View from Thunder Ridge observation platform at the Thunder Ridge Parking Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway
View: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ / 5
Trails: Appalachian Trail, Thunder Ridge Trail
Picnic Tables: 1 (no grill)
The Thunder Ridge Parking Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway is home to an above average “leg stretcher” that follows a short section of the Appalachian Trail to a nearly 180° view of Arnold Valley from a stone observation deck (there is no view from the actual parking lot). The towns of Glasgow and Natural Bridge can also be seen from here. The parking lot is a dead-end parking lot, meaning that you must pull into your parking space and then back out. Don’t bring any large RVs or trailers in here because you’ll have a tough time getting out.
Arnold Valley was named after the man who first settled the area around 1750.
Thunder Ridge Trail
Length: .2 mile loop
Time: 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Most of these “leg stretchers” on the Blue Ridge Parkway aren’t worth your time, but not the Thunder Ridge Trail. There are some pretty neat rock formations along its path, plus it’s only .2-mile long and won’t take but ten minutes. Don’t peg yourself as lazy! Walk the trail.
The Thunder Ridge Trail starts at either end of the parking lot (go in one side, come out the other). If you just want to get to the observation platform, start on the right side. You will quickly come to an intersection with the Appalachian Trail, and when you do, take a left. The Thunder Ridge Trail is really nothing but a short jog along the AT from one end of the parking lot to the other. In not much more than a minute you will find yourself at the stone observation deck starring at a wonderful view of Arnold Valley. I love this observation deck because it looks like something from an English fortress in medieval times.
Thunder Ridge stone observation deck at the Thunder Ridge Parking Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Panoramic view from Thunder Ridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway (click to enlarge)
The trail is very easy to hike, and while it has a few hills, they are very slight and barely noticeable. You will know when it’s time to jump off the AT when you see a sign marking the direction to the parking lot. If you were to continue straight, you would be hiking south on the AT. If you had turned right when you first came to the AT back by the stone deck, you would be on your way to Maine.
Typical terrain on the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Thunder Ridge Trail (aka Appalachian Trail)
Next Stop South | Next Stop North | Scenic Overlooks
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Last updated on December 17, 2023
