A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals, and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region of the country so special.

A long pine tree stands in front of distant mountain ridges beneath an orange sunset

Evening on the Blue Ridge

Mountain vista and clouds on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Mountain vista

Storm clouds breaking over the mountains at sunset, with fog hugging the valleys

Sunset from Cowee Mountain Overlook

A roadway on piers follows the curve of a mountainside, running toward distant mountains.

Linn Cove Viaduct

Black Bear sitting on large rocks at the edge of a forest

Black Bear

Mabry Mill

water cascading into Linville Falls plunge basin

Linville Falls

Blue Ridge

The road is open 24 hours a day, weather permitting. Road closures due to inclement weather occur most frequently during winter. Sections of the road may also be closed during road maintenance projects. Check our road closure map to verify that the parkway is open before traveling.

Visitor centers and other facilities have hours and seasons that vary. Most picnic areas, campgrounds, and visitor centers are closed from the beginning of November until early May.

Parkway Road Hours

Wildlife Watching

A bull elk with antlers crosses a road in front of a stopped car

There are certain animals that, when you see them for the first time, become etched in your memory. You remember where you were, who you were with, and sometimes even very specific details of the moment like the time of day or the weather conditions. Elk are one of those animals. They are impressive, majestic creatures that can be a lasting memory from a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Part of the allure is their scarcity. Elk were eliminated from North Carolina by the late 1700s due to over-hunting and loss of their habitat. After a 200-year extinction from the area, elk were reintroduced in the Cataloochee Valley of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2001. By almost every measurement, the reintroduction has been very successful and over the years the elk population has grown and migrated beyond the Cataloochee area. The southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a beneficiary of this migration. And while elk sightings become more common with each passing year, seeing them is certainly still a special occasion. At Milepost 458.2, just 11 miles from the southern end of the Parkway, there is a road called the Heintooga Spur Road. This 9-mile paved road travels for 3.5 miles through Blue Ridge Parkway land and then crosses into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At the boundary of the two parks there is a memorial that was created by Masonic orders from around the country. This high elevation road has several overlooks and passes the Smoky’s Balsam Mountain Campground before ending at the Heintooga Ridge Picnic Area. After the picnic area, a one-way seasonal gravel road called the Round Bottom Road (also known as the Balsam Mountain Road) continues for 14 miles further into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park before connecting to Big Cove Road in Cherokee. (Use caution if you choose to take this route. The road can be rough and is not suitable for all vehicles.) Because of its proximity to the Smokies and where the elk relocation started, the Heintooga Spur Road has become a good location to see elk. Parkway wildlife cameras have captured many pictures of elk in the woods adjacent to the road. Well established wildlife game trails (decorated with elk scat!) are common near the road. Mornings and evenings are usually the best times to see elk, but they have been spotted at all hours on the Heintooga Spur Road. Elk are large animals. They weigh between 500-800 pounds and stand up to 5 feet at the shoulder. Their antlers can grow 5 feet wide! They are larger than black bears and can be dangerous. Females with calves have charged people in defense of their young. Males may charge if humans are perceived as a challenge to their territory. Males can be more aggressive during mating season (rut) in the fall. And elk can run up to 45 miles per hour, so you have no chance of outrunning them! To stay safe around elk, keep your distance (at least 50 yards). Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view elk. Stay near the roadside and your vehicle. Never feed elk or any wildlife. Taking these common sense precautions will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience as you travel the Heintooga Spur Road. We hope you are successful in spotting elk, but remember that these are wild animals on their own schedules. For more information about elk, visit <a href="https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/elk.htm">https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/elk.htm</a>. Check our <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm">Road Status and Closures webpage</a> for information before arriving.

Heintooga Ridge Road on the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a good place to spot elk.

Spot an Elk on the Heintooga Spur Road

Animals

Deciduous Forests

Mountains

Scenic Views

Junior Ranger Program

Length of time depends on how many activity sheets you would like to complete during your visit.

color photograph of the junior ranger activity sheets and wooden badge and fabric patch

Blue Ridge Parkway Junior Ranger book

Folders and activity sheets can be picked up at any of our visitor centers. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm">Check out our Visitor Centers page for hours of operation.</a> If you want to have a junior ranger folder and activity sheets before you vist please <a href="mailto:blri_info@nps.gov">email us.</a>

Becoming a Blue Ridge Parkway Junior Ranger is exciting and rewarding! Pick up your Junior Ranger Folder and instructions at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm">any park visitor center</a>. Then travel the parkway to get site-specific activity sheets along your journey. Complete all of the activities on the Junior Ranger Folder and at least three of the activities on one of the site-specific sheets to become a Junior Ranger. With one sheet and the folder completed, you receive a Junior Ranger badge and certificate. With four sheets completed, you receive a patch and if you finish all ten, you earn our special junior ranger pin! If you finish your Junior Ranger activities after leaving the parkway, mail your completed work to the park and we will send you the reward you have earned: Blue Ridge Parkway Jr. Ranger 199 Hemphill Knob Road Asheville, NC, 28803 If you want to have a junior ranger folder and activity sheets before you vist please <a href="mailto:blri_info@nps.gov">email us.</a>

Pets are not allowed inside our visitor centers. Service animals are welcome. Pets must be controlled on a 6-foot leash at all times.

You can pick up a junior ranger fodler and acitivty sheets anytime during regular buisness hours. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm">Check out our Visitor Centers page for hours of operation.</a>

Becoming a Blue Ridge Parkway Junior Ranger is exciting and rewarding! Pick up your Junior Ranger Folder and instructions at any park visitor center. Then travel the parkway to get site-specific activity sheets along your journey.

