Rough Ridge Lookout
Linville, North Carolina
Details
Distance
0.5 miles
Elevation Gain
92 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by McKenzie Roers
The Rough Ridge Lookout is a quick hike from the parking area to amazing views over the valley. This is a great trail for sunrise and sunset and is dog and family friendly.
The trailhead for Rough Ridge will be on your righthand side when driving the Blue Ridge Parkway from Boone, NC. This trail gets busy in the warmer months, but parking usually is not too much of an issue. This trail is not open in the winter.
Rough Ridge will take you around 30-45 minutes to reach the top, at an average pace. About halfway up the trail turns to wooden platforms, where you can walk out onto the rock face if you wish to do so. On the last leg of the trail, there will be a massive rock sticking outward that is known as the "Lion King Rock," which makes for a pretty wild photo.
The endpoint of the trail will be a rock face, which can get windy. It's a perfect location for both the sunrise and the sunset - you can experience a full sunrise, as the sun will set behind the trail peak.
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Reviews
I didn't get any of the spectacular views that other hikers have posted photos of because the whole ridge was enveloped in a dense fog. I loved the trail though - woods, waterfalls, rocky outcroppings. It's stunning, and dog-friendly too!
3.0
Super quick walk to the top and a bunch of rocky areas to walk out on for photos. The view at the top is beautiful and there are plenty of photo opportunities. During fall, this is a must see.
5.0
We really enjoyed this hike. It’s such an easy quick trip off the parkway and the views can’t be beat. I found it to be pretty manageable for kids (6, 8, and 10 year old) too! We went on a Friday afternoon and we passed quite a few couples, families, and a woman and her dog.
4.0
This hike was only about .5 miles round trip from the parking lot. The climb up the hill is a bit steep but relatively easy. The views are phenomenal and this would be a great spot to catch a sunrise over the valley. Be sure to keep hiking up the wooden platform to get to that famed rock you can sit on the edge of. Highly recommend this hike!
5.0
The trail is pretty steep and rocky at times but well worth the amazing views!
4.0
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Nearby
Explore Boone Fork Creek
Calloway Peak via Daniel Boone Scout Trail
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Rough Ridge via the Tanawha Trail from Beacon Heights
Profile Trail to Calloway Peak
Calloway Peak via Profile Trail
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