On the Blue Ridge Parkway
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Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock is just off the Parkway near Milepost 294. Take the exit for Hwy. 221/321. Blowing Rock is also known as the "Crown of the Blue Ridge". and offers beautiful vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway
There are many attractions to visit along the parkway:
Folk Art Center MP 328.0
Pisgah Mountain MP 408.6
Graveyard Fields MP 418.8
Devil's Courthouse MP 422.4
There are 26 tunnels on the parkway in North Carolina due to the elevation of the mountains. Driving the parkway is a relaxing and enjoyable drive. There are many areas to pull off and enjoy the beautiful mountain vistas. Discover scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks. There are also many towns that are a short drive off the Parkway.
The Parkway Visitor's Center is at Milepost 384 near Asheville, NC.
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Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain is located in Linville, NC. Grandfather Mountain is 5,946 feet in elevation and provides majestic views.
The Mile High Swinging Bridge gives each visitor a 360-degree panoramic views from Grandfather Mountain. Grandfather Mountain has 11 trails varying in difficulty from a gentle walk in the woods to a rigorous trek across rugged peaks. Grandfather Mountain has many picnic areas for your enjoyment. For additional information Grandfather Mountain. And, for hours and fees.
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Graveyard Fields
Graveyard Fields is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 418.8. It is one of the most popular hiking areas in the North Carolina mountains. One theory for the name Gravyard Fields is that many years ago a windstorm uprooted the trees leaving behind stumps that give the appearance of a graveyard and the stumps resembling gravestones.
There are two lovely waterfalls at Graveyard Fields, along with a good variety of plants, wildflowers, and berry bushes. In the summer and fall, hikers enjoy picking the blueberries. Some blackberries and gooseberries can also be found.
A unique loop trail winds through this high-elevation and there are two spurs that lead to the waterfalls. While hiking, you will see Mountain Laurel, Rhododendron, and hardwoods.
Two miles West of Graveyard Fields at Milepost 420 is the spur to Black Balsam Knob and Sam's Knob, two high peaks that offer panoramic views of the mountains.
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Linville Caverns
Linville Caverns is located about 4 miles off the Parkway exit at Milepost 317.4. At the exit, turn left towards Linville Falls. Linville Caverns lies deep under Humpback Mountain. Linville Caverns is North Carolina's only caverns.
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Linville Falls
Linville Falls is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 316.4, about 66 miles North of Asheville. Linville Falls drops 90 feet into the 12-mile long Linville Gorge.
Enjoy spectacular views of the waterfalls surrounded by the steep walls of the gorge. There are five different viewpoints of the falls within a 4 mile hike.
The visitors center is open May through October and on weekends in April.
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Mt Mitchell State Park
Mount Mitchell State Park is 33 miles north of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 355. Mount Mitchell, at an elevation 6,684 feet, it is the highest point east of the Mississippi.
Some of the activities at Mount Mitchell are hiking, education, picnicking, and camping. In addition, there is a restaurant, concession stand and gift shop that are open in the Summer months. See the hours of operation.