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm">Check out our Visitor Centers page for hours of operation.</a>

Become a Blue Ridge Parkway Junior Ranger

Engineering

Farming and Agriculture

Forests and Woodlands

Geology

Great Depression

Groundwater

Lakes

Landscape Design

Natural Sounds

River and Riparian

Trails

Roads, Routes and Highways

Tunnels

Watersheds

Stargazing

Depending on your interest and the stargazing conditions, the amount of time you spend can vary greatly.

Night sky with multitude of stars over silhouetted tree topped mountains

Waterrock Knob is an amazing destination. Close to the end of the Parkway, this high elevation retreat hosts a visitor center, restrooms, picnic tables, and a hike to the summit. It has long, expansive views from the large open parking area that sits at almost 6,000 feet. It is far away from big cities and has a remote and quiet feel to it. This remoteness and distance from city lights makes Waterrock Knob an ideal place to stargaze. Stargazing is a fantastic activity that is fun and easy to do. All it really takes is an open patch of sky and your own two eyes. Being up high and away from light helps. Try to pick a clear night to avoid clouds. Stargazing is best around the new moon—when the moon is not visible, you’ll see more stars. Those are the basics. And that might be enough for you. Just looking up at the night sky can be calming and relaxing. It can make us feel connected to things much larger than ourselves as we ponder our place in the universe. If you want to see more, a pair of binoculars or even a telescope will help. Learning the constellations can make stargazing more fun and interesting. A star chart or astronomy app can help you identify what you’re looking at. To find out more about local astronomy events, check with the Astronomy Club of Asheville (<a href="https://www.astroasheville.org/">astroasheville.org</a>) or the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (<a href="https://www.pari.edu/">pari.edu</a>). So pack a lawn chair or a blanket and get up to Waterrock Knob! Don’t forget warm clothes—Waterrock Knob’s high elevation makes for cool evenings even in summer. If you get there for sunset, enjoy the transition to night—it’s like someone has flipped a dimmer switch as the sky darkens and the stars grow brighter and brighter. Enjoy the calm and quiet of the Parkway at night. Stay up past your bedtime. It’s worth it. As the poet Avijeet Das wrote, “Some nights are not meant for sleeping; they are meant for talking to the stars!”

Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet long

Blue Ridge Parkway closures may limit access. Check the road closure map before heading out.

Stargazing on the Blue Ridge Parkway can be an amazing experience. Waterrock Knob at Milepost 451.2 is a great place to enjoy the calm quiet of the night and contemplate the universe as you gaze at the starry sky that surrounds you.

Stargaze at Waterrock Knob

Night Sky

Astronomy

Scenic Driving

While the actual sunrise is relatively short, your drive time to the overlook and the amount of time you choose to stay will vary. And since you are already on the Parkway before the crowds, consider going for a hike right after!

The sun rises above mist filled valleys surrounded by mountains.

Pounding Mill Overlook is approximately an hour's drive south of Asheville, NC on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 413.2.

There are basically two kinds of people in the world—those who get up early to watch sunrises and those who stay comfortably in bed. But there really should be a third kind of person—those who normally don’t, but who will get up to watch a sunrise when they are on vacation. And you should definitely be one of these people when you are visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway! We know, vacations are for rest and relaxation. But vacations are also for doing things that you don’t normally do in places that you might not visit very often. Watching a sunrise on the Parkway might be one of those once-in-a-lifetime unforgettable moments for you. Isn’t that worth missing a little beauty sleep? Of course it is (especially when you consider all the far less worthy reasons you have lost sleep in your life)! So commit to the experience and make Pounding Mill Overlook your destination. Why Pounding Mill Overlook? Well, Pounding Mill is one of the most spectacular overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located approximately 1 hour south of Asheville at Milepost 413.2, it is located on the east side of the road and has long range views in three directions. On clear days, you can see the Pisgah Inn to the north and the iconic Looking Glass Rock to the south. This part of the Parkway is surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, which provides a buffer of undeveloped forest and an expanse of luscious green that spreads out for miles. It’s a wonderful overlook to visit any time, but can be truly magical at sunrise. The colors build and the lighting changes quickly. High clouds and valley fog magnify the vibrant shades. The beauty of the setting and the sounds of nature awakening only enhance this daily natural phenomenon. Preparation is the key to ensuring your sunrise experience is a positive and memorable one. First light generally appears about 30 minutes before the actual sunrise time, so plan your arrival accordingly. Check the weather to make sure things look good. (There are apps for your phone that will predict if sunrise conditions are favorable.) Pack what you need the night before to save time in the morning. Don’t forget warm clothes—Pounding Mill Overlook is at 4,700 feet, so it will be significantly cooler than the valleys below. Most importantly, set a good alarm and rest up for your adventure!

The overlook can be enjoyed year-round, but Parkway road closures due to severe weather can occur even in summer, and may limit access. Check the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm">road closure map</a> before heading out.

Sunrise on the Blue Ridge Parkway can be an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Pounding Mill Overlook at Milepost 413 is a great place to welcome the dawn of a new day and appreciate the natural beauty of this special place.

Although sunrise is an especially wonderful time to visit, the overlook is worthwhile at any time of day!

Watch the Sunrise from Pounding Mill Overlook

Birdwatching

This is a self-guided activity focused on birdwatching, specifically hawk watching with viewing peregrine falcons as the main objective. This southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway encompasses some of the most beautiful scenery of the drive and will reveal expansive views of rolling mountains, towering rock formations, and rich biological diversity. Simply birdwatching at the Devils Courthouse is rewarding, spying a Peregrine falcon would be a rare treat.

Birdwatching is an activity that is available to anyone who wants to try it. It can be a great family activity. Kids who start birdwatching young may continue the hobby into their adult years. Seeking the elusive peregrine falcon and finding it could be just the spark that ignites a child’s passion for the environment.

Driving time to Devils Courthouse varies depending on where you access the Blue Ridge Parkway. Also, there is no predetermined time allotment for how long you must stay at the overlook. Take your time. Watch and listen for birds, then move on at a leisurely pace. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic motor road meant for driving enjoyment. Overlook views are intended to be savored.

