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Rocky Knob is a rugged stretch of the [[Blue Ridge Parkway]] in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where wooded trails, mountain overlooks, a picnic area and a seasonal campground make it easy to turn a scenic drive into time outdoors. The main visitor area is at milepost 169; the campground is at milepost 167.1. Check National Park Service updates before setting out, since Parkway conditions and seasonal facilities can change.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/rocky-knob.htm
|title=Rocky Knob - Milepost 169
|website=Blue Ridge Parkway
|publisher=National Park Service
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>
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== What Rocky Knob is like ==
Rocky Knob is a Parkway recreation area in the Floyd area of southwest Virginia, with a broad landscape of forest, ridges and the steep-sided Rock Castle Gorge. The picnic area and visitor center are near milepost 169, while the campground is a short drive away at milepost 167.1.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.nps.gov/places/rocky-knob-picnic-area.htm
|title=Rocky Knob Picnic Area
|website=National Park Service
|publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233324
|title=Rocky Knob Campground, Blue Ridge Parkway
|website=Recreation.gov
|publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

The picnic area was built in 1937 and is among the Parkway’s early recreation-area projects. Rocky Knob takes its name from a rocky rise above the surrounding plateau; views in the area include Buffalo Mountain and Rock Castle Gorge.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.nps.gov/places/rocky-knob-picnic-area.htm
|title=Rocky Knob Picnic Area
|website=National Park Service
|publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

== Trails and views ==
Choose a walk to suit your time and energy. The Rocky Knob Picnic Area loop is an easy one-mile circuit through mature forest. Black Ridge is a moderate loop of about three miles, starting near the visitor center and crossing a ridge with views toward the gorge and Piedmont.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/rocky-knob-trails.htm
|title=Rocky Knob Hiking Trails
|website=Blue Ridge Parkway
|publisher=National Park Service
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

For a much longer and more demanding outing, the Rock Castle Gorge Trail is a 10.8-mile loop with steep sections and a large elevation range. The trail passes through forest and gorge terrain; the National Park Service notes that hikers can start at the campground and descend toward Rock Castle Creek to avoid some of the steepest uphill sections. Check the current trail conditions and choose a route that matches your experience and preparation.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/rocky-knob-trails.htm
|title=Rocky Knob Hiking Trails
|website=Blue Ridge Parkway
|publisher=National Park Service
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

== Picnicking and camping ==
The seasonal picnic area has tables, charcoal grills, comfort stations and a pavilion. The sites are set on sloping ground, so reaching some tables may involve walking uphill or downhill. The NPS says picnic sites are first come, first served and the area typically operates from late May into late October; confirm current availability before visiting.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.nps.gov/places/rocky-knob-picnic-area.htm
|title=Rocky Knob Picnic Area
|website=National Park Service
|publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

Rocky Knob Campground operates seasonally. Recreation.gov lists campsites without electric, water or sewer hookups and notes that the campground has no showers. Site availability, reservation options and operating dates can vary, so check the official campground listing before planning an overnight stay.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233324
|title=Rocky Knob Campground, Blue Ridge Parkway
|website=Recreation.gov
|publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

Backcountry camping is allowed only at a designated site in Rock Castle Gorge, and a permit is required. Consult the National Park Service for current permit instructions and rules before hiking in to camp.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/rocky-knob-trails.htm
|title=Rocky Knob Hiking Trails
|website=Blue Ridge Parkway
|publisher=National Park Service
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

== Planning your visit ==
Use Parkway mileposts when navigating: the picnic area and visitor center are at milepost 169, and the campground is at milepost 167.1. The campground listing places it about eight miles from [[Floyd, Virginia]], near the Parkway’s intersection with Virginia Route 8. The listing also cautions that GPS directions may be inaccurate, so check your route against official Parkway information.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233324
|title=Rocky Knob Campground, Blue Ridge Parkway
|website=Recreation.gov
|publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

Rocky Knob’s picnic area and campground are seasonal, and closures or trail conditions may affect plans. Before leaving, check NPS updates for Parkway access, facility schedules and trail status; confirm campground reservations and details through Recreation.gov. Pack water and suitable footwear for hikes, especially on the steep, rocky gorge route.

== Nearby ==
[[Mabry Mill]] is farther south along the Parkway at milepost 176.2, with a short trail connecting outdoor exhibits. For more of the drive, explore the [[Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://home.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/va-trails.htm
|title=Virginia Hiking Trails
|website=Blue Ridge Parkway
|publisher=National Park Service
|access-date=2026-10-24
}}</ref>

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== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/rocky-knob.htm National Park Service: Rocky Knob]
* [https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/rocky-knob-trails.htm National Park Service: Rocky Knob hiking trails]
* [https://www.nps.gov/places/rocky-knob-picnic-area.htm National Park Service: Rocky Knob Picnic Area]
* [https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233324 Recreation.gov: Rocky Knob Campground]
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