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
If you'd like to spend longer exploring the mountain and trails around Grandfather Mountain once you've taken pictures from the Overlook, hop off the parkway at milestone 305 and follow the Blowing Rock Highway (US-221) for about a mile in the direction of Linville.
From here, turn onto Grandfather Mountain Entrance Road – you can either stop part of the way or follow it to the end to park up for scenic hikes through Grandfather Mountain State Park.
Best time to visit: Come early in the day as this is a popular place to stop, especially if you plan on visiting Grandfather Mountain State Park too.
Bonus: You'll see Forrest Gump making his way along the Blue Ridge Parkway around Grandfather Mountain on his epic run across the United States.
Where to park: There's a small pull in at Grandfather Mountain. There are also several parking lots on the approach to Grandfather Mountain State Park if you're spending a bit more time exploring the area.
17. Beacon Heights
5 hours 5 minutes (190 miles) from Cherokee
7 hours 40 minutes (310 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: You can see some of the most iconic sights of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Beacon Heights, including Grandmother Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, Hawksbill Mountain and Table Rock Mountain.
From different parts of this lookout, which you'll find at milepost 305.2, you can see out in all directions. That means you can get a real sense of the scale of this stunning part of the world when you stop here for a photograph.
Location on the route: You can't drive right up to this overlook, which is at the top of a short uphill trail which begins at the Beacon Heights parking lot. It's not hard to get to though, just park up and follow signs to find the trail.
Best time to visit: Because you can see to the north, south, east and west from various points of Beacon Heights Overlook and trail, you should be able to find good lighting for your photographs whatever time of day you visit.
If you're here during summer, holiday periods or weekends, try to come early otherwise you might have difficulty parking.
While you won't be able to drive all the way along the parkway to get here, you can usually access Beacon Heights in winter (though check ahead in case of road closure and to plan the best way to get here). That makes it a great place to come and take pictures of the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway if you're passing by the area in winter.
Where to park: There's a parking lot just off the parkway.18. Linn Cove Viaduct
5 hours 10 minutes (190 miles) from Cherokee
7 hours 35 minutes (310 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: This is one of the most-photographed parts of the parkway. The road sweeps around the side of Grandfather Mountain and was designed to complement the natural ecosystems here rather than harm them, in spite of the engineering challenges this posed.
Location on the route: Linn Cove Viaduct is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Best time to visit: Visit in fall for a great shot of Linn Cove Viaduct with colorful foliage on the mountainside around it.
Since you'll have to walk a little way to catch sight of Linn Cove Viaduct, avoid the middle of the day if you're traveling in hot weather.
Bonus: This was the final stretch of the parkway to be completed – as late as 1987.
Where to park: It's not possible to park or walk on Linn Cove Viaduct. Instead, park at the nearby visitor center and pick up one of the trails which offer amazing views of the viaduct and surrounding mountains.
19. Rough Ridge Lookout
5 hours 15 minutes (190 miles) from Cherokee
7 hours 30 minutes (210 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: The walk to this stunning overlook means you can capture some of the most iconic parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway in one short hike. You can see Linn Cove Viaduct, Grandfather Mountain and tree-lined Appalachian slopes as you make your way along the 1.5-mile trail.
When you reach the viewpoint, you can choose to photograph the amazing view from the comfort of a boardwalk or from the rocky outcrop beyond (keeping in mind weather conditions to stay safe, of course).
Location on the route: You can only reach Rough Ridge Lookout on foot. From the parking lot, cross over to pick up Tanawha Trailhead then follow signs to Linn Cove once you're on the trail as Rough Ridge Overlook isn't marked on all of them.
Best time to visit: This is an amazing fall hike, as you get to walk through the vibrant foliage on your way to the lookout before admiring the panoramic view.
Where to park: There's a small parking area beside the road at milepost 302.8.
20. Price Lake Overlook
5 hours 25 minutes (200 miles) from Cherokee
7 hours 20 minutes (300 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: Part of Julian Price Memorial Park, Price Lake is a popular leisure destination in a beautiful setting so you can fish, canoe or hike here as well as capture some amazing photos.