Peregrine falcon perched on rocks, blue sky behind

Juvenile Peregrine Falcon

Do not go over the retaining wall at the top of Devil’s Courthouse. It is a peregrine falcon nesting location and they are easily disturbed.   The Blue Ridge Parkway offers many diverse habitats that attract a wide range of bird species. The unique topography along the southern end of the Parkway has geographical features particularly suitable for the magnificent peregrine falcon: isolated towering rocky ledges with widespread views ideal for the nesting sites required for these raptors. Peregrine falcons were on the brink of extinction in the 1970’s due to their limited distribution and the impacts of the pesticide DDT. Thanks to successful captive breeding and release programs, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blri/learn/nature/birds.htm">birds</a> breeding in the area afterward, and birds moving through in migration from parts north, peregrine falcons can be spotted along the Blue Ridge Parkway today.    Peregrine watching takes luck and patience. Spots along the Parkway to watch in the spring and early summer include Grandfather Mountain, Hawksbill Mountain, Looking Glass Rock, Graveyard Fields, and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/waterrock-knob-mp-451-2.htm">Waterrock Knob</a>. But one of the best places to look is <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/devils-courthouse-overlook.htm">Devils Courthouse</a>. Often you will see vultures and other soaring birds here. It is also a great place to birdwatch for high elevation species like winter wren, dark-eyed junco, hermit thrush, veery, Canada warbler, and other neotropical migrants. But keep an eye out for peregrines. Their pointy wings (which all falcons have) are useful in field identification.    In the late summer peregrines from farther north may be migrating through the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor heading south. Peregrines spend winter in the tropics until they return early the next year. At Devils Courthouse, watch for peregrines pursuing smaller birds. They will dive bomb birds from above as they cross the gap in the trees beneath the rock promontory. During migration they do a lot of this type of hunting, taking medium-sized birds like northern flicker, mourning dove, blue jay, American robin, wood thrush and others. Peregrines follow the long ridge lines in the Blue Ridge Mountains as they are helped along by wind, updrafts, and thermals as they migrate, fly, and hunt. Viewing of the falcons is best from the parking lot.    Peregrine falcons return to the Blue Ridge Parkway in the early spring. Most nesting occurs from March until early June. They typically sit on four eggs for about four weeks. After hatching, it takes about forty days for the chicks to fledge. The parents will still feed the fledglings as they learn to fly and hunt on their own. If the birds are late nesters there can be activity into late summer.    While courtship flights occur, a disruption in egg-laying, incubation, or hatching exists at DCH. Devils Courthouse was a known nest site from 2000–2007 and then again in 2016. No additional nests have been successful. Lack of nesting success may be attributed to increased visitor traffic climbing over the rock retaining walls at the top of the Devils Courthouse, which brings humans too close to the peregrine falcon nest site, and from other forms of harassment, including noise/music, drones, and rock throwing. Though no longer federally listed, successful peregrine fledglings have not returned to the numbers desired for this site.

Pets are required to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Ordinarily you will not see birdwatchers with their pets along. Birdwatching takes time and patience, which leaves your pet waiting for long periods. Please take this into consideration.

Peregrine falcon, once near extinction, now can be viewed in the skies over the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Peregrine falcons use the heating of the day to fly using thermals. Mid-morning until mid-afternoon are good times to see them soaring. In the evening they will go back to their roost, so watching the rock cliff or rock face in late afternoon can also help with viewing.

Watch Peregrine Falcons at Devils Courthouse

Birds

Watching the hawk migration is a self-guided activity. Binoculars, identification books, and chairs are optional for a casual stop and highly recommended for a longer stay. Visitors planning to observe for extended periods of time are strongly encouraged to use sun protection and stay hydrated.

Very young children may not want to stay still for long stretches of hawk observation. Visitors should use their best judgement for individual children.

Once at the Mills River Overlook, visitors may stay for as little or long as they wish.

A woman using binoculars looks up in the sky

Bird Watching

Birds of prey, or raptors, are an awe-inspiring sight year round. But when they gather in the dozens or hundreds to migrate, hawks and other raptors can turn an ordinary fall day into the bird watching experience of a lifetime. The fall color change isn’t the only epic autumn activity that nature has to offer on the Blue Ridge Parkway. September through October is hopping with hawks and other migrating birds of prey like falcons, eagles, and vultures. Why? They are heading south for the winter where food is more abundant. Visitors can see these raptors “kettle”, which means they will soar in slow, skyward circles. The birds are catching a lift on “thermals”. When hot air rises from the ground in columns, a smart hawk will stretch its wings and use the thermal like an elevator to gain height before continuing its journey. It’s a truly wild sight, and the Mills River Overlook is one of the better places on the Parkway to get a glimpse. Watching for raptors in the fall can be both relaxing and exciting at the same time. Imagine a clear, slightly chilly mid-morning. The view from the overlook is peaceful, until a sudden shriek comes from high overhead. Turning, a group of hawks can be seen wheeling upwards, riding the rising air. As they turn out to continue their flight south, other birds are joining them. It certainly beats the fall color for action!

Pets must always be on a leash no longer than 6 feet while visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The best time of year to observe migrating hawks on the Parkway tends to be the last two weeks in September and the first week in October. Raptors may certainly be seen before or after that time frame, but those three weeks are usually when there is the most activity.

The raptors are coming! And they’ve got the “kettle” on!

Unlike other types of bird and wildlife watching, early in the morning is not the best time to view raptors. They need some time for the day to warm up so they can ride those thermals. Mid-morning through mid- to late afternoon tends to be the best time to see them.

Watch for Hawks at the Mills River Overlook

Migrations

Just like the Overmountain Men working together along the trail, we encourage cooperation in completing the activities in this book as some younger children may find some of the work challenging.

