Mabry Mill

Mabry Mill sits at milepost 176.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd County, just north of Meadows of Dan — a natural pull-off point whether you're heading south toward the North Carolina border or winding back toward the Roanoke area. The mill was built by Edwin and Lizzie Mabry in the early 1900s, beginning as a blacksmith and wheelwright shop before becoming a working gristmill and sawmill. The NPS purchased the property in the late 1930s and restored it, and the site continues to see ongoing preservation work — the waterwheel, mill flume, pond, and historic buildings have all been tended to in recent years with support from the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.

The short loop trail around the complex is easy and flat — about a half mile — passing the gristmill, sawmill, and blacksmith shop along with interpretive signage about rural Virginia life. During the visitor season, NPS interpreters and volunteers staff the grounds and run cultural demonstrations including blacksmithing. Mountain music concerts have been a regular feature on Sunday afternoons. On the food side: the restaurant and gift shop went through a concession transition after 2023, and as of a May 2026 NPS announcement, a new operator (MM176, LLC) has been awarded a 10-year contract, with food and retail service planned to reopen in spring 2027. For the 2026 season, check current NPS information before counting on a sit-down meal — the grounds and demonstrations are still active, but seated dining is not yet back.