The Waterfall at Rough Ridge Trail is located at milepost 302.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This waterfall is best viewed after heavy rains. Most of the time there is hardly any water flow, as was the time when we last visited in March 2021.
However, even if the waterfall is not visible when you visit, Rough Ridge Trail has some of the best views in the area and well worth a visit. The trail begins to the right of the parking area, just past the waterfall. You begin the trail on a rocky staircase and cross the bridge above the waterfall. Pets are not allowed on the trail past this point due to a protected critical and highly vulnerable plant community.
There are amazing views of Grandfather Mountain and Linn Cove Viaduct. The moderate/strenuous trail gets more difficult as you go, so most people turn around at the boardwalk located 1/3 of a mile into the hike.
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