Smart View Recreation Area

Enjoy a picnic in one of the original 'recreation areas' on the Parkway

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

MP 154.1

Significance:

One of the original recreation areas developed for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Day use picnic area with nearby trail and historic home

Amenities

10 listed

Benches/Seating, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Picnic Table, Restroom - Accessible, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead/Hiker Register, Trash/Litter Receptacles

Smart View Recreation Area is one of the five original recreation sites developed for the parkway. Stanley Abbott, the parkway's original Landscape Architect, noted this area as “an attractive meadow land with views of the escarpment framed by low hills on either side.” Construction began in 1938 and the site opened to the public in the fall of 1940.

In addition to offering “a right smart view” of the Piedmont, the picnic area is noted today for its abundance of dogwood trees and other flowering plants which blossom in spring. Like many sites in the early years of the parkway, Smart View once housed a gas station and sandwich shop. Over time as the surrounding towns began to offer these amenities, the gas station and shop were closed.

The picnic site contains 72 individual sites with grills, including several accessible sites. There are 2 comfort stations and a pavilion. Picnic sites are on a first come first served basis. The area is typically open from late May to late October. This site offers access to the Smart View Trail—2.6 mile moderate trail which loops around the area. 

Check the conditions of the area before you visit.