The cover of a book showing people crossing a river

Overmountain Victory NHT Junior Ranger!

The Junior Ranger Program for Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail encourages you to get out and explore! This trail was the primary route used during the American Revolution by patriots from across the frontier to reach the key patriot victory of the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780. The trail today consists of a 330-mile Commemorative Motor Route, an extensive network of disconnected hiking trails, and great site partners throughout Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.  Use this free <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/upload/OVVI-Junior-Ranger-Booklet.pdf">Junior Ranger book</a> while visiting one of the partner sites, walking along one of the trails, or driving along the motor route.  Once completed, there are three ways to submit the book for the badge! 1. Submit the book at one of our participating site partners. 2. Mail the book to our headquarters at 338 New Pleasant Road, Gaffney, SC 29341. 3. Email us scans or images of the completed book at ovvi_information@nps.gov. While exploring the trail at our partner sites, don't forget to ask if they also have a Junior Ranger or similar program that you can complete for additional prizes!

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Junior Ranger booklet and directions.

OVVI Junior Ranger

American Revolution

Colonization and Settlement

Explorers and Expeditions

Foothills, Plains and Valleys

Military

Battlefields

Infantry and Militia

Schools and Education

Wars and Conflicts

American Revolutionary War

Colonial/European Contact Conflicts

A black bear sitting on boulders surrounded by small, yellow wildflowers and green vegetation

Seeing a black bear is an exciting highlight to any visit to a national park. But did you know that YOUR actions can have a direct and lasting impact on the health and behavior of one of these magnificent animals?  <h3>A Fed Bear Is A Dead Bear!</h3> A bear's keen sense of smell leads it to insects, nuts and berries, but the animal is also enticed by the tantalizing smells of human food and garbage such as hot dogs, apple cores, and cookies left on the ground in picnic areas, campgrounds, and along trails. Feeding bears or allowing them access to human food and garbage causes a number of problems: <ul> <li>It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous.</li> <li>Bears that obtain human food and garbage may damage property and injure people. These bears pose a risk to public safety. Often, they must be euthanized.</li> <li>Studies have shown that bears that lose their fear of people by obtaining human food and garbage never live as long as bears that feed on natural foods and are shy and afraid of people. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers.</li> </ul> For these reasons, park rangers issue citations for littering, feeding bears, and for improper food storage. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months.  <h3>The Biggest Threat to Bears is YOU!</h3> How you behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. Bears that cause property damage or injure humans may have to be euthanized. Please resist the temptation to feed bears. Remember, a fed bear is a dead bear! If you are careless with your food or litter, or intentionally allow a bear to get too close to you to snap a photo, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! <h3>What Can You Do To Protect Bears?</h3> <ul> <li>Do not feed bears or other wildlife.</li> <li>Do not approach within 50 yards or any distance that disturbs a bear.</li> <li>Store all food items. All food, coolers, utensils, cook stoves and other food items must be stored out of sight in a closed vehicle. Never leave food or coolers unattended (even for a minute!) </li> <li>Keep your area clean. Pick up food scraps and dispose of all garbage, including fruit rinds and cores, in a secure trash can or dumpster. Close the lid after depositing your trash. Do not place trash outside of an overflowing dumpster or trash can. </li> <li>Report bear incidents. If you see another visitor breaking these rules, or encounter a bear in a picnic area or campground, or in any other developed area, please call (828) 298-2491 or stop at a Visitor Center to report it. </li> </ul>   <h3>What Do I Do If I See A Bear?</h3> Black bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution:  <ul> <li>Remain watchful.</li> <li>Do not approach a bear. And do not allow it to approach you.</li> <li> If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) you are too close. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The bear is demanding more space. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Increase the distance between you and the bear. The bear will probably do the same. </li> </ul> If a bear persistently follows or approaches you, without vocalizing, or paw swatting: <ul> <li>Change your direction. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground.</li> <li>Act aggressively to intimidate the bear. Talk loudly or shout at it. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. Use a deterrent such as a stout stick. Act together as a group if you have companions. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground).</li> <li>Don't run and don't turn away from the bear.</li> <li> Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. </li> </ul> If the bear's behavior indicates that it is after your food and you are physically attacked: <ul> <li> Separate yourself from the food and slowly back away. </li> </ul> If the bear shows no interest in your food and you are physically attacked, the bear may consider you as prey: <ul> <li>Fight back aggressively with any available object!</li> <li> Do not play dead! </li> </ul> Help protect others, report all bear incidents to a park ranger immediately. Above all, keep your distance from bears!

Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6' in length.

Your actions while visiting the parkway can have a direct and lasting impact on a black bear. Discover how YOU can save a bear's life!

Save A Bear's Life

A hawk perched on the branch of a tree in a spring forest

Hawk Watch at Harveys Knob

Every autumn, thousands of raptors ride the thermal updrafts of the Blue Ridge Mountains on their way to wintering grounds. It is one of the most significant annual bird migrations and can be experienced from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Be warned, hawk watching can grow into an addictive activity similar to treasure hunting. Observers scan the skies for birds, race other birders to identify the species, and enjoy watching the behaviors and interactions of these magnificent migrants. Parkway overlooks on top of the ridges provide close-up viewing of many species including eagles, hawks, falcons, accipiters, osprey, and vultures. Harvey’s Knob Overlook at milepost 95.3 is a designated location for the area’s annual count. There are many ways to participate in the “Hawk Watch.” You can join the other birders on a whim, or you can prepare in advance to make a day (or week) of it. You may wish to research online which weeks of the year historically have the greatest diversity of species passing by a particular location OR which week(s) have the highest numbers of a particular species passes by OR which week has the highest total number of birds on the move. Search the web for hawk watch data to help plan the timing your visit. <ul> </ul> Research information available from other organizations about hawk migrations: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.hmana.org/">Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA)</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?r=on&rsite=482&go=Go+To+Hawkwatch+Profile">Harvey’s Knob Historical Count Data</a> (2005 to present) </li> <li><a href="http://www.hmana.org/hawk-id-materials/">Downloadable Raptor Identification Materials (HMANA)</a></li> <li><a href="http://roanokevalleybirdclub.com/Hawk%20watch.htm">Roanoke Valley Bird Club</a> (citizen scientist observers)</li> </ul> Some items to bring along for your hawk watching adventure: <ul> <li>Binoculars and/or spotting scope</li> <li>Bird identification guide(s)</li> <li>Sturdy chair(s)</li> <li>Food and beverage</li> <li>Appropriate clothing and weather gear</li> <li>Notepad and pencil to record observations</li> <li>Camera with zoom/telephoto lens</li> </ul>

