Elk Mountain view & painted rocks – Tanbark Ridge Overlook loop from North Carolina Arboretum

Elk Mountain view & painted rocks – Tanbark Ridge Overlook loop from North Carolina Arboretum

Hard

2.8

(17)

riders

Elk Mountain view & painted rocks – Tanbark Ridge Overlook loop from North Carolina Arboretum

04:13

80.8km

1,390m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 4, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Blue Ridge Parkway

Pisgah National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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38.3 km

Elk Mountain view & painted rocks

Highlight • Viewpoint

There is a pretty great view of Elk Mountain from here. The entirety of Elk Mountain Scenic Highway has pretty good views, and it's much less trafficked with motorists compared to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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47.6 km

Tanbark Ridge Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

You will pass by the Tanbark Ridge Overlook at Milepost 376.7 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It looks out to the east over Tanbark Ridge with High Knob far in …

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48.7 km

Craven Gap

Highlight • Mountain Pass

Located at Mile Marker 337.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Craven Gap is a mountain pass with a small overlook area. There is trail access to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which goes two different directions from the parking area.

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52.9 km

Haw Creek Valley Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

Haw Creek Valley Overlook is at Milepost 380 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The viewpoint peers over the Haw Creek Valley and is pointed at a grouping of small peaks …

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60.2 km

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

Highlight • Rest Area

At mile marker 384 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Visitor Center serves as the all-in-one stop for those looking to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway and the trails surrounding …

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62.0 km

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

Highlight (Segment) • Rest Area

The beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway offers cyclists 469 miles of scenic picturesque travel across Virginia and North Carolina. This undulating hilly route goes between elevations from 649 to 6,053 feet. …

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