View From Rough Ridge Overlook

The Blue Ridge Parkway more or less does what its name implies - it follows the ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountain range through North Carolina and Virginia, snaking its way around the peaks and across shady draws...all the while keeping the traveler as close to the top of the ridges as possible. Spectacular views await quite literally around every curve.

My wife and I took a drive along the North Carolina section of the Parkway last week, stopping often to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the Blue Ridge. One of our favorite stops was Rough Ridge Overlook at milepost 303. Rough Ridge offers not just one, but two beautiful views...

When you pull into the parking area at Rough Ridge Overlook, if you look towards the mountainside you'll see a rushing waterfall cascading over the rocks right towards
you - but you'll probably hear it before you see it. It's hard to imagine finding a large waterfall virtually at the top of a mountain (elevation 4,293' to be exact), but there it is!

Now, if you turn around and look down and into the distance, you'll see the view featured in today's picture. There are mountain ridges, peaks and valleys as far as the eye can see, all smothered in that distinct blue haze that gives the Blue Ridge Mountains their name.

The primary attractions of the Blue Ridge Parkway are the non-stop amazing mountain views, and there are plenty of overlooks along the way where you can stop and enjoy them. Just be sure you don't pass up wonderful Rough Ridge!

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