Flat Rock Loop Trail

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Rebecca Moriarty Smith
2 months ago
It isn't a long or difficult loop but we like to enjoy the scenery at the top and stay awhile. There is gradual uphill on the way up the loop if you take the trail to the left. There is a bench if you need to stop. On the way down it will take you through a beautiful forest. This is usually a quiet trail. If you just hike the loop without stopping it will not take long at all. If you stop like we do, it will take at least an hour. (Check out Rough Ridge and Beacon Heights nearby)

  Kerrie Pruitt
5 months ago
Beautiful trail located near the Viaduct... maybe a total of 30 minute easy hike! Also known as the bathtubs .... Beautiful views of grandfather Mountain and the valley

  Paige Harris
6 months ago
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  Bryce Hosseini
a year ago
Lovely views from a fairly short & easy trail just long enough to stretch your legs after a long drive. Absolutely deserted in the Winter, but still accessible, as this particular section of the Parkway is ungated. Gets much busier in the Spring as the rest of the Parkway opens up.Parking: The parking lot is fairly large by BRP standards, but still fills up fast during peak season. Traffic is thin to non-existent during the Winter.

  Shaktidancer
a year ago
Just shy of one mile loop trail with lots of shade until the top where you can view for miles and miles of the area.It is not considered "easy." This trail increasing in elevation as you get to top and has rocks and roots to climb over. If this is challenging, using poles or a walking stick is highly recommended. It's great for families and dogs on leashes.Little steps along the entire trail of trees and plant life(not always accurate, like the birch trees at end of trail. There is a description of a white oak which is not there.) Great trail for people who love to study nature -- trees and plants.

  Andy Sitison
3 months ago
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  Collin Chambers
8 months ago
This is a sweet little .7 mile loop to a nice rocky overlook. It has moderate terrain and some nice guides to local Fora (although they are old signs and some of the species are no longer there). There are picnic tables at the parking area right next to the BRP.

  Anna Blackman
a year ago
Our favorite spot to watch the sunset. The hike to the flat rock area is less than ten minutes from the parking lot. If you time it just right (get there an hour before sunset) you have plenty of time to enjoy a picnic or at least a cocktail or two with friends.

  Benjamin Gutknecht
2 years ago
Great trail, especially for families. The trail isn't very difficult or very long, but there's some great views at the top. If you're looking for a quick hike with some great views for your effort, definitely check this trail out.

  Kelly Price
7 months ago
It's just .2 miles to the summit. Beautiful view whether everything is green or in full fall color. There are a lot of large rocks on the way up which could be challenging for someone with physical limitations.

  Anthony Scott
2 years ago
Such a quick hike at less than 30 minutes and not even a mile. However, the views were fantastic and there weren't many people.

  P S
3 years ago
This is a great place to take a walk . It's a easy trail . Then you get up to the top the flat rock you have a beautiful view of Grandfather Mountain and the valley below and the rolling mountains in the back ground . Simply gorgeous !Flat Rock is full of blueberry bushes if you come sometime around July and August you can enjoy eating them .I could stay up here for hours and never get tired of the view and climbing on the rocks .

  Silvia Castillo
10 months ago
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  Cher A
4 years ago
Located between mile markers 308 & 309 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Moderately easy hike up to the top so well worth it for the amazing views (can see Grandfather Mtn to the right at the summit). Plenty of places at top to take in the views, sit a spell or even have a picnic lunch. There are some tree roots and several areas of wet soil as it rained a couple of days before I did this hike. Also of note even if somewhat out of shape if take your time, watch your step and make stops as needed this is definitely a doable hike.

  Megan Zofnas
9 months ago
Absolutely perfect spot for breathtaking sunset views! When you hit the top and think you found the view keep pushing forward because THE view you go for is just ahead.Fees: NoneRestrooms: None

  Bill Metz
5 months ago
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  Mark Thompson
2 years ago
Flat Rock is an easy trail that continues on for a Lollypop route back to the parking area. Views of Linville, Grandfather Mountain, Hump Mountain, Grassy Ridge Bald and Little Yellow Mountain from the main overlook.

  Scott Windham
5 days ago
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  Hannah Lindsey
11 months ago
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  Jane Di Paolo
5 months ago
We came for the view...it did not disappoint. I've needed to use hiking poles on uneven terrain for some time now as additional support. It was relatively easy to get up and down with their use. Did people pass me...absolutely! We did not realize this was a loop trail and missed going down the other side.Parking: We were there early in the morning and parking was available. It is off-road and there were approximately 15 + spots. Being it was an easier trail many people were done in half an hour, so I would wait to get a spot. There is also a picnic table by the parking.

  Rod Poole
2 years ago
Less than a mile round trip this short hike offers the best views for your walk in this area of the BRP. Truly stunning long range views to the West.The large bare rock with some mixed in vegetation offers amazing areas to picnic, hangout or even read a book. You could sit for hours or just take in the views and move on. Top rated for sure!Note the photos are from late October '21.

  John J
5 years ago
Nice leisurely walk to the summit through scenic forest views with many different birds and small mammals. The chipmunks were with me pretty much the whole way. The views from the summit are worth the walk as you take in the panorama. I had the trail and the summit to myself so I was able to enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature's wonderful sounds. At .7 of a mile round trip, you'll easily hike to the top and thoroughly enjoy both the journey and the destination.

  Kirsten Zillman
3 years ago
Beautiful, short hike. It goes in one big loop, so the hike never gets boring even for the little ones. Beautiful vistas on the rocky outcrops, but safe enough to take young kids.

  Sam M
6 months ago
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  Jenna Pearrow
a year ago
Such a beautiful trail with amazing views! We had so much fun :)

  C Walker
2 years ago
Moderate hike that's less than a mile round trip. The view from the top is beautiful and the trek is easy enough for kids and adults alike.

  Monika Shakinovsky
a year ago
This is a great short hike and perfect to see the sunset

  Sarah LeBlanc
3 years ago
Great vistas! A short easy loop hike with lots of shade and vegetation. Loved this excellent hike to stretch our legs.

  leslie landauer
6 months ago
We did this after a long day of driving to get to the mountains, so it was a great way to stretch our legs. The path led to great views. I imagine it would be beautiful at sunset.Parking: I imagine it could be very crowded during peak hours, but there were a lot of sites available.

  Daryl Jones
2 years ago
Easy-ish hike through the forest, maybe 10-15 minutes to the flat rock, rewarded with nice views. Trail has signposts about the wide variety of trees, foliage and flora.