There’s hardly an inch of the Blue Ridge Parkway that wouldn’t make a lovely spot to have a picnic.
Whether you’ve been taking a scenic drive or hiking for miles, there’s something very nostalgic about pulling out a blanket, a basket full of goodies, and soaking up some nature while you nosh.
Thankfully, the US National Park Service put some serious thought into making picnicking part of a top-notch Blue Ridge Parkway experience.
Tables, grills, restrooms, and comfort stations can be found at an array of picnic areas all along the BRP for your enjoyment.
There are fields for large family gatherings and games, secluded tables tucked away for romantic picnics for two, and tables in places where the stunning scenic views could distract you from your meal entirely.
If you’re planning a Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip, we hope you’ll use our list of what we consider some of the best places to stop for outdoor dining.
Read on for our guide to the 20 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Picnic Areas in NC & VA, from the southern-most spot Watterrock Knob of NC to Humpback Rock in VA, and many more in-between!
READ MORE: The 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hotels & Cabin Rentals in NC & VA
Blue Ridge Parkway Picnic Areas Guide
(Arranged by BRP Milepost, from South to North)
- Watterrock Knob Picnic Area (Milepost 451.2)
- Mt. Pisgah Picnic Area (Milepost 407.8)
- Folk Art Center Picnic Area (Milepost 382)
- Craggy Gardens Picnic Area (Milepost 367.6)
- Crabtree Falls Picnic Area (Milepost 339.5)
- Chestoa View Picnic Area (Milepost 320.8)
- Linville Falls Visitor Center (Milepost 316.5)
- Julian Price Park (Milepost 296.4)
- Doughton Park Picnic Area (Milepost 241.1)
- Cumberland Knob Recreation Area Picnic Area (Milepost 217.5)
- Groundhog Mountain Picnic Area (Milepost 188)
- Rocky Knob Picnic Area (Milepost 169)
- Smart View Picnic Area (Milepost 154.5)
- Peaks of Otter Picnic Area (Milepost 85.9)
- Thunder Ridge Parking Area Picnic Area (Milepost 74.7)
- James River Picnic Area (Milepost 63.6)
- Otter Creek Flats Overlook Picnic Area (Milepost 58.2)
- Rice Mountain Overlook Picnic Area (Milepost 53.6)
- Yankee Horse Ridge Parking Area Picnic Area (Milepost 34.4)
- Humpback Rocks Picnic Area (Milepost 8.5)
READ MORE: Why You Need to Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
Blue Ridge Parkway Picnic Areas in NC
1. Waterrock Knob Picnic Area
Milepost 451.2
A great place to stop before heading west into the Great Smoky Mountains, Waterrock Knob should be high on your Blue Ridge Parkway picnic list.
You’ll find some beautiful picnic spots right as you pull into the parking lot, some with tables, while others are ideal for blankets and lawn chairs.
Located at 5,719 feet in elevation, with splendid views from east to west, this is one of the best places to watch a sunrise, sunset, or stargaze after a suppertime picnic.
There’s also a great little Visitor Center that’s open from 10 AM to 5 PM from mid-April through October, and a restroom with drop toilets.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the Smoky Mountains
2. Mt. Pisgah Picnic Area
Milepost 407.8
Located right across the BRP from the Mt.Pisgah Trailhead, this is a cozy little picnic area tucked away right at the edge of the forest.
It’s just down the road from the Pisgah Inn, so you could even grab a to-go meal there and bring it to this beautiful spot for a more secluded lunch.
This picnic area is open from mid-May until October, and offers a variety of full-sun or partial-shade tables to choose from. There’s also a grassy field for games, or you can lay out a blanket for relaxing and soaking in the serenity.
Want to work off some calories? The trailhead leads hikers on a 4.5-mile round-trip trek to the peak of Mount Pisgah. Note that it’s considered a strenuous hike due to a pretty steep climb just as you get to the summit.
READ MORE: 20 Incredible Places To See the Blue Ridge Mountains in Fall
3. Folk Art Center Picnic Area
Milepost 382
The Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center in Asheville NC is a very special place that showcases traditional and contemporary arts and crafts of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
There’s a craft shop, 3 exhibition galleries, a library, and a bookstore, and you’ll often find artisans demonstrating crafts such as weaving and quilting.
Outside the center is a large parking lot with picnic tables around the perimeter, and most are nestled under the shady canopy of the forest.
Guests can explore the forest via a stroll on the Center’s nature trail, which has interpretive signs on local plants and animals. The Bus and RV parking section also offers access to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Hotels in Asheville NC to Visit
4. Craggy Gardens Picnic Area
Milepost 367.6
The Craggy Gardens Picnic Area is a very popular spot for Spring, Summer, and Fall picnicking.
This is a great place to find yourself surrounded by North Carolina wildflowers and the neighboring hardwood forest.
There are several picnic tables in the sunshine and shade, plus an open grassy area that leaves room for family fun and games. Remember to bring your own lawn chairs if a concrete bench doesn’t do it for you!
