The Rough Ridge Trail is a local way of referring to a section of the 13-mile Tanawha Trail, a footpath curving through forest and alongside rock outcroppings, following the contour of 5,946-foot Grandfather Mountain’s eastern slopes and named in deference to the mountain’s native name–Tanawha. “Hawk.” The Rough Ridge section is an out-and-back trek, accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway, that rewards hikers with spectacular views of Grandfather Mountain from a series of vistas, culminating in the iconic outcropping of Ship Rock.
The Rough Ridge Trail is among the best known and most photography-worthy trails within a short drive of Boone and Blowing Rock and not out of reach from Asheville. The trail’s most famous vista is also known as “Pride Rock” for how much it resembles a rock outcropping in the Lion King. It’s probably one of the most Instagrammed rocks in the state. It’s also among the best vantage points for capturing sunrises and sunsets and the many moods of Grandfather Mountain, the modern wonder of the famous Linn Cove Viaduct, and the valley of the Pisgah National Forest. If you come during peak leaf season, this is among the best places to view the transformation of the High Country during fall. Don’t come here expecting solitude though, unless you come at the break of day like Photographer JC Garcia who shot these photos.
What To Bring on Your Rough Ridge Adventure
In addition to your typical list–plenty of water, first aid, headlamp, emergency gear, rain gear–strongly consider wearing shoes with good traction. No matter which end you’re coming from (Wilson Ridge Overlook or the more standard pull off), the trail is rocky and rooty. The rocks can become especially slippery because of the thin layer of dirt that seems to settle on them during dry days. And because you’re in the mountains, and at the base of the uniquely tempestuous Grandfather Mountain, come prepared for unexpected weather changes. There’s a pretty good chance the weather forecast will NOT be true to its word, so better to be prepared.
Why You Should Hike Rough Ridge
This is one of our favorite hikes in The High Country. It all begins with a beautiful drive along the historic Blue Ridge Parkway and ends with some of the most majestic overlooks in western North Carolina. We like it for family hikes because it’s relatively short and has enough variety to maintain interest. This is a short section of Tanawha Trail.
Regarding families, however, I don’t know if I would bring little kids on a first hike here. Though it’s strenuousness is relatively low, the possibility for tripping and falling on the return hike is relatively high. If the kids aren’t ready for the precision footwork this might require, there are other signature trails to explore that’ll leave you satisfied. The Green Knob Trail is a similar distance and more manageable. Also, the Boone Fork Trail, though twice as long, requires much less technical skill.
The Two Routes to Rough Ridge Lookout
There are two options for beginning this trail, and they both have unique qualities to commend them. And of course they both bring you to the the breathtaking views you’ve probably seen in photographs (including these by the Great Garcia).
The most common way to start this hike is HERE at the parking pull off. This, though, is by far the most difficult way to reach the popular Rough Ridge Lookout. It’s usually more crowded and carries you through a series of small-boulder fields that often prove tricky and slippery. It can make for a challenging adventure.
The less common way is to park at the Wilson Creek Overlook, follow the stone stairs to a trail that takes you under the Parkway and to the Tanawha Trail.
OUT AND BACK. 2.5 miles
DIFFICULTY. Easy to Moderate
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