160.9 - Va. 615, right to Floyd.
161.2 - Va.708.
162.1 - Va.714.
162.4 - Rakes Mill Pond parking overlook, elev. 2477. S.
162.7 - Big Poplar Tree.
162.9 - Va.710.
163.2 - Va. 797. Thomas Grove Baptist Church.
163.5 - Va. 709.

Mile 165 - Flame Azaleas

Flame Azaleas set the plateau ablaze in tones from yellow to deep red in mid-May.

165.35 - Va. 8, right 6 mi. to Floyd; left 21 mi. to Sruart.

Mile 167 - Rocky Knob

Rocky Knob is an accurate description of the shape of the mountain which bears that name. Rock Castle Gorge, known for its beautiful rock crystalline quartz formations, was once home for several mountain families whose lives we remember through the apple orchards and abandoned stone chimneys. One of the Parkway's most popular attractions, near Mabry Mill (milepost 176.1), was a gristmill and sawmill for many years in the eraly part of this century.

Today the Rocky Knob area offers many diversions for the visitor, including a visitor center, campground, and cabins. Located near the intersection of the Parkway with Virginia Route 8, the Rocky Knob recreation area covers more than 4,000 acres. Interpretive talks and demonstrations are given in the summer months, and four trails offer a variety of scenic and historical wonders.

Rocky Knob Cabins

There are seven concessionaire-run housekeeping cabins near the Rocky Knob developed area (milepost 174.1). These cabins were originally built more than 50 years ago by the Civilian Conservation Corps for group camping. Fully furnished, the cabins feature electric kitchens.

Fishing

There are several fishing opportunities in the Rocky Knob area between mileposts 169 and 174. Anyone with a valid Virginia or North Carolina fishing license is welcome, but please check at the visitor center for any special regulations.

167.1 Rocky Knob Campground

The Parkway operates a campground (milepost 167.1) with sites for 81 tents and 28 trailers. Facilities include water, comfort stations with flush toilets and sinks but no showers or hook-ups. Nighttime is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the 100-capacity campfire circle where interpretive programs are given on summer weekends.
168.0 - Saddle parking overlook,elev. 3880. Self-guiding trail.
168.2 - Rocky Knob.
168.7 - Rock Castle Gorge parking overlook, elev. 3195.

169.0 - Rocky Knob Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is a good place to find a ranger or browse the small bookstore. Picnic area. 72 sites, 4 comfort stations, gas station.

169.2 - Pump House road.
170.4 - Va.720.
171.3 - Va.720.
171.6 - Cemetery. >171.7 - Va.726.
172.7 - Belcher Curve.
174.0 - Rock Castle Gap.
174.1 - Left to Rocky Knob cabins. 8 housekeeping cabins.
174.2 - Va. C-758, right to Buffalo Mountain state fire lookout.
174.25 - Va. 778.
174.3 - Laurel Creek.
174.7 - Va. 778.
175.1 - Va.778.
175.8 - Cemetery.
175.9 - Va. 603, Rocky Knob cabins.
176.1 - Matthews Cabin.

Mile 176.1 - Mabry Mill

Mabry Mill was operated by E.B. Mabry from 1910 to 1935. A trail takes you to his gristmill, sawmill, blacksmith shop, and to other outdoor exhibits. Old-time skills are demonstrated in the summer and fall.

Restaurant - There is a coffee shop and gift shop next to Mabry Mill (milepost 176.2) for those who prefer to be waited on.

176.2 Mabry Mill, elev. 2855.

The mill complex features a black smithy, wheelwright's shop, and whiskey still, as well as the grist mill. Educational demonstrations and special events are featured during the summer months.

Visitor Center

Visitor center, coffee shop, gift shop, water-powered sawmill, carpenter shop, and working grist mill. Self-guiding pioneer industry trail, including blacksmith and wheelwright shop exhibit, mintstill, whiskey still. Molasses and apple butter-making exhibit in season.

Trails

Trails in the area range from easy to very strenuous. The 10.8 mile Rock Castle Gorge Loop Trail begins at the campground. The moderate Black Ridge Trail and Rocky Knob Picnic Loop Trail both begin at the visitor center, and an easy self-guided trail is located at Mabry Mill.

177.7 - Meadows of Dan, elev.2960. U.S. 58, right 21 mi. to Hillsville; left 16 mi. to Stuart
178.3 - Cemetery.
178.8 - Va.744.
179.3 - Round Meadow parking overlook. Trail.
179.4 - Round Meadow Viaduct, elev. 2800. Round Meadow Creek, elev. 2690.
180.1 - Maybery Presbyterian Church and Cemetery. Va. 600
180.5 - Va. 634, Yeatts store contiguous on right.
180.6 - Mabry Gap.
180.7 - Maybery Creek, elev. 2775.
181.4 - Cemetery. Access to Va.602 left.
183.4 - Pinnacles of Dan, elev. 2875.
183.9 - Access to Va. C-614.
184.2 - Cemetery. Access to old Va. 614.
185.0 - Va. C-638; no access.
186.4 - Cemetery. Access to Va.C-608.
186.5 - Cemetery and parking area at private road crossing, 186.4.
186.7 - Va. C-63 1, right to Laurel Fork.
187.7 - Va. 639.
188.8 - Groundhog Mountain parking overlook, elev.3025. Picnic area, 26 sites and 1 comfort station, trail from parking area to observation tower, cemetery in parking area.

Mile 188.8 - Groundhog Mountain

Groundhog Mountain is a good place to see different kinds of country fences--snake, post and rail, picket, and buck. There are picnic grounds and an observation tower.

188.9 - Va. 608; Va. C-608, no access.
189.1 - Pilot Mountain parking overlook, elev. 2950.
189.9 - Puckett Cabin parking area, elev. 2848. Historic building.

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