The Blue Ridge Parkway is right at our doorstep! Access by car is just 2.5 miles from Hemlock Hill Cabin.
The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, this National Park Service road is known as “America’s Favorite Drive.” But for guests staying with us, it’s more than a designation. It’s your daily backyard, available from the moment you wake up to the moment you settle back in for the evening.
The Parkway has something for every pace and every person in your group.
The Parkway was built for a slower kind of travel. Pull off at any of the scattered overlooks and you’ll find panoramic views that stretch for miles. On clear days, you can see as far as Charlotte from certain vantage points near Grandfather Mountain.
One of the most photographed landmarks along this stretch is the Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering marvel that curves gracefully around the side of Grandfather Mountain. It’s beautiful any time of year. Dozens of picnic areas and interpretive pull-offs throughout this section let you learn about the region’s geology, wildlife, and Appalachian culture at your own pace.
Don’t miss: Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and Price Lake are both accessed directly off the Parkway and make ideal stops to stretch your legs or enjoy a picnic.
📖 Planning a spring or weekend visit? Our blog post A Spring Weekend Guide to Blowing Rock NCcovers how to build a perfect itinerary around the Parkway, waterfalls, and downtown Blowing Rock.
The trails on and around the Blue Ridge Parkway are some of the best in the High Country. The trails are well-maintained, varied in difficulty, and reliably uncrowded compared to busier national park destinations.
📖 Heading out this spring? Our blog post 5 Must-Do Outdoor Adventures in Blowing Rock NC This Spring features Price Lake and the Tanawha Trail alongside other can’t-miss outdoor experiences.
Access: Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 294
Moses Cone surprises first-time visitors. The park features a network of old carriage roads winding around Bass Lake and Trout Lake, through apple orchards and open meadows, and past the historic Flat Top Manor.
📖 We have a full post dedicated to Bass Lake: Bass Lake in Blowing Rock NC: Easy Family-Friendly Walk Near the Blue Ridge Parkway
Access: Blue Ridge Parkway near Grandfather Mountain, Milepost 302.8
Rough Ridge is short but the payoff is enormous — a wide-open rocky summit with 360-degree views across the Blue Ridge ridgeline. There’s some light scrambling near the top, so younger kids may need a hand, but it’s very manageable for most hikers. Sunrise here is something you won’t forget.
Access: Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 297 — also reachable via trail from Hemlock Hill Cabin (~1 mile)
Price Lake is one of the most scenic and accessible spots along the entire Parkway. The loop around the lake is flat, partially paved, and suitable for strollers and leashed dogs. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent from the boathouse seasonally, and spring brings migrating birds to the shoreline that make a visit worth the binoculars.
Access: Multiple trailheads along the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Tanawha Trail runs parallel to the Parkway along the slopes of Grandfather Mountain. You don’t have to hike the whole thing — most guests pick a section. The stretch near Price Lake is flat and family-friendly. Middle sections include creek crossings and rock scrambles. Farther toward Beacon Heights Overlook, the views become some of the most dramatic in the High Country.
It’s wroth noting some amazing hikes not on the Blue Ridge Parkway:
Elk Knob
Your hosts at Hemlock Hill Cabin love sharing their favorite hiking recommendations with guests. They can guide you to the best trails suited to your family’s interests and skill levels. If you’re looking for a short, family-friendly hike or a more challenging adventure, your hosts can provide valuable insights to ensure you make the most of your hiking experience.
If you’re not sure which trail to choose, just ask when you check in. We’re happy to point you in the right direction based on your group’s ages, energy levels, and how much time you have.
After a morning on the trails or an afternoon on the Parkway, Hemlock Hill Cabin is the perfect place to land. Kick off your boots on the porch, warm up by the fireplace, and cook a real meal in the fully equipped kitchen. The cabin is designed for exactly this kind of day — adventurous out there, comfortable in here.
