Richard Balsam

Richard Balsam summit - the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway

One must-do along the Parkway is hiking up to the summit of Richard Balsam, the highest point on the Parkway at an altitude of 6410 feet. While this hike may not offer the grandiose views of others on this list, what it does offer you is the opportunity to enjoy a tranquil, tourist-free hiking experience. It’s rare to see anyone else hiking this trail, so you will get to enjoy a beautiful, rustic 1.5 mile moderate walk through the woods all to yourself. At 6000+ feet, the temps are usually 20 degrees cooler, so this hike makes for a refreshing nature experience on a hot summer ‘s day. Perhaps, best of all, the trail smells like Christmas year-round as the fresh scent of pine envelops the air.

Milepost 431

Chimney Rock

Gorgeous scenery at Chimney Rock State Park in Western North Carolina

An intense 499 step stair climb leads you up to a mesmerizing rock formation known as Chimney Rock. The incredible scenery easily justifies Chimney place as one of the most visited state parks in North Carolina. From the top of this 535 million year old, 2280 foot high monolith, you will enjoy a bird’s eye view of the entire region. From beautiful Lake Lure, to the Hickory Nut Gorge, the extraordinary views make this one of the state’s most iconic viewpoints. Avid hikers will love the challenging climb to the top. For everyone else, you can opt to take a leisurely elevator ride to the summit (with just 44 steps required). Somehow the views seem so much more grandiose when you complete the intense journey by foot!

Milepost 385 (Take Hwy 74a for 20 miles)

Flat Rock

Beautiful fall color along the Flat Rock summit trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Western North Carolina

Hidden in between numerous popular tourist attractions like Grandfather Mountain and Blowing Rock, this short hike to a breathtaking summit of 4100 feet often gets forgotten. At just over a half mile round trip, Flat Rock offers one of the better bang-for-your-buck experiences on the Parkway. In exchange for no more than a light workout, you get rewarded with expansive views of the region, including a beautiful photo worthy shot of Grandfather Mountain and the Linville Valley. If you visit during leaf peeping season, the colors covering the mountains add a brilliant seasonal touch. This one is super quiet so a great place to relax, reflect, or enjoy a picnic.

Milepost 308.2

Beacon Heights

Incredible views from the summit of Beacon Heights on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Western North Carolina

A quick 0.3 mile uphill hike is all it takes to get to one of the more mesmerizing overlooks on the Parkway. The often overlooked Beacon Heights hike is short on the distance, but rewards with panoramic views of the mountains. The big open summit offers endless views including top notch vistas of notable mountains such as Grandfather and Table Rock. Fall is the best time to plan your visit as you can enjoy a little bit of leaf peeping to make the journey even more exciting. Because this one is so short, you may want to consider adding on a few hikes while in the vicinity. Flat Rock and Rough Ridge (2 more easy summit hikes) are just minutes away.

Milepost 305.2