The Can’t-Miss North Carolina Hike for Every Nature Lover’s Bucket List

There are few things prettier than the Blue Ridge Parkway. When you are looking for some of the best trails in North Carolina, this is one of the first places to look. However, tragedy struck when Hurricane Helene ripped through the western part of the state, leaving the parkway in devastation. Now, I'm from New Orleans, so I know all too well how long it takes to rebuild, and even though it's been a couple of years, Hurricane Helene's path is still visible. While the landscape has changed, it still remains a nature lover's playground, filled with some of the best hiking trails in North Carolina. Many of them can be found just off the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway.

As amazing as the Blue Ridge Parkway is, one of the best ways to experience it is by lacing up those hiking boots and hitting the trails. There are so many trails off the parkway; just start driving, and you're bound to come across one within 10 minutes.

One we did earlier in the year was a bucket list item for us, but we always found the parking lot to be full. We nabbed the last parking space the first time, and this time, when we went again, we ended up in the same exact space! With backpacks on, we were ready to venture out on this amazing hike once again. 

The Rough Ridge Trail is a 1.2-mile out-and-back trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway that’s a great option for getting out and stretching your legs.

After a short while, you will traverse a bridge and then climb up the rocky terrain. Before we knew it, the trees thinned out, and we found ourselves on a cool boardwalk section of the trail. This is the first of many great overlooks throughout the hike, and if you are short on time, then this is a great place to make your end destination. 

After that, the path continues on an upward trajectory, offering multiple rock outcroppings for continual views as you ascend. The trail becomes much more dense, but if you have the stamina, the final destination is completely worth it. Along the way, make sure to keep an eye out for some fantastic views of the Lin Cove Viaduct, too. 

My favorite part was the final overlook at the end. This steep vertical section drops off on every side but also offers the best view. I climbed the giant rock and sat up there with my dog, ate a snack, and soaked in the view. There are cables lining the edge, but they only offer a false sense of security. If you are afraid of heights, I wouldn’t recommend it, but I felt rather accomplished after hiking to the full extent of the trail. 

The Rough Ridge Overlook is truly an amazing trail in North Carolina. If you love to get out into the wilderness, test the boundaries, and soak in breathtaking views, then there is nowhere better than this hike. I would recommend taking with you a downloaded map of the trail, which you can get with AllTrails, and arriving early. I was lucky to get a parking spot, but that isn’t always the case every time I drive by.

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