Picnic on the Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway picnic areas near Boone

The classic Blue Ridge Parkway day trip always includes a roadside picnic. Major picnic areas line the route, often situated by scenic streams or lofty vistas. Grills or fireplaces, water fountains, picnic shelters, refuse disposal/recycling facilities, and restrooms are all on hand. Larger sites accommodate groups for gatherings. Picnic areas often have single tables situated alone, as do several overlooks, parking areas, and some trailheads. You can always just pull off the road onto a grassy shoulder and throw a blanket by the car!

• DOUGHTON PARK PICNIC AREA (MILEPOST 241.1) 

Fifty-six 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 272)

Great valley views, restrooms, and thirty picnic tables flank the Cascades Parking Overlook, the start of a wonderful, 1.2-mile waterfall walk.

• JULIAN PRICE PICNIC AREA (MILEPOST 296.4)

100 picnic sites and restrooms line a meandering stream at the start of the strenuous 5.5-mile Boone Fork Trail loop.

• LINVILLE FALLS PICNIC AREA (MILEPOST 316.5)

This picnic spot's 100 sites and restrooms lie along the banks of the Linville River above Linville Falls.

More Picnic Spots in the Area

(Not located on the Blue Ridge Parkway)

• ROCKY KNOB MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK | 285 Mountain Bike Way, Boone, NC 28607

Enjoy a picnic with a group under the Rocky Knob Park picnic shelter. The shelter can be rented from Watauga County Parks and Recreation. 

• BOONE'S GREENWAY | 355 M.L.K. Jr. St, Boone, NC 28607

Plenty of picnic tables can be found under two shelters at the Clawson-Burnley Park trailhead to the Boone Greenway. The Tot Lot playgrounds are nearby at the Watauga Community Recreation Center.

• THE MIDDLE FORK GREENWAY | 3703 US Highway 321 S. 

Dispersed picnic tables are found throughout the Middle Fork Greenway, alongside the Middle Fork of the New River.

• HOWARD'S KNOB PARK | 604 Howards Knob Rd, Boone, NC 28607

Find a picnic shelter and short walking paths at this mountain peak overlooking the town of Boone. The park is open from May 1st to October 20th. The picnic shelter can be rented from Watauga County Parks and Recreation. 

• BROOKSHIRE PARK | 250 Brookshire Rd, Boone, NC 28607

A paved walking trail along the New River, a flat grassy field, and a picnic shelter can be found at Brookshire park. Contact Watauga County Parks and Recreation to rent the picnic shelter. 

• BOONE JAYCEE PARK | 728 Horn in the West Drive, Boone, NC 28607

A playground and a picnic shelter are found at Boone Jaycee Park. Nearby, Daniel Boone Park hosts the weekly Saturday Farmers Market, the "Horn in the West" Outdoor Drama, and Daniel Boone Native Gardens, and Hickory Ridge History Museum. Dispersed picnic tables are found throughout.