Blue Ridge Parkway - Section 3

Overview

From Beacon Heights (MP 305) to Mount Mitchell State Park (MP 355), this section of the parkway contains some of the most spectacular scenery along the entire motor road. Two wonderful recreation areas, Linville Falls and Crabtree Meadows, lie along this section of the Parkway.

Rainbow and Fall Color in the Black Mountains
Rainbow and Fall Color in the Black Mountains
Closeup of Linville Falls
Closeup of Linville Falls

At this section's southern end (and junction with Section 4), you'll find the access road for Mount Mitchell State Park, containing the Appalachians' highest mountain - Mount Mitchell - at 6,684 ft.

Spectacular views of the Black Mountains can be found along the climb from NC Route 80, which - in the winter - is generally the only way to access Mount Mitchell by vehicle.

Hiking Trails

Trails along this section of the Parkway include some of the most well-known in the region, such as Linville Falls and Crabtree Falls. The Mountains to Sea Trail crosses the Parkway and follows it for a distance in this section as well, before branching off to the south.

Facilities

Here are the developed recreation areas along this section of the Parkway.

Linville Falls (MP 316.4)

Linville Falls Picnic Area Parking Fall Color
Linville Falls Picnic Area Parking Fall Color

This recreation area contains one of the largest (by volume), most well known, and scenic waterfalls in the entire region. A spectacular cataract drops through a slot canyon into a churning pool at the upper end of the deepest river gorge east of the Mississippi River.

To enjoy before or after your hike, visitor amenities at Linville Falls include:

  • A campground
    • The campground has 50 tent and 20 trailer sites
    • It also has flush toilets, showers, and water (but no RV hook-ups)
  • A visitor center with restrooms
  • A big, gorgeous picnic area located along the river!

Crabtree Meadows (MP 339.5)

Sign at Start of Crabtree Falls Trail
Sign at Start of Crabtree Falls Trail

This recreation area contains one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the entire region. Named for historic meadows along the Parkway. This is the last stretch of Parkway along the Blue Ridge before it heads into the higher, interior mountain ranges.

  • Campground
    • This campground has 71 tent and 22 trailer sites
    • It also has flush toilets and water, but no RV hook-ups or showers
  • Picnic Area

The Crabtree Meadows area used to have a delightful visitor center/coffee shop with information, light snacks, drinks and restrooms. However, it was closed in 2013 due to lack of funding and the building is now derelict and collapsing. Shameful!

The Black Mountain Range
The Black Mountain Range

Places to Stay

Camping

Buck Hill Campground
Features 60 RV campsites with full hookups, as well as tent camping with picnic tables and fire pits. Our amenities include an arcade and fitness room, trout fishing on the north Toe River, hiking and family fun. The campground is pet friendly, and has clean bath houses with laundry facilities, a gathering room and wi-fi.
Phone: 828-766-6162
http://www.buckhillcampground.com/