Craggy Gardens Visitor Center — Attraction in Black Mountain

So I didn't actually go in it's not much bigger than a shed bathrooms are down the stairs but it appears that they aren't functioning cuz they have porta potties set up but either end of the parking I parked quite as well at the end of the parking lot away from it and walked up and then realized that it was considered a federal building I hadn't realized it until then so I couldn't enter Because of pocket knife for me while I don't think they would care I also don't want to take the chance of catching charges also if you have a concealed carry permit and you happen to be carrying your firearm you cannot carry in there even if you have a concealed carry permit it is federal property unless you have a federal license you cannot carry in there and even if you do have the federal license there might be restrictions I'm not fully up on that it just would be a little it would be nice if things were a little bit more clear like be honest I'm not sure if The Lodges and all that are on the parkway are considered federal land or not federal property if they are then I don't know if you're even like legally allowed to have a pocket knife in the hotel I mean concerning it's a camping area and things it shouldn't be an issue but it's crazy as people are nowadays I don't know I personally lean on the more restrictive and Dumber side of it because I just you never know who you're going to know come across you might come across someone that understands that hey you're camping you're going to have a knife with you or a hatchet or whatever and then there's people that you come across go well you should have left that in the car or whatever I don't know I would like that to be a little bit more clear not just for this location but all locations...

Rare 5/5 stars!!!

Visitors center staff very conversational and friendly. Answered questions about the trail directions, distances, trail amenities, ever changing weather (switched from sun to dense fog within an hour then drizzling rain soon thereafter). Appreciative to retail purchases as funds presumably support the center, trails and road.

We usually don’t buy tourist gift shop items but we bought telescopic hiking poles that were clearly useful on the trail as many walking step stones are very loose and flip easily, plus mud, rain, changing elevations slipped several times and with the poles prevented falling and ankle injuries several incidents. Also had a very unique souvenir mug that we couldn’t ignore as a gift that we usually walk by, and a mini backpack as a gift. Picked up a courtesy trail map.

There are portable restrooms but were clean and serviced. Ample parking but we visited early afternoon mid-week while schools in session so at peak times could be very busy.

The thick fog begins below the elevation of this visitors center so care must be taken accessing the...

One of THE BEST visitor center. As you enter the visiting center you will realize it's on a cliff with one side of the center with full length glass window with mesmerizing view of the blue ridge mountains. There is an amazing staff members who are very kind and have a great patience in explaining If you have any questions. They guided us on map where should we be heading and how far are we planning to drive, if it's not for them we would have stuck on the parkway! We planned to drive till mile 0 in Shenandoah but they guided us with that and we changed our plan after that.

You will feel like buying every single magnet and post cards from this store, everything is so colorful and lovely! Price is very normal and you should get it even if you think it's more! it's worth it & a visitor center at no where on a mountain should be encouraged as well.

Opposite to the visiting center is a splendid view of the beautiful mountains. You will love this...