Grandfather Mountain rises up in the distance and if the water is still enough you might manage to capture the reflection of the forest and mountain slopes in the still lake water.
Location on the route: Follow signs into the parking lot, which is directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway close to milepost 297.
Best time to visit: Visit in Fall to see gorgeous foliage reflected in the lake water – you might get lucky with some misty, atmospheric early mornings too.
Where to park: There's a parking lot at Price Lake Overlook itself. If this is full, try nearby Price Lake Boat Rentals where you can park and – as the name suggests – head out to enjoy the beautiful lake.
21. Moses Cone Memorial Park
5 hours 30 minutes (200 miles) from Cherokee
7 hours 15 minutes (300 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: This is a really varied photo stop. You can get pictures of the historic Flat Top Manor and look down from the big house towards the scenic lake, as well as enjoying the tranquil surroundings of the estate.
Location on the route: Moses Cone Memorial Park is accessed directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 294.
Best time to visit: Check ahead to find out if any special events are planned when you're due to visit – this might mean the park is more crowded, but also might give you the chance to photograph heritage highlights too.
Bonus: Although many of the location scenes for The Green Mile were filmed in Tennessee, Flat Top Manor at Moses Cone Memorial Park features as the nursing home in the movie.
Where to park: There's plenty of parking on the approach to Moses Cone Memorial Park
22. Thunder Hill Overlook
5 hours 35 minutes (205 miles) from Cherokee
7 hours 10 minutes (295 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: With its south-easterly views, this overlook at milepost 290.4 is a great place to watch the sun come up. You probably won't have the overlook to yourself, but the views are so outstanding that this won't matter.
Location on the route: Thunder Hill Overlook is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Best time to visit: We'd recommend driving up to see the sunrise if you're able to make an early start.
Later risers should hold off until after midday for the best of the daytime light. That way you can get pictures of the view with the sun behind you.
In the clear, still winter air you can see all the way to Charlotte – an interesting contrast to the miles of tree-covered slopes.
Where to park: There's a pull in which looks right out across the overlook.
23. Puckett Cabin
8 hours (305 miles) from Cherokee
4 hours 45 minutes (195 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: Orlean Hawk Puckett (known as Aunt Orlean) was a midwife who cared for women and their children in this part of the Appalachians until 1939, when she died aged around 100. Her little wood cabin has been preserved as a memorial.
Location on the route: You'll find Puckett Cabin located right beside the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Best time to visit: You can take pictures outside Puckett Cabin at any time of the day.
Where to park: There's a small pull in at the side of the road, near milepost 190, where you'll find an information panel.
24. Mabry Mill
8 hours 15 minutes (320 miles) from Cherokee
4 hours 30 minutes (180 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: This watermill, which has stood peacefully by the river for over a century, often features in pictures of the Blue Ridge Parkway, so chances are you've already seen it once or twice while researching your trip.
This historic building shares a sense of the parkway's past, with an insight into the communities that have made the Appalachians home for centuries.
Location on the route: Mabry Mill is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Best time to visit: On Sunday afternoons you can often enjoy traditional music with dancing – perfect if you're ready to take a break from photographing all those landscapes and capture a few human subjects too.
If you're visiting in late spring and early summer, you'll be able to frame your shot with the colorful flowers that will be blooming at this time of year.
Where to park: There's a parking lot just off the parkway itself, which is just a short walk away from the famous mill at milepost 176. Mabry Mill can get busy, but if the main lot is full, there's also an overflow car park on the other side of the road.
25. Peaks of Otter
10 hours 25 minutes (410 miles) from Cherokee
2 hours 20 minutes (80 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: Visitors have been coming to this tranquil area for over 200 years, to relax in the great outdoors where Sharp Top Mountain rises up above Abbot Lake.
These days, there's a traditional farm here as well as Polly's Ordinary Tavern, so you can get some pictures of the parkway's heritage on top of even more scenic views.
