Waterrock Knob arguably provides some of the best views along the entire 469-mile long Blue Ridge Parkway. As one of the high points in the Plott Balsam Mountains, the parking lot alone offers excellent views to both the east and west, while this short hike to the overlook provides a sweeping panorama to the south.

Hike through dark spruce-fir forests on this well-marked summit hike to the highest of the Great Balsam Mountains. Less than 1.5 miles round trip, the loop climbs along a ridge, summits the peak, then skirts around its western edge back to the parking lot.

Skinny Dip Falls is a classic waterfall hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway, perfect for a hot summer day. Several swimming holes, including one that's ~6 feet deep, make it a popular summer destination for the entire family - including the dog.

Commissioned in 1941, the 70' tall fire tower on Fryingpan Mountain is the perfect destination for a short hike. The panoramic views from it's perch also make it the perfect spot to watch the sunrise or sunset. To many, this overlook offers considerably better views compared nearby Mount Pisgah, with much less effort to get there.

Less than 2.5 miles round trip to the summit, this is one of the most popular hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Though short, this trail gains nearly 700 feet of elevation in the short hike, with a rugged final approach.

The hike to Craggy Pinnacle is one of the most rewarding short hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Well over 5,800', the summit offers sweeping 360-views that many boast as the best in Western North Carolina. It's a perfect hike for the entire family and a phenomenal opportunities to enjoy a summer sunrise or sunset along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Towering at nearly 6,700' above sea level, Mount Mitchell is a hiker's paradise and the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. The infamous Black Mountain Crest Trail, the High Loop, and North Carolina's 1200-mile long Mountains to Sea Trail all provide incredible hiking experiences within the state park. This short hike provides the same incredible views by way of a paved path to the observation deck at the summit.

Linville Falls is a must-do hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and for good reason. While there is one large waterfall, it is actually a series of several features as the Linville River passes through its namesake gorge. According to Wikipedia, the main falls "has the highest volume of any waterfall on the Northern Edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains." This is an easy family-friendly hike that includes multiple viewpoints to the falls.

Rough Ridge is a short hike from the Blue Ridge Parkway with something for everyone. Just .3-miles from the trailhead, a boardwalk passes over fragile vegetation and offers incredible views to the south. Another .5-miles up, you'll reach the high point of Rough Ridge, a boulder-strewn summit perfect for a picnic. However you hike it, this is an overlook that you won't want to pass up.