The Picnic Guide of Virginia
Blue Ridge Parkway National Park
Map 5

Rocky Knob offers many opportunities for visitors including hiking, camping, picnicking, and a visit to the most photographed structure along the Parkway, Mabry Mill. Three large picnic areas, lengthy hikes into Rockcastle Gorge, and the wonderful agricultural scenes along the roadway make this a truly unique portion of the Parkway.

Mabry Mill was a community center for the Meadows of Dan area when it operated as a gristmill and sawmill. Today, the area becomes another kind of community gathering place each Sunday afternoon during the summer as musicians and dancers gather. 

Table of Contents

• Activities

• Nature

• Discover History

Detail Maps and Information

• Virginia

  • Map 1

  • Map 2

  • Map 3

  • Map 4

  • Map 5

    • Milepost 154.5

    • Milepost 167

    • Milepost 176.1

  • Map 6

  • Map 7

• North Carolina

  • Map 8

  • Map 9

  • Map 10

  • Map 11

  • Map 12

  • Map 13

  • Map 14

Join in, or sit back and enjoy! The Rocky Knob Cabins, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, offer the only cabins for rent on the length of the Parkway.

You will find 500 acres, hiking trails, large picnic grounds, comfort stations, drinking water. The cabin home of T.T. Trail is picturesque.

The area covers 4,800 acres. You find picnic area, comfort stations, campground, visitor center (Milepost 169). There are 15 miles of trails including Rock Castle Gorge National Recreational Trail. Alt. 3,572

Most photographed site in the National Park System. Self-guiding features are a restored working mill and exhibits on rural life in Appalachia, restaurant, seasonal demonstrations.

The largest of the original six state parks that opened on June 15, 1936, is home to the mysterious "fairy stones." The park's cross-shaped, namesake stone is prevalent in the region, which also features beautiful scenery, rich history and ample recreational opportunities that make Fairy Stone a favorite. The park's land was donated in 1933 by Junius B. Fishburn, former president of the Southwest Virginia Trust Co. and former owner of the Roanoke Times. The park is 4,868 acres, making it the largest of the six original parks and one of the largest to this day. The park, its lake and many structures still in use were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Picnicking: Picnic areas include drinking water and restroom facilities. Picnic shelters are available for rent by calling the Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK. When not reserved, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Adjacent to the beach is a playground for small children. Parking and swimming fees are not included in shelter rental.