Picnic tables at E. B. Jeffress Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The 600 acre E. B. Jeffress Park is much smaller than the typical recreation area along the Blue Ridge Parkway, but it has some of the nicest features of any park you will find. A picnic area with a few dozen tables sits overlooking the mountains, and the Cascades Trail leads to one of the best waterfalls on the northern half of the Parkway. Public restrooms are also available.

Jeffress was a newspaper publisher and politician during the time of the Blue Ridge Parkway planning stages. As Chairman of the North Carolina Highway Commission in 1934, he was behind the push to get the Parkway to come through North Carolina. Lost to history is the battle between Tennessee and North Carolina politicians to get the Parkway routed through their respective states. It was men like Jeffress who helped win the fight for North Carolina.

PICNIC AREA

The picnic area at E. B. Jeffress Park is like a giant overlook with picnic tables spread out over it. There are picnic tables right along the ridge overlooking the mountains and valley, though only three still have clear views (trees block most of the views). The rest are in a field, some out in the open and some under shade trees. Overall there are around two dozen tables, but there are no grills. You can, however, bring your own charcoal or gas grill, and you can also cook on a gas stove. All tables are taken on a first come, first served basis. The picnic area is open year-round.