Pounding Mill Overlook

Stunning long range views from Pounding Mill Overlook

Shalyn Yost

Quick Facts

Location:

Milepost 413.2

Significance:

High Elevation Scenic Overlook

Amenities

3 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Pounding Mill is one of the most spectacular overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located approximately 1 hour south of Asheville at Milepost 413.2, it is on the east side of the road and has long range views in three directions.

On clear days, looking to the left you can see the Frying Pan Fire Tower and the Pisgah Inn as well as the thin ribbon of the Parkway road as it winds its way north. To the south, the towering Looking Glass Rock is hard to miss with its massive rock face serving as the most prominent landmark in the area. And straight ahead are the unobstructed views of layered mountains that no visit to the Blue Ridge Parkway is complete without.

This part of the Parkway is surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, which provides a buffer of undeveloped forest and an expanse of luscious green that spreads out for miles.

The overlook’s unusual name comes from hammer style mills that were built along mountain streams to grind corn. An informational exhibit highlights the geology and ecological diversity of the region.