Hiking to Tanawha Trail at Rough Ridge Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock is a village in western North Carolina on scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s named after The Blowing Rock, a formation with sweeping views of peaks, forests and the Johns River Gorge. 

The Hike from Tanawha Trail at Rough Ridge is a very a rocky, angular hill that offers exceptional summit views of Grandfather Mountain and the Linn Cove Viaduct.  This hike is one of the best, short-distance hikes off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Tanawha Trail ascends through a ragged, rocky ground at Rough Ridge, rising to breathtaking views. While it’s a short hike, it’s an exceptionally rewarding one. Photo-worthy views, far-flung horizons, dramatically rocky and jagged terrain, and lush flora are abundant throughout the hike, making this one of our all-time favorites.

This is one of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s most beloved hikes, so expect fellow hikers on all but the earliest midweek mornings. The exceptional views more than makeup for the trail traffic, though. And be prepared to stay awhile with views like these, you’ll want to soak up some sun and snap more than a few photos.

Once you get to the bottom you can check out the gift shop.

The gift shop staff are very welcoming and willing to share the history of the Blowing Rock. The walk from the parking area through the trail is short and easy. The views from the trail are amazing.