Cumberland Knob Recreation Area is a historically significant recreation area located at Milepost 217.5 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, near the Virginia state line. Established in 1935 as the first recreation area on the Parkway, it features a diverse landscape of lush woodlands, open fields, and mountainous terrain, including the 2,885-foot Cumberland Knob. Streams like Gully Creek flow through the area, which supports varied vegetation and wildlife. This setting provides opportunities for several outdoor activities, including road cycling, hiking, and touring bicycle routes.
Cumberland Knob Recreation Area offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors. The area features 3 routes across several sports like road cycling, hiking, and touring bicycle. 3 visitors have shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of N/A out of 5 stars. Road cycling is a prominent activity, with routes directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway offering varying elevation gains and paved surfaces suitable for different fitness levels. For those interested in exploring the area on two wheels, the Road Cycling Routes in Cumberland Knob Recreation Area guide provides detailed information. Hiking trails, such as the Cumberland Knob Trail and the more strenuous Gully Creek Trail, allow for exploration of the area's woodlands and natural features.
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Routes
5
People visited

2
riders
96.4km
04:41
1,380m
1,380m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

87.1km
04:17
1,280m
1,290m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

2
riders
99.8km
05:03
1,450m
1,440m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

1
riders
83.8km
04:12
1,210m
1,210m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Cumberland Knob Recreation Area is a historically significant site located at Milepost 217.5 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was the first recreation area opened to the public on the Parkway, with construction beginning in 1935. The area features woodlands, open fields, and mountainous terrain, including the 2,885-foot Cumberland Knob.
Cumberland Knob Recreation Area offers opportunities for road cycling, hiking, and touring bicycle routes. The area has 3 routes across these sports. Visitors can explore the diverse landscape and natural features.
Yes, road cycling is a prominent activity due to its location directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The paved surfaces are suitable for road bikes, with routes offering varying elevation gains. For detailed information, consult the Road Cycling Routes in Cumberland Knob Recreation Area guide.
Road cycling routes near Cumberland Knob Recreation Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway offer varying degrees of difficulty. Segments can range from routes with up to 500 feet (152 meters) of elevation gain to more challenging rides with over 1,500 feet (457 meters) of elevation gain. The terrain includes mountainous sections and paved surfaces.
Yes, Cumberland Knob Recreation Area features hiking trails. Options include the easy Cumberland Knob Trail and the more strenuous Gully Creek Trail. These trails allow exploration of the area's woodlands and natural features.
The area features a diverse landscape of woodlands and open fields, supporting various birds and wildlife. Gully Creek flows over a series of cascades in a 780-foot (238-meter) deep ravine. Vegetation includes galax, flame azalea, rhododendron, oak, pine, red maple, yellow-poplar, and flowering dogwood.
Cumberland Knob Recreation Area is located at Milepost 217.5 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is situated near the Virginia state line. This location makes it accessible for visitors traveling along the Parkway.
Yes, the Cumberland Knob Recreation Area offers extensive picnic facilities. These amenities provide visitors with options for outdoor dining and relaxation. A recreation field is also available.
Information about Cumberland Knob Recreation Area can be found on the U.S. National Park Service website for the Blue Ridge Parkway. The official website is nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/cumberland-knob-hiking-trails.htm.
The general contact number for the Blue Ridge Parkway, which oversees Cumberland Knob Recreation Area, is +1-828-348-3400. This number can be used for inquiries regarding the park.
The recreation area offers activities suitable for families, including easy hiking trails like the Cumberland Knob Trail. The extensive picnic facilities and recreation field also provide options for family outings. Road cycling routes vary in difficulty, with some segments being more accessible.

