The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is roughly split evenly between North Carolina and Virginia, linking two of the most beloved US National Parks– Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park.
Along the world-renowned scenic route, there are many fantastic places for hiking, biking, camping, swimming, and further exploring one of the prettiest regions in the nation.
One of our favorite pastimes is to stop somewhere (usually with a beautiful overlook) for a picnic. The BRP has over a dozen designated picnic areas, from Humpback Rocks at Milepost 8.5 to Mount Pisgah at Milepost 407.8.
Craggy Gardens, Julian Price Memorial Park, and Peaks of Otter. are a few of the most popular Blue Ridge Parkway picnic areas.
The Groundhog Meadow Overlook and Groundhog Mountain Picnic Area are located at MP 188.8-189, near the NC/VA border.
This site is unique in that it is primarily designed to be a picnic area, and unattached to a larger recreation area.
Read on for our guide to everything you need to know about making a stop at Groundhog Meadow and Groundhog Mountain, as well as highlights of the best Blue Ridge Parkway attractions nearby!
READ MORE: The 20 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks in Virginia
Groundhog Mountain Picnic Area Info
ADDRESS: Blue Ridge Parkway MP 188.8-189, Hillsville VA
PHONE: (828) 298-0398
HOURS: Always Open
ADMISSION: Free
DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM MOUNT AIRY NC
Use North Main Street to get out of downtown Mount Airy NC. After a few miles, it will take you t0 Wards Gap Rd, which crosses into Virginia. In 8.5 miles, you’ll continue straight onto Orchard Gap Rd. Go another 3 miles, then turn right onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Groundhog Mountain parking lot is less than 5 miles away.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM FLOYD VA
Use East Main Street and head toward North Locust St, then turn left onto VA-8 S. Follow that for roughly 6 miles, then exit on the left to merge onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn right onto the Parkway and Groundhog Mountain is 24 miles southwest, past the Rocky Knob Recreation Area (MP 169) and Mabry Mill (176).
READ MORE: How to Plan an EPIC Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
Groundhog Meadow/Groundhog Mountain Activities
As we mentioned above, the Groundhog Meadow Overlook (MP 189) and Groundhog Mountain Picnic Area (MP 188.8) are not attached to a park with hiking trails.
So you might think that there wouldn’t be much to do there, besides sit, eat, and maybe savor some pretty views.
But if you want to let the kids burn off some energy before the next leg of your road trip, have any interest in Appalachian history, or just enjoy pretty wildflowers, there are several reasons why this is a lovely spot to stop for a spell…
READ MORE: The 20 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Picnic Areas in NC & VA
Picnicking
The Groundhog Mountain Picnic Area has 28 individual sites, many of which are ADA Accessible.
Aside from the picnic tables, there are also stationary charcoal grills available for visitors to use.
Their picnic tables are spaced widely apart, and set comfortably under a canopy of mature trees. There are well-established, often paved paths that connect the different sites for easy access.
As with all the best Blue Ridge Parkway picnic spots, this one has a bathroom facility. It’s located right by the parking area, just above where the picnic tables are.
READ MORE: 20 Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia
Appalachian Fencing Demonstration
As a homesteader myself, with a penchant for doing things the old school way, I found the traditional Appalachian fencing display at Groundhog Meadow really cool.
It’s a unique demonstration of the various different fencing methods that were used by early Scots-Irish and Pennsylvania Dutch settlers of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
There is an informative display explaining the different types of log fences that surround Groundhog Meadow, which is across the parking lot from the picnic area.
Overlooking the wildflower-strewn meadow is a cool observation tower, which was made much like a two-story log cabin.
READ MORE: A Detailed History of the Blue Ridge Parkway
Observing from the Lookout Tower
The building that overlooks Groundhog Meadow and Mountain is eye-catching from the moment you enter the area.
It was erected there in the early 1940s to operate as a lookout tower for the Virginia State Forest Service.
It was used to watch nearby mountain ranges for fire hazards.
Visitors can still climb up to the second story of the building today to get impressive long-range views of Buffalo Mountain, Rich Hill, and the NC Piedmont!
READ MORE: 40 Fascinating Facts About The Blue Ridge Parkway
Nearby Blue Ridge Parkway Attractions
For those who like a long, leisurely picnic, Groundhog Meadow and Mountain may suffice for a relaxing afternoon.
However, if it’s just a stop to eat as part of a full Blue Ridge Parkway road trip, there’s plenty of fun things to do nearby…
READ MORE: The 10 Best Waterfalls on/near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
Blue Ridge Music Center
Blue Ridge Parkway MP 213
Heading west towards Galax VA, the Blue Ridge Music Center celebrates the famous traditional tunes and instruments of Appalachian music, especially old-time and bluegrass.
The Center has a museum focused on local music and musicians. Free live music is part of the seasonal scene there, as are demonstrations of instruments such as the banjo.
They also have a couple of hiking trails on the property.
During the Summer, outdoor concerts are regularly held at the BRMC amphitheater. We caught a fantastic show by Sierra Ferrell there last year and had a blast!
READ MORE: Exploring the Crooked Road, Virginia’s Appalachian Music Trail
Mabry Mill
Blue Ridge Parkway MP 176.1
Celebrated as one of the best stops along the BRP in Virginia, Mabry Mill is a beautiful old grist mill right next to the Parkway. The mill sits next to a stunning mill pond, and the whole space is open for exploring.
I was stunned by the cool water channels that flow from a local creek to move the water wheel. There are also several historic buildings around, including an amazing blacksmith shop that ran off the mill.
In addition to the historic stuff, Mabry Mill also has a worthwhile souvenir shop, as well as a popular café where locals often come to get breakfast and lunch.
Note that the Mabry Mill restaurant was seeking new ownership as of our deadline.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Hiking Trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
Chateau Morrisette Winery
291 Winery Rd, Floyd VA
The most highly regarded of the local Virginia wineries to visit, Chateau Morrisette Winery might be a good place to stop before your picnic at Groundhog Mountain.
Chateau Morrisette is right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and offers a beautiful setting.
There’s a wine tasting room, plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy gorgeous views, and a nice restaurant for upscale evening dining.
READ MORE: The Top 10 Things to Do in Floyd VA
Rocky Knob Recreation Area
Blue Ridge Parkway MP 169
While Rocky Knob doesn’t get the same press as celebrated Virginia BRP attractions like the Peaks of Otter Lodge, it’s riddled with beautiful vistas. It has a nice picnic area, as well as several cool hiking trails.
We did the big 10.8-mile loop that follows the ridge, drops down into Rock Castle Gorge, and then climbs back up. It was awesome, and a better-than-average workout.
The Rocky Knob Recreation Area also boasts a wonderful campground that offers views across the Blue Ridge Parkway and down into the North Carolina Piedmont.
There’s also a Visitor Center to get info, advice, and maps for your adventures. -by Jonathon Engles; all photos by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett unless otherwise noted
