The Bluffs RestaurantMilepost 241 In 1949, The Bluffs became the first dining establishment to open on the Blue Ridge Parkway. After closing in 2010, the restaurant was brought back to life with extensive remodeling, maintaining the history charm of the original interior while bringing the building into the new millennium, and was reopened in 2020.…
Cumberland KnobMilepost 217.5 Located in North Carolina just across the Virginia state line, Cumberland Knob is the birthplace of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Parkway construction began at Cumberland Knob in 1935, and it was the first public Parkway attraction to open. A popular picnicking spot, you can also take a leisurely walk or a more…
Brinegar CabinMilepost 238 This cabin in Alleghany County, North Carolina, was the home of Martin Brinegar and Caroline Joines Brinegar. Constructed in the 1880s, the cabin is open to visitors on weekends in the summer and fall, staff permitting, and hosts cultural demonstrations such as spinning. Tour the demonstration garden and exhibits for a chance…
Doughton ParkMilepost 241 This 7,000-acre recreation area is named after the late Congressman and Parkway advocate Robert L. Doughton. Appalachian history comes to life among the ridgetop meadows and steep mountainsides of Doughton Park. Hike some of the 30 miles of trails, from a moderate stroll to adventurous all-day hiking through the meadows, streams, and…
Orlene Puckett CabinMilepost 190 This cabin was the home of Orlean Hawks Puckett, a midwife who delivered nearly 1,000 children between 1890 and the year of her death in 1939. To many, her story illustrates the strength of Appalachian women in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, the Orlean Hawks Puckett Institute in Asheville,…
Groundhog Mountain Picnic AreaMilepost 188 This site includes a picnic area and restrooms, as well as a lookout tower offering views of Buffalo Mountain on one side and the Carolina Piedmont on the other. There is also an exhibit of fence types used by early settlers of the region.
Mabry MillMilepost 176 A 1905 project of Ed and Lizzie Mabry, the gristmill and sawmill they constructed by hand is still in operation and is one of the most popular and photographed attractions on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Features include: Picnic area Historical demonstrations Live music on Sundays – late May through October Restaurant and…
Rocky KnobMilepost 167 One of the earliest recreation areas developed on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Rocky Knob offers stunning scenery and numerous recreational opportunities. The recreation area covers more than 4,000 acres and four trails offer a variety of scenic and historical wonders. Rangers offer interpretive talks and demonstrations during the summer. Three large picnic…