Blue Ridge Parkway – Tomkins Knob Overlook

Tomkins Knob Overlook sits quietly at milepost 272.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Purlear, North Carolina. Unlike other spots on the Parkway, it no longer offers wide mountain views because trees and brush have grown up over the years, blocking the sightlines. Still, what it lacks in scenery, it makes up for with a peaceful atmosphere and a sense of living history.

A short, flat walk of about 0.1 miles from the parking area takes you to a sunny meadow. Here, you’ll find a restored log cabin from before 1840, once owned by Jesse Brown, and the old Cool Springs Baptist Church. These buildings stand as reminders of pioneer life. In spring, mountain laurels bloom, and in autumn, the nearby trees show off beautiful colors, even though you can’t see distant mountains.

If you want to keep hiking, you can follow the trail next to the Cool Springs Baptist Church for about half a mile. This path leads to E.B. Jeffress Park, where you’ll find the start of the Cascades Trail.

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Resources

National Park Service – Blue Ridge Parkway Webpage

Blue Ridge Parkway Association Website

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Location

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