Every autumn, thousands of raptors ride the thermal updrafts of the Blue Ridge Mountains on their way to wintering grounds. You can watch the graceful flights of these soaring birds from Harveys Knob Overlook.

Take a scenic drive and experience one of the moutain gaps which provided important routes for crossing the mountains.

View of the parkway at Adney Gap. Sign reads, Adney Gap ELEV. 2960 ft. Crest of the Blue Ridge

Adney Gap

Take a scenic drive through Adney Gap around milepost 136 and experience one of the many mountain gaps that provided an important early tool in traversing the surrounding hills and mountains. Thomas Adney, the gap’s namesake, came to America in the 1760s and eventually settled in what was then Franklin County after the Revolution. In 1798, he purchased the land that would be later called Adney Gap and lived there for the remainder of his life. The elevation at the gap is 2664ft and the peaks of the nearby mountains reach around 3320ft and 3360ft. The 8.3 mile stretch going South between Adney Gap and Pine Spur Gap was one of the first sections of the Parkway constructed. Adney Gap connects to US-221, going north on this road will take you down Bent Mountain and into the city of Roanoke, going south you will pass through several small communities on the way to Floyd.

Pets should be kept on a 6 foot leash while in the park.

Take a scenic drive through Adney Gap around milepost 136 and experience one of the many mountain gaps that provided an important early tool in traversing the surrounding hills and mountains. 

Visit Adney Gap

Take a scenic drive through a historic mountain gap.

A view of Tuggle Gap with a sign reading "Tuggle Gap, Elev 2752, Crest of the Blue Ridge".

Tuggle Gap

Traveling South on the Parkway towards the access point, the road on both sides has a small maintained grassy with trees beyond it. The turn off to Route 8 will be to the left. At the bottom of the ramp turn left for Stuart, and right for Floyd.

Many roadways in mountainous areas pass through gaps. These areas of lower elevation between the hills usually made travel easier than having to climb over or even circle mountains. Around milepost 165, the Parkway crosses through an area known as Tuggle’s Gap. Not much is known about Mr. Tuggle. It is believed that he was a reverend that came to this area before the Revolutionary War and built his home at the bottom of the mountains.  There is an access point to the parkway here from Route 8. Traveling north will take you into Floyd, traveling south you will go towards Woolwine and Stuart. If you are interested in primitive camping or hiking the Rock Castle Gorge Trail, head south for about 3.5 miles and turn onto Rte 605. Campground reservations will need to be made in advance or at the Rocky Knob Campground at milepost 176.

Pets must be kept on a 6-foot leash while in the park.

Take a scenic drive through Tuggle Gap to experience one of the gaps which provided early travelers passage through the mountains.

Visit Tuggle Gap

Mountains rise in the distance past a mixed deciduous/evergreen forest as seen from Mahogany Rock.

Mahogany Rock Overlook

Mahogany Rock Overlook is located on the right side of the road at milepost 235. The loop drive dips down to a parking loop where a picnic table and trashcan are located. The overlook trees have gotten tall, but the tips of mountains can still be seen in the distance. As visitors loop back towards the Parkway the small green hill to the right is used by birders during the fall. On a clear day birds can be seen using the mountains as habitat and aids in migration.

Visit the Mahogany Rock Overlook for soaring views of Buck Mountain, Doughton Mountain, and Cheek Mountain among others.  In the fall visitors are treated to the sight of thousands of hawks and diurnal predatory birds as they use the surrounding mountains and hills as navigation aids in their migration. Watch as these birds ride the air currents created by the mountains, known as thermals and updrafts. Local birders track, count, and watch hawks from August to early November. Species you may encounter include Osprey, American Kestrels, Red-tail, and other broad-winged hawks. Just below the parking area there is a picnic table and trashcan available for public use.

Pets must be kept on a six foot lead while in the park.

Visit the Mahogany Rock Overlook for soaring views of Buck Mountain, Doughton Mountain, and Cheek Mountain among others. In the fall visitors are treated to spectacular views of migrating raptors.

Hiking

The Gully Creek Trail is a 2.5-mile strenuous loop hike that follows cascades of water and beautiful woodland scenery.

Gully Creek cascades down a series of large rocks flanked by foliage.

Gully Creek Waterfall

The Cumberland Knob picnic area was the 1st recreation area created on the Parkway. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and finished in 1937, this site has served several different uses over the years. Currently, the area is a spacious place to picnic, hike, and rest during your parkway adventure.

The Gully Creek Trail is a 2.5-mile strenuous loop hike that follows cascades of water and beautiful woodland scenery. Hikers should expect to spend 2-2.5 hours on the trail and experience a change in elevation from a low of 1,996 feet to a high of 2,751 feet. The hike begins at the Cumberland Knob Picnic Area, the parkway’s first concessionaire and visitor center which features bathroom facilities and a shelter for inclement weather. This hike showcases several small to medium cascading waterfalls alongside towering trees. Expect 7 or more water crossings, depending on weather. Be advised that the trail is narrow in places and may require strategic foot work to traverse. When hiking counterclockwise be prepared for several switchbacks at the end. While there are no long-range views, this hike offers rewarding micro-views. Flowers, fungi, and more can be seen growing throughout the seasons on this trail. To help plan your trip consult the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/cumberland-knob-trail.htm">Cumberland Knob Recreation Area map</a>.