Visitors can also take a hike on the Craggy Gardens Trail, which has a Visitor Center at the end of it.
READ MORE: The 25 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls in North Carolina
5. Crabtree Falls Picnic Area
Milepost 339.5
One of our favorite waterfalls in NC, Crabtree Falls has a huge picnic area that makes for a perfect stop before or after taking the trail to visit the waterfall.
You can hike in and out along the same trail, or enjoy a slightly more strenuous hike by taking the loop. Either way, the 70-foot-tall North Carolina waterfall is definitely worth the effort!
If you’re looking for a more adventurous picnic, there are plenty of rocks at the base of the falls to perch on and enjoy your meal in style. A wooden bridge at the base of the waterfall also allows for some pretty awesome views.
This ever-popular Blue Ridge Parkway picnic area is open from mid-May through October.
READ MORE: 15 Best Things to Do in Little Switzerland NC (BRP MP 334)
6. Chestoa View Picnic Area
Milepost 320.8
Located about 4 miles south of Linville Falls, Chestoa View is an amazing place to stop for lunch, rest, and some jaw-dropping views.
Forest and laurel thickets offer lovely shade close to the parking lot, where a few picnic tables are waiting for you.
There are a couple of short trails, one of which includes 32 steps leading to breathtaking views of Humpback Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, and Table Rock Mountain.
The Chestoa View Trail is a narrow, relatively easy 0.6-mile loop that has a bench about halfway in. where you can stop for a more secluded bite to eat while looking over Table Rock Mountain.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks in North Carolina
7. Linville Falls Visitor Center Picnic Area
Milepost 316.5
This beautiful picnic spot offers a perfect place to have an outdoor lunch along the Linville River, just around the corner from the Linville Falls Campground
There are 100 tables to choose from, and plenty to do besides lounging and enjoying your food.
There are a few trails to hike here, from the moderate Erwin’s View Trail to the more strenuous Linville Gorge Trail. Note that things tend to get pretty crowded here on weekends, so plan accordingly!
Be sure to make time to explore the Rough Ridge Trail at Milepost 302.8, which we consider one of the best hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC.
READ MORE: The Linn Cove Viaduct Trail, Visitor Center & History (BRP MP 304.4)
8. Julian Price Picnic Area
Milepost 296.4
With 100 picnic tables to choose from, where you can enjoy lunch by a beautiful 47-acre lake, Julian Price Memorial Park is a stellar place for a picnic.
After lunch, you can try kayaking or paddleboarding on the water, or take a leisurely 2.7-mile stroll around the edge of Price Lake.
If you’re planning on staying in the area, the Julian Price Campground is a gorgeous place to camp, and the Boone Fork Trail and the Hebron Falls Trail both offer some really stunning creekside views.
If you’re looking to take a break from the BRP, the nearby town of Blowing Rock offers lots of cool cabin rentals, fantastic restaurants, and fun family-friendly attractions.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Blowing Rock NC
9. Doughton Park Picnic Area
Milepost 241.1
One of our favorite places on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Doughton Park has a huge 56-table picnic area, some of which have been in use since the 1940s and 50s!
There are vast open views of meadows and the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as two comfort stations and dumpsters for your convenience.
At the end of the picnic loop, you’ll find the Bluff Mountain Trail, which is often full of wildflowers in the Spring and Summer. You can also see the Wildcat Rocks overlook and the old Lodge as you leave the area.
The Doughton Park Campground, Brinegar Cabin, The Bluffs Restaurant, and a small Visitor Center are all in the vicinity, and should keep you entertained all afternoon!
READ MORE: Fall in North Carolina: 25 Great Places to See Fall Colors in NC
10. Cumberland Knob Recreation Area Picnic Area
Milepost 217.5
In addition to being a lovely place to have lunch, the Cumberland Knob Recreation Area is great for history buffs.
This is the site where construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway originally began in 1935, and it was the first BRP recreation area open to the public.
There are 56 picnic tables available, plus a large grassy area that’s ideal for spreading out blankets or throwing a ball around. There’s also a small visitor center, and paths to take a leisurely stroll.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can opt for a more challenging hike to Gully Creek. This is a 2.2-mile strenuous loop trail that hits up some amazing cascades and woodlands along the way.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Elkin NC & the Yadkin Valley (Milepost 229)
Blue Ridge Parkway Picnic Areas in VA
11. Groundhog Mountain Picnic Area
Milepost 188
You’ll find 28 picnic sites, each with grills, waiting for you at the Groundhog Mountain Picnic Area.
The picnic tables are mostly dotted beneath the trees, offering some shade, while open spaces allow for games and spreading out blankets.
There is a large log observation tower here (built in 1942) that visitors are invited to climb. From the top, you’ll have exceptional views of the surrounding mountains.
Around the tower you’ll also find several examples of historical fencing, and information boards explaining the reasoning and benefits of each type.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Galax VA (BRP Milepost 215)
12. Rocky Knob Picnic Area
Milepost 169
Located just past the Rocky Knob Information Station, the Rocky Knob Picnic Area offers plenty of tables to pick from, many of which have grills.
