Transylvania County's most notable Blue Ridge Parkway mileposts

The Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic drive that weaves through the Virginia and North Carolina mountains, has been an escape for drivers, cyclists, hikers, and lovers of panoramic views for decades. It is called “America’s Favorite Drive,” and the 24 miles that run through Transylvania County are incredibly scenic.

The Parkway can be accessed easily in Transylvania County in two ways. The first is NC 215, which traverses through Balsam Grove and Rosman. The other route is US 276 through Pisgah National Forest, passing by iconic spots like Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and the birthplace of forest conservation, the Cradle of Forestry. Once you’ve reached the top, we have a few favorite places on the Blue Ridge Parkway to stop, explore, relax, and take in the views.

View from the Pisgah Inn

Best Spot for a Picnic

You’ll find picnic tables at several of the overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Transylvania County.  One of our favorites is Mt. Pisgah at Milepost 408.6 with 50 picnic sites. In this area, you’ll also find a small grocery store and restrooms (open seasonally) with nearby trails.

Best Views (and where to see jaw-dropping sunsets/sunrises)

There are twelve Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks in Transylvania County (between Mileposts 406.9 and 423.5), and they all have incredible views. Here are a few of our favorites:

Best Views
Pounding Mill Overlook (Milepost 413.2)
Looking Glass Rock Overlook (Milepost 417)
Devil’s Courthouse Overlook (Milepost 422.4) 

Best Sunrise Spots
Funnel Top (Milepost 409.3)
Cradle of Forestry Overlook (Milepost 411)

Best Sunset (and mini-adventure)

Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower
Near Milepost 408.5, park at the pull-off for Forest Service Road 450. Take the 1.5-mile hike (out and back) to this decommissioned fire tower with stunning views of Cold Mountain and Shining Rock Wilderness.

Best Hikes

Hiking trails branch off the Blue Ridge Parkway at multiple, easy-to-access points. You can’t go wrong with the following: 

Graveyard Fields Loop Trail
This popular trail starts from the parking area at Milepost 418.8 and winds 3.2 miles over boardwalks, through a ravine, to high meadows, and past two waterfalls.

Devil’s Courthouse 
At Milepost 422.4, this hike is a 0.8-mile roundtrip walk with panoramic views from a jagged and dramatic rock face. 

Buck Spring Trail
This short hike takes you to the former site of George Vanderbilt’s Buck Spring Lodge. Pull in at the Mt. Pisgah Overlook (407.6) parking area. From this spot, you can also trek to the summit of Mt. Pisgah (2.4 miles out and back). 

Leave It Better

Be sure to Leave It Better when visiting forests and waterways by following these tips:

• Pick it up.
• Pitch in.
• Prepare yourself
• Protect habitats.
• Politeness, please.
• Preach what you practice.