Dogs are allowed if on a 6 foot leash for the duration of the hike.

While this hike is challenging, the trek is very rewarding for the seasoned hiker. The small cascades are pure magic!

Hike the Gully Creek Trail Loop

Waterfalls

Road Biking

Two bicyclists sit on a stone wall near their bikes. Forest and mountains in background.

Biking the Parkway

Bicycles, including mountain bikes and e-bikes, may be ridden on paved road surfaces and in parking areas. Bikes may NOT be ridden on trails or walkways.

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers 469 miles of picturesque road cycling though the Virginia and North Carolina mountains. Along the route, elevations range from 649 to 6,047 feet. The parkway was designed as a scenic leisure road for motor vehicles, and does not have designated bike lanes, so cyclists need to use extreme caution and be prepared for: <ul> <li> changing weather conditions, regardless of the season  </li> <li> long distances between developed areas  </li> <li> camping, lodging and other services that close seasonally   </li> </ul> <h3>Bicycling Regulations</h3> <ul> <li>Bicycle riders must comply with all applicable state and federal motor vehicle regulations.</li> <li>Bicycles, including mountain bikes and e-bikes, may be ridden only on paved road surfaces and parking areas. They are prohibited on trails or walkways.</li> <li>Bicycle speed must be reasonable for control with regard to traffic, weather, road and light conditions.</li> <li>Bicycle operators must exhibit a white light or reflector visible at least 500 feet to the front and a red light or reflector visible at least 200 feet to the rear during periods of low visibility, between the hours of sunset and sunrise, or while traveling through a tunnel. </li> <li>Bicycles must be ridden single file and well to the right-hand side of the road, except when passing or turning left.</li> <li>E-bikes may be ridden in areas where traditional (non-motorized) bicycles are allowed. The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.).</li> <li> You may ride and walk on closed portions on the parkway when the gates are closed due to inclement weather, but use extreme caution, as there may be debris, ice or snow on the road, and patrols are less frequent. If a section is closed for construction, it is closed to all traffic, including bicycles and pedestrians.   </li> </ul> <h3>For Safe Bicycling</h3> <ul> <li>Wear a bicycle helmet. North Carolina law requires it for persons 16 and under and many Virginia counties do as well, but it’s the safe thing to do regardless of your age.</li> <li>Be sure your bicycle is in good condition. Carry a spare tube and tools for minor repairs.</li> <li>Wear high visibility clothing. It sets you apart from the scenery and makes you more visible to motorists.</li> <li>Avoid the parkway during periods of low visibility. Fog and rain may occur unpredictably. Reschedule your trip for better weather or follow lower elevation routes until weather conditions improve.</li> <li>Temperatures vary greatly along the parkway. Wear your clothing in layers.</li> <li>Carry plenty of water and high energy foods. Safe drinking water is available on a seasonal basis in picnic areas, campgrounds, concession operations, and visitor centers. Water from streams and springs is unsafe for drinking unless you purify it.</li> <li>Make an honest evaluation of your abilities before beginning a bicycle trip on the parkway. In some sections, you will climb over one thousand feet in just a few miles.</li> <li>When cycling in a group, adjust your spacing to allow motor vehicles to pass safely.</li> <li>Exercise caution whe riding through tunnels. There are 25 tunnels in North Carolina and 1 tunnel in Virginia. </li> <li>Carry a first aid kit.</li> <li> Carry some form of identification with you. </li> </ul> <h3>Planning Extended Trips</h3> <ul> <li>To assist in planning your trip, consult the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/maps.htm">parkway map</a> and <a href="http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=73">Blue Ridge Parkway Directory & Travel Planner</a>.</li> <li>Some parkway campgrounds and services are located too far apart for convenient cycling.</li> <li>Camping is permitted only at established campgrounds. In some areas, U.S. Forest Service, State Park, and private campgrounds are within easy distance of the parkway. However, many operate on a seasonal basis.</li> <li>Food and lodging services are also available along and adjacent to the parkway. Most operate seasonally.</li> <li>To assist in planning your trip, consult the parkway map and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/bicycling-the-parkway.htm">major uphill climbs charts</a>.</li> <li>Contact a Ranger before leaving a motor vehicle parked overnight on the parkway.</li> </ul>

Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6' in length.

Bicycling can be enjoyed in spring, summer, and fall. During the winter months, portions of the parkway are often closed due to ice on the roadway.

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers 469 miles of picturesque road cycling though the Virginia and North Carolina mountains.

Bicycle the Blue Ridge Parkway

Watch a sunrise; enjoy an expansive view; ponder the past; observe migrating raptors in the fall.

Image of a colorful sunrise viewed from Afton Overlook. Low clouds hang over the valley below.

Sunrise at Afton Overlook

Scenic overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway with parking available.

The Afton overlook provides visitors with magnificent views of the valley 1,000 feet below and east to the mountains beyond. Perhaps the most spectacular views occur at dawn when the rising sun sends ribbons of color streaming across the morning sky. Located just 0.2 miles from the beginning of the parkway, the overlook is named after the small town of Afton situated in the valley below. Once a prized destination for tourists seeking to escape the crowded cities and enjoy the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Afton is now the site of the western trailhead of the Blue Ridge Tunnel, a former railroad tunnel converted into a pedestrian trail. Hiking through the tunnel is a truly unique hiking experience!

In the event of a winter weather-related road closure visitors may still access the overlook by walking the 0.2 miles from the closed entry gates.

