Waterfall Hero Hikes: Blue Ridge Parkway Plateau District

The Plateau District is the southern half of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, stretching from milepost 106 to the North Carolina state line at milepost 216. A number of special places are found in the Plateau District, including Rocky Knob, Mabry Mill and the Blue Ridge Music Center.

Points of Interest:

The following points of interest are in ascending order by mile post.

Milepost 120.4: Mill Mountain Parkway - A spur road that provides access to trails in Roanoke Valley.

Milepost 139.0: View Cahas Mountain - Overlook with view of 3,500-foot Cahas Mountain.

Milepost 143.9: View Devil's Backbone - Overlook with views of Devil's Backbone, Cahas Mountain and Blackwater Valley.

Milepost 144.8: Pine Spur Overlook - A scenic overlook of the Blackwater Valley.

Milepost 154.1: Smart View Overlook - A forested view between two sloping hills into the Pigg River Valley below. This overlook provides access to the trails at Smart View Recreation Area.

Milepost 154.5: Smart View Picnic Area - Smart View Recreation Area has picnicking, hiking trails and a historic

Milepost 157.6: Shortts Knob Overlook - Shortts Knob is named for Amos Shortt, a fur trapper who lived in the area. The overlook is completely overgrown so no view here.

Milepost 162.4: Rakes Mill Pond - Jarman Rakes built the dam and millpond in the early 19th century. Mr. Rakes allowed customers to fish the pond while they waited for their grist.

Milepost 168.0: The Saddle Overlook - Overlook with views east towards the Piedmont and west towards Buffalo Mountain. The overlook provides access to the trails at Rocky Knob.