Chestoa View Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway

Chestoa View is one of the best views on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The fabulous Chestoa View overlook (elevation 4,090 ft) is easy to miss as you drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's one of the best views on the Parkway. Watch for the small sign for the parking area at Milepost 320. From the parking area, take a short (1/3 mile) walk to the rock-walled viewing area. Enjoy great views of the beautiful Linville Gorge. The 12,000-acre Linville Gorge Wilderness in the western North Carolina Mountains is part of the Pisgah National Forest. Off to the right, you see the distinctive Table Rock Mountain. To the left is Grandfather Mountain. Below is the Linville River, but it's hidden away under the trees.

Chestoa is derived from the Cherokee word for rabbit. Several picnic tables are located in the parking area, making this an excellent place for a picnic. Nearby are Linville Falls, The Orchard at Altapass and Crabtree Falls.

Part of the panoramic mountain view at Chestoa - looking toward Table Rock Mountain (flat peak on right)

Looking to your left from Chestoa View, toward Grandfather Mountain.