The Afton Overlook provides an excellent introduction to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The view is spectacular at any time, but the colorful skies produced at sunrise can be truly breathtaking. And remember: No two sunrises are the same. So if you can, plan a few return visits to this unique overlook.

While visitors should arrive at dawn to view the sunrise, the overlook can be enjoyed any time of day. The Afton Mountain Overlook (Milepost 0.2), the Rockfish Valley Overlook (Milepost 2.9) and the Shenandoah Valley Overlook (Milepost 2.9), and several additional overlooks located further south along the Parkway are closed to overnight use.

Enjoy Sunrise at the Afton Overlook

Freshwater Fishing

Water in a woodland creek weaves between boulders and down a small cascade

Boone Fork Creek

A mountaintop park may seem an unlikely place to fish, but just the opposite is true. The Blue Ridge Parkway protects over 100 miles of streams, many of them small, spring-fed watercourses that rise along the spine of the Blue Ridge. In addition, parkway planners designed 13 artificial lakes along the scenic route to enhance the natural beauty of the drive. These streams and lakes hold a special interest for anglers wishing pit their skills against native or stocked fish in a mountain environment. For additional information on fishing and site specific stream information, please visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blri/learn/management/compendium-cfr-2-3.htm">Superintendent's Compendium</a> <h3>Licenses and Regulations </h3> Fishing is permitted in parkway waters with a valid state fishing license from either North Carolina or Virginia. No special trout stamp or license is needed and persons under age 16 can fish without a license when accompanied by an adult. Only single hook, artificial lures may be used. No fish eggs, minnows or amphibians are allowed. Fishing is not permitted from footbridges, dams or adjacent walls. In trout waters, regulations are posted at the stream bank and are in effect for that stream only. On all parkway waters, fishing is allowed from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Digging for bait on parkway land is not allowed. Be aware that many streams meander onto U.S. Forest Service or private land and regulations will vary as the jurisdiction changes. <h3>Catch and Release: “Your Future & Theirs”</h3> “Catch and release” fishing is growing in popularity around the world among environmentally sensitive fishermen. The thrill of landing a beautiful fish and releasing it to its native habitat is a rewarding feeling for many anglers. Barbless hooks and minimal handling help ensure that the fish will survive a catch and live to reproduce or provide sport for another day. A photograph of your catch can be just as rewarding as “taking home the kill.”  Although the law does not require “catch and release” on all streams, the habit is one that will ensure healthy populations of species for future generations. <h3>Species of Fish Found in Parkway Streams and Lakes</h3> Most of the lakes on the Blue Ridge Parkway support warm water species such as bass, bream, or bluegill. In parkway streams, a variety of species of trout may be found: <ul> <li>Brown trout have been stocked in eastern streams since the late nineteenth century. These golden colored trout are not native to the Appalachian mountains.</li> <li>Rainbow trout have been stocked in eastern streams as sport fish as well. These beautiful fish with the pink stripe down the side are originally native to the western United States.</li> <li>Brook trout are the only native trout in the southern Appalachians. This small fish with beautiful orange and red markings has survived many changes in its habitat during the centuries that humans have occupied the Blue Ridge. Catching a “Brookie” is an experience that most anglers remember for a lifetime. </li> </ul>

Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6' in lenght

A mountaintop park may seem an unlikely place to fish, but just the opposite is true. The parkway protects over 100 miles of streams, many of them small, spring-fed watercourses that rise along the spine of the Blue Ridge. In addition, there are13 artificial lakes along the parkway.

Fishing is allowed from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.

Go Fishing in the Mountains

Fish

During the hike, there are opportunities to look for wildlife, bird watch, identify wildflowers, take photos, and have a picnic.

It’s not a matter of age. It’s a matter of physical ability, mobility, and fitness. We see people of all ages heading up the trail, and parents of little ones strapping on backpack carriers.

Hiking the trail round trip will take everyone a varying amount of time depending on their fitness level, how frequently they stop along the way, and how long they spend at the overlook. There is a picnic table available at the end of the parking lot and a large grassy area where visitors can spread a blanket to picnic, if they’d like. The drive time from Waynesville is about 30 minutes. Driving from the Asheville area is about an hour. Consider taking your time, stopping along the way, enjoying a picnic at Devils Courthouse or at another picnic area along the Parkway. Pisgah and Waterrock Knob both have picnic facilities available.

A rocky outcrop looks out over green layered mountains and white clouds

Devils Courthouse

The Devils Courthouse Trail is a great hike for the entire family. Children and family members with a reasonable amount of physical fitness can enjoy the walk to the overlook. Once you’re at the top, look down at the parking lot and take pride in how far you’ve hiked. Enjoy the sweeping views in every direction. From this vantage point you can see into three other states—South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. The paved trail starts from the Devils Courthouse Overlook at Milepost 422 on the Parkway. The climb up the moderate to strenuous trail is worth the view from the overlook at the top. The first portion of the trail is paved.  The hike is only 0.5 miles to the top, but it's a steep climb. There are places to stop and rest along the way. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a light jacket. It can be windy up top. The surrounding red spruce and Fraser fir forest is a unique ecosystem that is a relic from the last ice age dating back over 10,000 years ago. Glaciers didn't come this far south, but temperatures were cooler. Species that could tolerate and thrive in cold temperatures survived farther south than they typically do now. Tiny fragments of these forests remain today on high mountain peaks due to their cooler and moister environments. Hiking the trail at Devils Courthouse is like hiking in the boreal forests of Canada. Toward the end of the trail, a connector trail to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail breaks off to the left. To continue to the overlook, keep right. At the top, the forest gives way to a rocky outcrop and the overlook at the very top. On a clear day, this viewpoint allows a panoramic vista of the surrounding mountains and the valley below Devils Courthouse. It is a great place to look for soaring birds like hawks, vultures, and eagles. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/watch-peregrine-falcons-at-devils-courthouse.htm">Peregrine falcons</a> have nested on the rock face below, however not for several years. Biologists believe visitors climbing over the barrier walls at the overlook may have unwittingly interfered with these threatened bird’s fragile nesting habitat. Please remain behind the overlook walls.

