Craggy Gardens Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 364
High up on the parkway at an elevation of 5500ft is Craggy Gardens at milepost 364 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Craggy Gardens is known for its floral display in mid to late June of Catawba of pink and purple rhododendrons. The name “Craggy Gardens” came from the twisted jagged rocky features of the Craggy mountains. Below the summit on the parkway is the Craggy Gardens visitor center with restrooms, a gift shop, exhibits, hiking trails, Books, CDs, souvenirs, a photographic display, and beautiful mountain views on both sides of the parkway. There is no food concession. Open from Memorial Day through October. This section of the Parkway is closed in the winter months.
Craggy Gardens is approximately 24 miles from Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Craggy Pinnacle parking lot Milepost 364.1
- Craggy Gardens picnic grounds Milepost 367.5
- Craggy Gardens Visitor Center Milepost 364.6
Craggy Pinnacle Trail
Craggy Pinnacle Trail leads hikers through an actual tunnel of rhododendrons to the summit of the mountain which offers a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains. The hike is a 1.5 mile round trip. Craggy Pinnacle is a perfect place for watching sunrises and sunsets; as well as stargazing on a clear night. The hike starts at the southern end of the parking area climbing through a canopy of covered rhododendrons and rock formations leading upwards. When you reach the top there is a meadow you can explore and a stone overlook with panoramic views on all sides.
- Craggy Gardens Trail
- Craggy Pinnacle Trail
- Douglas Falls Trail
- Mountains-to Sea-Trail
- Snowball Mountain Trail
Photo Gallery
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