Anyone who’s ever explored the Blue Ridge Parkway will advise you to stop (as often as you can) to smell the roses. “Smelling the roses” in this case is, of course, a metaphor for stopping to gaze out over the mesmerizing views of our gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. And you should. And while you’re making a point to stop at each and every North Carolina overlook along the parkway, don’t pass up a certain small sign that points to a “parking area.”

It's located about four miles south of Linville and at mile marker 320. Google Maps calls it the Chestoa View Parking Area. Pull off. (Trust us.)
Google/Heng Yu
There's a short trail here, the Chestoa View Trail, that leads to a very enchanting overlook. It's a round, stone overlook that looks more like it belongs on a castle rather than on a mountainside overlooking a rugged terrain.
Google/Cris Sleightholm
All Trails marks the trail at just under half a mile each way. And it's one of the prettiest trails on the entire parkway. But, there are some steps so if you have mobility concerns you may want to skip this one.
Google/Randall Carlyle
What you'll find at the end of the trail is a fantastic vantage point. It's a spot to see more than you'd ever expect. And you'll do it all from your very own castle balcony, placed firmly on the hillside.
Google/Ed Teune

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With no intentions to spoil the view you'll find here, we'll show this photo. But we can also say even this spectacular image doesn't measure up to the real thing.
Google/Robert V
The next time you find yourself on the Parkway, be sure to stop at mile marker 320 to check out the enchanting trail and the magical castle-balcony overlook at the Chestoa View Parking Area.
Google/Kodie Gerritsen
You'll find it's heavily trafficked, but folks are generally willing to step aside to allow you to get keepsake photos you can have forever.
AllTrails/Brandon Weber
Have you happened onto this short, 0.9-mile trail on the Parkway before? What did you think?
Google/Sissy

You’re sure to make this a favorite North Carolina overlook once you visit. To learn more about the hike, check out the trail over at All Trails.

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Chestoa View Parking Area & Viewpoint, 4682 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Linville, NC 28646, USA