Pets are allowed on leashes no longer than 6 feet long.

The Parkway is often closed at high elevations in the winter. Check before you head out to make sure the road is open.

Make the steep 0.5 mile climb to the top of Devils Courthouse for one of the most fantastic views on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy breath-taking, panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below from one of the most unique vantage points on the Parkway.

Hike the Devils Courthouse Trail

Glaciers

Enjoy the rhododendron blooms in late spring/early summer by exploring Craggy Gardens via the park visitor center, overlooks, picnic area, and nature trail.

Craggy Gardens is located 20 miles north of the Asheville. The Craggy Gardens Trail to the meadow garden area is less than one mile and typically takes less than one hour to hike. But you could make several stops in the Craggy Gardens area to see rhododendron and take photos. The length of time will vary based on how long your linger at various spots.

Pink flower blooms on green shrubs with mountains in the background

Craggy Rhododendron

Blooming rhododendron can be seen throughout the entire Craggy Gardens area. To access the Craggy Gardens Trail for a rhododendron hike, start at the visitor center. The trail begins on the southern end of the parking lot behind the rock wall.

Western North Carolina has more vascular plant diversity than all of Europe, and the Parkway’s elevation changes, high rainfall, and rich soil make it an ideal environment for plants and wildflowers, including a rare, high elevation forest that explodes with bountiful bursts of pink, purple, and white rhododendron each summer. One of the best—and most accessible—ways to enjoy these colorful blooms is by visiting Craggy Gardens. Enjoy the view as you drive to Craggy Gardens. At 5,500 feet in elevation, the vistas are spectacular on clear days. Look for blooms along the Parkway, at the picnic area, and around the visitor center. Stop in the visitor center to view the natural history exhibits and maybe buy a souvenir of your visit. For an up close view of the rhododendron, follow the self-guided Craggy Gardens Trail from the southern end of the visitor center parking lot. You’ll hike through a stunted mixed-hardwood forest of mountain ash, birch, and beech before passing through a dense thicket of rhododendron and heath plants. This moderate uphill climb ends at a rustic <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/craggy-gardens-ccc-shelter.htm">trail shelter</a> after 0.3 miles. To enjoy the “gardens,” take the short spur trail to the left of the shelter. Soon, you’ll reach the top of a high-elevation meadow, where you’ll find unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and adjacent Pisgah National Forest. Rhododendron bushes are abundant in the meadow. The Catawba rhododendron is a medium-sized shrub with dark, waxy leaves and pink or purple flowers. Their blooms usually peak from early to mid-June, depending on environmental factors such as rainfall, wind, and temperature. Please help protect these special resources by staying on designated trails. The high-elevation forest of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a special ecosystem that supports the survival of many unique and endemic species, including the Catawba rhododendron. A native of the eastern United States, this evergreen shrub grows above 3,000 feet on rocky, exposed ridges. The colorful blooms signal the onset of summer in the Appalachian Mountains.

Pets must be on a leash less than 6 feet long.

The Catawba rhododendrons at Craggy Gardens typically bloom in early to mid-June. But rhododendrons and related species like mountain laurel can be seen in other areas of the Parkway through late July.

Colorful rhododendron blossoms put on a show each summer along the Blue Ridge Parkway and one of the best places to see these high-elevation flowers is at Craggy Gardens.

See the Rhododendrons Bloom at Craggy Gardens

Unique Species

Stop at the Cherry Cove Overlook to read about the journey of this tenacious insect and take a few moments to look for them among the goldenrod and asters lining the area.

The monarch butterflies typically migrate through the area in September and October. One can spend a few moments looking for them or bring a picnic and a camera to relax here at the lookout for hours. 

Scenic overlook with parking area and wayside highlighting monarch butterly migration.  

Monarchs butterflies are the only butterflies that migrate. On their southward flight in in the autumn, large numbers cross the mountains at several points in this area. These long-distance travelers are often seen in September and October along the high elevation meadows of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Look for the jewel tones of these little beauties among the fall wildflowers, and drifting on invisible wind currents high above you, as the insects pass through this area on their seasonal migration. The Cherry Cove Overlook is a favorite spot for monarch-spotting. Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) know a little bit about traveling. In about a year's time and over four generations, monarchs journey from their overwintering grounds in Mexico to the northeast United States and back! With a lifespan of only two to six weeks, each monarch in the first three generations completes its leg of the long journey northward, mates and lays eggs on its favorite plant: milkweed (Asclepias species). It is then up to the next generation to continue the trek. The fourth generation of monarchs lives longer than the previous three—up to nine months. But his generation has the unenviable task of flying the entire distance back to Mexico where they will spend the winter!  For more information on the monarch's journey, visit the National Park Service's <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/pollinators/migratingmonarchs.htm">Monarch Butterfly page</a>.

Pets are allowed on the parkway. Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash or in a vehicle at all times. 

One can enjoy the Cherry Cove Overlook any time of year as long as the road is not closed due to severe weather (typically in winter). The monarch migration through this area is usually in September and October. 

Among the fall wildflowers, and drifting on invisible wind currents high above you, look for the jewel tones of monarch butterflies as the insects pass through the parkway's high elevations on their seasonal migration.

Blue Ridge

Overview

Hours

Fees & Passes

Map

Things To Do

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Spot an Elk on the Heintooga Spur Road

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Become a Blue Ridge Parkway Junior Ranger

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Stargaze at Waterrock Knob

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Watch the Sunrise from Pounding Mill Overlook

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Watch Peregrine Falcons at Devils Courthouse

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Watch for Hawks at the Mills River Overlook

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