North puts Peaks of Otter within a compact scenic day. South stretches the drive toward Rocky Knob and Mabry Mill, where Parkway history matters as much as the overlooks. The better route depends on how much time you have and whether today's road and mountain conditions justify the extra miles.
Roanoke is where scenic efficiency and Parkway history begin pulling in different directions.
This is the cleaner short-day choice when you want mountain scenery without committing most of the day to Parkway mileage.
South becomes more interesting when history matters enough to earn the extra distance. This is not the route to choose merely because Mabry Mill is famous.
Keep the day close. The compact scenic route usually protects more of your time for the Parkway itself.
The live engine can compare a fuller Peaks of Otter day with the beginning of the southern historic corridor.
The longer Rocky Knob and Mabry Mill shape becomes practical if road status and weather support the extra mileage.
Set your time, finish point and interests so history only wins when it actually matters to your day.