America's Favorite Scenic Drive - Blue Ridge Parkway



The Blue Ridge Parkway is part of the National Park Service and is known as America's Favorite Scenic Drive. The 469-mile ribbon of road weaves around the peaks of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains connecting Shenandoah National Park (Virginia) and Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina). With the use of the milepost system (the numbers increase as you drive south), you can easily find points of interest along the way.

Here are our top picks for things to do along a 60-mile North Carolina section of the Parkway from north to south. Grandfather Mountain exit at Mileposts 305 is the closest one to Mountain Song Chalet.

Milepost 294, Moses Cone Park: Explore the historic estate with a Mansion, Craft Center and thousands of acres to explore near Blowing Rock.

Milepost 297, Julian Price Park: Walk around, canoe Price Lake, hike, picnic or camp. 

Milepost 302.8, Rough Ridge: 1/3-mile hike to wonderful views on a boardwalk atop a rocky ridge along Tanawha Trail.

Milepost 304.4, Linn Cove Viaduct: This masterpiece of engineering was constructed to preserve Grandfather Mountain, as the viaduct curves with the contours of the mountain. Stop at the Visitor Center and walk under this marvel.

Milepost 305, Grandfather Mountain: Exit onto U.S. 221 to reach this famous mountain. The great town of Banner Elk is 12 miles northwest.

Milepost 305.2, Beacon Heights: A one-mile roundtrip hike with panoramic views and picnic spots atop a rock face mountaintop. 

Milepost 308.3, Flat Rock Trail: A 6/10 of a mile loop hike to a rocky cliff with views of Grandfather Mountain. 

Milepost 312.2: Highway 181 Crosses. Take NC 181 south to hike to Table Rock or Hawksbill Mountain at Linville Gorge. Or go south 5.5 miles for Upper Creek Falls.

Milepost 316.3, Linville Falls: Take an easy 1 or 1.5-mile hike to see the beautiful falls and gorge. Visitors Center and picnic area. Also see Duggers Creek Falls. Nearby is Linville Gorge.

Milepost 317.4: US 221 Crosses. Take US 221 South for a faster return to Asheville (to Marion, then I-40 West to Asheville). Linville Caverns is four miles south of the Parkway.

Milepost 320.8, Chestoa View: Stop and walk a short trail to one of the best views on the Parkway. Elevation 4,090 ft.

Milepost 328.3, The Orchard at Altapass: A great stop to enjoy mountain music, buy jams, take a hayride through the orchard and buy late summer apples.

Milepost 331, Museum of North Carolina Minerals (Highway 226): See many local minerals and learn about regional geology (and nice restroom stop!). Free. Travel north on Highway 226 for six miles to Spruce Pine.

Milepost 334, Little Switzerland: Stop in this tiny village along the Parkway for food and a little shopping. Adjacent to the Parkway is the hike to Grassy Creek Falls. Just three miles away is Emerald Village and the NC Mining Museum.

Milepost 339.5, Crabtree Falls & Meadows: Take a 3-mile moderate hike to the beautiful 70-foot waterfall. Picnic area and campground. 

Milepost 344, NC Highway 80 Crosses: Go south to Marion and I-40 (18 miles). This is the route to Mt. Mitchell during the winter months, weather permitting. Go north on NC 80 to Roaring Fork Falls, Setrock Creek Falls, Burnsville and Toe River Artist Studios. Part of the Mount Mitchell Scenic Byway.

Milepost 350.4, Green Knob Overlook: Hike to Green Knob Tower.

Milepost 355.4, Mt Mitchell: Drive 4.6 miles to the top of the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi (6,684 feet) for 85-mile views from the observation deck (if the clouds are not hanging on the peak). Hike through Alpine forests to Mt. Craig or pick up some food at the restaurant and have a mile-high picnic. No admission fee. 

"The Trail To Happiness Begins In The Mountains". 

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