Hiking Through a Rhododendron Tunnel on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Craggy Gardens offers one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains stretch far into Tennessee to the west and toward central North Carolina to the east. These views can be enjoyed from the parking area near the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center and along nearby hiking trails.
A large picnic area is popular with visitors. On clear nights, Craggy Gardens is also a perfect place for stargazing.
In early summer, Craggy Gardens becomes a mountain-sized bouquet when the rhododendron thickets on the upper heights cover the landscape in pink and purple. A favorite hiking trail, Craggy Pinnacle, leads hikers through a “tunnel” of rhododendron to the summit which offers 360-degree view. This 1.5 mile round trip is an easy walk.
Books, CDs, souvenirs, and a photographic display can be found in the Visitors Center, and restrooms are on premises. There is no food concession.
Hours of Operation
Craggy Gardens Visitor Center: Memorial Day through October
This section of the Parkway is closed in the winter months.
Hours of operation are subject to change. Contact directly for most current information.
Location
Craggy Gardens is approximately 24 miles from Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Craggy Pinnacle parking lot Milepost 364.1
Craggy Gardens picnic grounds Milepost 367.5
Craggy Gardens Visitor Center Milepost 364.6
For more information, contact:
Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
195 Hemphill Knob Road
Milepost 384
Asheville, NC 28803
Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center: 828-298-5330
Visitor Information Recorded Message: 828-298-0398
http://www.nps.gov/blri
