Humpback Rocks
This is a tourist center, where you can pick up a map before starting your journey. In addition, there is a leisurely walking trail here, which takes about 10 minutes to reach a large rock that offers a panoramic view from high above.
Natural bridge village
This natural stone bridge is a 215-foot-high (almost 20-story) natural rock located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is a 137-step Cedar Creek trail that allows visitors to walk down to the bridge (don't worry, there is a bus ride back), and there is also a butterfly exhibition, Monaco Village, wax museum, and children's playground.
James River
This is the lowest point of the Blue Ridge Highway at an elevation of 649 feet, which used to be a major transportation route in the past. The beautiful river view is especially enchanting in autumn when the maple leaves sway and reflect on the water surface. There is a bridge over the river where visitors can lean on the railing and appreciate the scenery.
Peaks of Otter
One of the hotels (with a tourist center attached) in Blue Ridge Parkway is surrounded by Jefferson National Forest. The beautiful blue lake and the lush green mountain scenery are breathtaking, and there are multiple trails, wildlife, and rare plants to enjoy. In autumn, the surroundings are covered in maple leaves. (It is recommended to book a room several months in advance.)
The Saddle Overlook
This is a campground where you can go hiking, camping and have picnic. There are also small cabins built in the 1930s, which are the only cabins available for rent on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A 0.2 mile hike will take you to Saddle Overlook, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Knob Mountain ridge.
Mabry Mill
Historic Mabry Mill offers buckwheat pancakes that are famous and served all day, and visitors can also purchase buckwheat flour at the gift shop and take it home to cook. The blacksmith shop is also worth a visit. Local music is played with the dulcimer on the grass, and some even enjoy tap dancing. It's a great place to relax and forget about all your worries. In the autumn, the area is filled with maple trees turning a brilliant red and it feels like you're in a fairy tale. For more details and operating hours, please refer to this website. (As of 2019, operating hours are Monday-Friday 7:30am-5pm and Saturday-Sunday 7:30am-6pm.)
Blue Ridge Music Center
The genres of ethnic music, the golden age and bluegrass, both originated in the Appalachian forests along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which featured a lot of traditional music. Visitors can enjoy a Bluegrass concert in an outdoor amphitheater or explore the history of American music at the Music Center. During peak travel season, the Music Center holds free concerts every afternoon. There are also two beautiful trails, the High Meadow Trail (1.35 miles round trip, easy for the whole family) and the Fisher Peak Loop Trail (2.24 miles round trip, moderate difficulty).
