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Explore Park

Explore Park

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About

The first stop along our tour, this state-run park has a visitor center with helpful staff and a gift shop featuring arts and crafts from local artists. Want to start the day off with a hike? This place has you covered, with a variety of trails for all levels of experience. There’s even a section with a zipline, obstacle course, and trampoline park.

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Peaks of Otter Lodge

This hotel is within sight of the Visitor Center. It...

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Thunder Ridge Overlook

One of the more popular overlooks along the Parkway, Thunder...

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Sherando Lake

A true hidden gem just off of the parkway, Sherando...

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Raven's Roost Overlook

Raven’s Roost is one of the most popular overlooks on...

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Humpback Rocks Visitor Center

This is the final Visitor Center on our tour today,...

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James River Visitors Center

This smaller Visitor Center is definitely worth the visit. For...

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Yankee Horse Ridge Trailhead

There are two short walks at Yankee Horse Ridge Trailhead....

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The Quarry Overlook

The first overlook on our tour today. Features views of...

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The Great Valley Overlook

The Great Valley runs through the Appalachian Mountains from New...

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Montvale Overlook

This is another perspective on the mountains, complete with the...

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Pine Tree Overlook

Here we have a beautiful 180 degree vista broken only...

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Porter Mountain’s View

As the name suggests, this overlook offers a profile view...

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Peaks of Otter Visitor Center

The first visitor center along the Blue Ridge Parkway today...

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Apple Orchard Falls Trailhead

Despite the name, there are no apples to be found...

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Apple Orchard Mountain Overlook

Once again, there are unfortunately no apples to be found...

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Otter Lake Loop Trail

A moderately difficult loop trail that takes around Otter Lake....

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Indian Gap Rocks Trail

If you skip over the longer trail at Otter Lake,...

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Town of Buena Vista

Located just a few minutes off of the Parkway, Buena...

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Chimney Rock Mountain Overlook

Chimney Rock Mountain is another wonderful overlook, this time boasting...

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Irish Creek Valley Overlook

You can see for miles and miles from the Irish...

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Whetstone Ridge Visitor Center

More of a short break than a true Visitor Center,...

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Big Spy Mountain Overlook

If you did not stop to stretch your legs at...

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20 Minute Cliff Overlook

This overlook was named for an interesting trick of the...

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Afton Overlook

This is the final stop on our tour, and it...

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