Location on the route: Peaks of Otter is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Best time to visit: Traditional music concerts are held at Peaks of Otter Lodge - check ahead for dates if you're interested in including this in your photographic schedule.
Where to park: There's a parking lot at the visitor center which is right by the parkway.
26. Ravens Roost Overlook
12 hours 20 minutes (485 miles) from Cherokee
25 minutes (15 miles) from Waynesboro
What makes this photo spot special: You'll get an amazing view over the valley from this high vantage point. It's only a short drive from Waynesboro, so it's the perfect place to head for stunning parkway views even if you only have time to drive a short section of the route.
Where is it located on the route: Ravens Roost is located right on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 10.7.
Best time to visit: People head to Ravens Roost to watch the sunset, when the sky over the mountains often offers a vibrant and colorful show.
Where to park: There's a parking lot at the overlook – keep an eye out for this one as you have to pull off the parkway.
| Photo Spot | Description |
|---|---|
| Waterrock Knob | Offers a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains and is one of the best places for sunrises and sunsets |
| Richland Balsam Overlook | The highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys |
| Cowee Mountain Overlook | Known for its wide-ranging views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the beautiful colors during the fall season |
| Devil's Courthouse | Provides a spectacular view, but a short, steep trail leads to even better panoramic views from the "courthouse" |
| Graveyard Fields | Known for its unique "flatlands" and hiking trails, leading to waterfalls, gets its name from the gravestone-like tree stumps |
| Looking Glass Rock Overlook | Provides views of the massive, exposed granite face of Looking Glass Rock, which is popular among rock climbers |
| Pounding Mill Overlook | This overlook provides fantastic vistas of the valleys and ridges leading up to the Great Smoky Mountains |
| Looking Glass Falls | A waterfall visible from the Parkway, one of the most popular falls in North Carolina due to its accessibility |
| Craggy Gardens | Known for its naturally occurring rhododendron gardens that bloom in summer offering a sea of pink flowers |
| Mt Mitchell Summit | The highest peak east of the Mississippi. Its summit offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains |
| Crabtree Falls | These falls cascade over a series of rock ledges, providing a picturesque setting for photography |
| Chestoa View Overlook | Offers one of the most comprehensive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a nearly 180-degree panorama |
| Linville Falls | A stunning three-tiered waterfall plunging into Linville Gorge, the "Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians" |
| Big Flat Rock Overlook | Known for the wide, flat rock that gives the overlook its name, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape |
| Grandfather Mountain Overlook | Provides a view of the nearby Grandfather Mountain, one of the highest and most iconic peaks in the region |
| Beacon Heights | A short hike from the Parkway leads to stunning panoramic views from a series of rocky outcrops |
| Linn Cove Viaduct | An engineering marvel that wraps around Grandfather Mountain, offering breathtaking views |
| Rough Ridge Lookout | A high-elevation overlook offering expansive views of Grandfather Mountain and Linn Cove Viaduct |
| Price Lake Overlook | Provides a peaceful view of Price Lake and the surrounding forest with great photography opportunities |
| Moses Cone Memorial Park | Home to the historic Moses Cone Manor and more than 25 miles of carriage trails for walking and horseback riding |
| Thunder Hill Overlook | Offers a sweeping view of the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, particularly beautiful at sunrise |
| Puckett Cabin | Historic home of Orleana Hawks Puckett, the simple log cabin provides a window into the past |
| Mabry Mill | One of the most photographed spots on the Parkway, this historic and beautiful mill still grinds grain |
| Peaks of Otter | Three mountain peaks with a lodge, restaurant, lake, and numerous hiking trails. Sharp Top offers a 360-degree view |
| Chimney Rock Mountain Overlook | Offers a distant view of the namesake Chimney Rock, an impressive vertical rock formation |
| Ravens Roost Overlook | Offers spectacular views of the Torry Mountain and the Shenandoah Valley to the west |