There are also restrooms and a large, covered 8-table pavilion available on a first come, first served basis.
Note that the tables are not all close to the parking lot, so you may have to carry your picnic paraphernalia into the woods a bit. There are two loops, and the first is on steeper ground than the second.
While you’re there, it’s worth checking out the information center, which includes a small shop and restrooms. From there, you can also access several amazing hiking trails.
READ MORE: Exploring Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia (Milepost 176.2)
13. Smart View Picnic Area
Milepost 154.5
Smart View Recreation Area has 72 picnic sites, each with a grill, and several are easily accessible.
This area is open from late May to late October, and has two comfort stations and a pavilion for larger groups.
It is one of 5 original recreation areas 0n the Blue Ridge Parkway, and has been open to the public since 1940. The area is noted for its abundance of dogwood trees and Virginia wildflowers in Spring.
The lovely Smart View Trail is a 2.6-mile loop around the area, and the historic Smart View Cabin is right off the Parkway.
READ MORE: The 13 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Campgrounds to Visit
14. Peaks of Otter Picnic Area
Milepost 85.9
Everyone can find a perfect picnic spot at the Peaks of Otter, which boasts 58 picnic tables and grills on a half-mile stretch along Little Stony Creek.
There are cute creekside tables, tables shaded by hanging branches, and others in an open meadow, making them ideal for family get-togethers.
The picnic area is open from May to November, with two comfort stations offering drinking water and flush toilets.
It also has a campground, a country store, and several top-notch hiking trails (including Sharp Top Mountain).
READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Bedford VA (BRP MP 85.6–90.9)
15. Thunder Ridge Parking Area Picnic Area
Milepost 74.7
There is just one picnic table available at the Thunder Ridge Parking Area.
And although there is no real view from there, an after-lunch hike will have you following the Thunder Ridge Trail (a short section of the Appalachian Trail) to a stone observation deck.
There you will find amazing views of the Arnold Valley, and maybe even see the historic Natural Bridge.
The easy 0.2-mile loop trail starts at either end of the parking area, and will take you 10 minutes, tops!
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Lexington VA & Natural Bridge VA
16. James River Picnic Area
Milepost 63.6
If you want to say that you’ve picnicked at the lowest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway, be sure to stop at the James River Picnic Area for a bite.
This spectacularly beautiful area provides shaded spots spread along a half-acre parcel by the riverbank, with tables and grills dotted around.
It’s a wonderful place to watch for river otters, muskrats, turtles, and other aquatic animals. There’s also a visitor center with bathrooms, but no drinkable water.
There are a few nice hiking trails that can be picked up here, including the 0.4-mile Canal Locks, the 0.5-mile Trail of Trees Loop, and the 3.3-mile Otter Creek Trail.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Fall
17. Otter Creek Flats Overlook Picnic Area
Milepost 58.2
There are two picnic tables available at the Otter Creek Flats Overlook, each offering beautiful creekside dining.
One table might even have you dipping your toes in the cool waters of the creek, which feeds into Otter Lake.
If you miss dibs on the tables, there’s also a huge parking lot by the creek, where you can have a camp chair picnic.
Or you can head just down the road to the Otter Lake Overlook, at Milepost 63.1.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Hiking Trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
18. Rice Mountain Overlook Picnic Area
Milepost 53.6
The Rice Mountain Overlook is another nice place to stop along the Parkway for a bit of lunch.
There is only one picnic table available here, but there’s lots of space to park your chairs or blankets for more improvised outdoor eating.
You can eat lunch while looking out over Rice Mountain, which towers at 2,214 feet in elevation.
This area is particularly lovely when the Fall colors in Virginia are reaching their glorious peak.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks in Virginia
19. Yankee Horse Ridge Parking Area Picnic Area
Milepost 34.4
If you enjoy a little history to go along with your lunch, a stop at the Yankee Horse Ridge Parking Area might prove enjoyable.
While there is only one official picnic table available, there are plenty of spots to pull up a lawn chair or blanket.
While you’re here, you can take a short walk to see Wigwam Falls and check out the Narrow Gauge Railroad exhibit.
It’s a short reconstruction of the train tracks that once wound for 50 miles through this area.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Waterfalls on/near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
20. Humpback Rocks Picnic Area
Milepost 8.5
Humpback Rocks is home to some of the best hiking trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, and it’s open all year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Hiking options include the easy 0.25-mile Mountain Farm Trail, the moderate 0.3-mile Catoctin Loop Trail and 0.2-mile Greenstone Trail, and a strenuous 2-mile section of the Appalachian Trail.
The Humpback Rocks Picnic Area has two loops with 40-50 tables each, so there are plenty to pick from. But there’s a large parking area, so picnickers must walk a bit from their cars in order to find the perfect spot.
There’s a group picnic area located in the first loop, which is more open than the forested second loop, with a light grassy field. Each loop has its own restroom, but there are no bins for trash available. –by Emma Gallagher
