The Blue Ridge Parkway is a uniquely motorized experience, so there’s no surprise that the classic Parkway visit is a day trip that includes a roadside picnic. Fourteen major picnic areas line the route, often situated by scenic streams and lofty vantage points.
Groundhog Mountain Picnic Area, Blue Ridge Parkway / NPS file
Parkway picnic areas can have restrooms, grills or fireplaces, water fountains, picnic shelters, and refuse disposal/recycling facilities. Larger sites accommodate groups (many mountain families, churches, and civic groups target the nearby Parkway for gatherings). Nevertheless, the picnic areas often have single tables situated off alone. Overlooks, parking areas, and some trailheads also feature tables, so be on the lookout. And some folks just pull off the road onto a grassy shoulder and throw a blanket by the car in the shade (this is permitted, just don't park where you'll damage the roadside).
Here are the major picnic areas
Humpback Rocks Picnic Area (Milepost 8.5; 91 sites) — This picnic area’s sites and restrooms overview the eastern side of the Blue Ridge.
James River Overlook (Milepost 63.6; 10 sites) — Tables, restrooms, and a visitor center sit beside the expansive James River as if flows through the Blue Ridge.
Peaks of Otter Picnic Area (Milepost 86; 58 sites) — These picnic sites and restrooms sit on the flank of Flat Top Mountain below Lake Abbott.
Smart View Picnic Area (Milepost 154.5; 72 sites) — Encircled by a trail, this picnic area has 42 sites, restrooms, and a picnic shelter.
Rocky Knob Picnic Area (Milepost 169; 26 sites) — Located near the park’s contact station, in addition to the sites, there are restrooms, and a picnic shelter.
Groundhog Mountain Picnic Area (Milepost 188; 33 sites) — Besides picnic sites and restrooms, there’s a great view from an observation tower and an exhibit on the various rail fences favored by mountain farmers.
Doughton Park Picnic Area (Milepost 241.1;30 sites) — These picnic sites sprawl east of the Parkway overlooking Bluffs Lodge. From the end loop, a short meadow walk and left on the Bluff Ridge Trail leads to a log cabin picnic shelter with fine views.
Jeffress Park (Milepost 271.9; 30 sites) — Great valley views, restrooms, and picnic tables flank the Cascades Parking Overlook, the start of a wonderful, 1.2-mile waterfall walk.
Julian Price Park Picnic Area (Milepost 296.4; 100 sites) — Located between Price Lake and Price Campground, these picnic sites and restrooms line a meandering stream at the start of the strenuous 4.9-mile Boone Fork Trail loop.
Linville River Picnic Area (Milepost 316.5; 100 sites) — These picnic sites and restrooms lie along the banks of the Linville River as it courses toward Linville Falls.
Crabtree Meadows Picnic Area (Milepost 339.5; 82 sites) — South of Crabtree Meadows Campground, the picnic area’s sites overlook an airy vista east of the Parkway. There are also restrooms available.
Craggy Gardens Picnic Area (Milepost 367.6; 86 sites) — Just off the Parkway in Bear Pen Gap, Craggy Gardens’ sites are cool and breezy at 5,220 ft (1,591 m). Take the Craggy Gardens Trail and it quickly leads to a kiosk lunch site and on to meadow views from a classic, recently restored picnic shelter originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Mount Pisgah Picnic Area (Milepost 407.8; 50 sites) — On the west side of the Parkway, Mount Pisgah's sites have bear-proof trashcans, restrooms, and a .5-mile link to the Mt. Pisgah Trail (which creates a 3.6-mile strenuous roundtrip hike to the top).
