Humpback Rocks
This is a visitor center where you can pick up a map before starting your journey. Additionally, there is an easy trail here that takes about 10 minutes to reach a large rock, offering a panoramic view from a high vantage point.
Natural Bridge Village
This natural stone bridge is a 215-foot-high (nearly 20 stories) 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 for the return trip). There is also a butterfly exhibit, Monaco Village, a wax museum, and a children's playground.
James River
At an elevation of 649 feet, this is the lowest point of the Blue Ridge Parkway and was a major transportation route in the past. The beautiful river scenery is even more enchanting in the fall, with maple leaves swaying and reflecting on the river's surface. There is a bridge over the river where you can lean on the railing to enjoy the view.
Peaks of Otter
One of the lodges within the Blue Ridge Parkway area (with a visitor center), surrounded by Jefferson National Forest. It offers breathtaking views of the blue lake and green mountains, as well as multiple trails, wildlife, and rare plants to enjoy. In autumn, the area is filled with red maple leaves. (It is recommended to book a few months in advance)
The Saddle Overlook
This is a campsite where you can hike, camp, and picnic. There are also cabins built in the 1930s, which are the only cabins available for rent on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A hike of about 0.2 miles will take you to Saddle Overlook. The Saddle is a ridge connecting the two peaks of Rocky Knob Mountain, offering expansive views.
Mabry Mill
The historic Mabry Mill offers renowned buckwheat pancakes all day long. You can also buy some buckwheat flour from the gift shop to cook at home and take a stroll around the blacksmith shop. On the lawn, you can enjoy local music played on the banjo accompanied by tap dancing, making for a relaxing and carefree experience. In autumn, the area is adorned with vibrant red maple leaves, creating a fairy-tale-like scenery. For more details and operating hours, please refer here. (Operating hours for 2019 are from now until 11/3, Monday to Friday 7:30am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday 7:30am-6pm).
Blue Ridge Music Center
The golden age of folk music and bluegrass music both originated in the Appalachian forests along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and this music center features a lot of old-time music. Visitors can enjoy a Bluegrass concert in the outdoor amphitheater or explore the history of the American music museum. During the peak tourist season, the music center hosts free concerts every afternoon. There are also two beautiful trails here: High Meadow Trail (1.35 miles one way, easy and suitable for the whole family) and Fisher Peak Loop Trail (2.24 miles one way, moderate difficulty).
