Many families travel the Blue Ridge Parkway to get to the Peaks of Otter. Although the Peaks of Otter is a great family destination during any season, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers many scenic overlooks, hiking trails and picnic sites just waiting for you to explore. The 469-mile Parkway begins near Waynesboro, Va., connecting Shenandoah National Park to the north with Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the south.
Indian Gap is the perfect hike for families with young children. Pack a few snacks and toys for the road trip, a picnic lunch and your sense of adventure and hit the road. Access the Parkway from Route 501 North near Big Island and head north. Stop at the James River Visitor Center and pick up a Blue Ridge Parkway map and guide book to keep in your car, then continue north. You'll pass Otter Creek and multiple scenic overlooks along the way to Indian Gap, which is located at MP 47.5.
An easy 10-minute hike on a trail through the woods brings you to the Indian Rocks. Some of the giant boulders are the size of small houses. Kids of all ages will love the rock formations and it's a great site for family photos. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the table, then head south to come home or continue north and stop at some of the other scenic overlooks along the way to the northern end of the Parkway.
Some of our favorites are: Yankee Horse at MP 34.4 (which has a small waterfall and old railroad exhibit), Big Spy Mountain at MP 26.3 (a short hike takes you to the top of the mountain with great views), Ravens Roost at MP 10.7 (overlook with fantastic views from the parking area), Humpback Rocks at MP 6 (a strenuous 2 mile hike takes you to an outcropping of rocks with great views) and Mountain Farm Trail at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center at MP 5.9 (an easy self-guided stroll through a model of an old homestead).
Make the Blue Ridge Parkway your family go-to destination. It's a scenic and inexpensive way to introduce your kids to the joys of nature as you enjoy short family hikes along the way.
