The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches over 650 miles through multiple national parks. It links Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The Parkway is a continuation of the Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park and goes along the highest ridgelines of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are several fantastic spots along the Parkway to take a break and enjoy the scenery. Here are just a few.
The Natural Bridge
Standing tall in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia at milepost 61.6 is The Natural Bridge, a 20-story tall, naturally occurring solid-rock bridge spanning 90 feet across a limestone gorge carved by Cedar Creek. Climb down 137 steps to reach the Cedar Creek Nature Trail where visitors can enjoy the bridge and trail, a butterfly exhibit, Monacan Village, a wax museum, and the Jefferson Playground. A must-see attraction is the Caverns at Natural Bridge, nestled 34 stories below the earth.
The Blowing Rock
For those who aren’t afraid of heights, The Blowing Rock is a staggering 3,000-foot high cliff above Johns River Gorge in North Carolina at milepost 291.9. There is a strong northwest wind blowing up from the rock, hence the name of the cliff.
Linville Falls
Stop at milepost 316.3 to experience the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians” at Linville Falls. This spectacular three-tiered waterfall flows into Linville Gorge where visitors can enjoy three hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult.
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Chimney Rock State Park
Film enthusiasts will want to stop at Chimney Rock State Park in North Carolina at milepost 384.7. It was one of the filming locations for The Last of the Mohicans. Below the mountain is an incredible view of Lake Lure, where the famous water lift scene from Dirty Dancing was filmed.
Biltmore
No journey to Asheville, North Carolina is complete without stopping at milepost 388.8 to take in the historic Biltmore Estate. Visitors can tour the estate and gardens, and explore the farm, winery, village green and outdoor adventure center at Antler Hill Village.
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Pisgah Inn
Enjoy the serenity of a mountain retreat at Pisgah Inn at milepost 408.6. Located at the peak of the Blue Ridge Parkway on Mount Pisgah in North Carolina, the inn is surrounded by hiking trails and views of the Pisgah National Forest. Visitors can find handmade Appalachian crafts and enjoy casual fine dining.
Black Balsam
Experience the favorite hiking spot of locals at milepost 420. The Black Balsam area has some of the grandest views along the Parkway, including prominent peaks Black Balsam Knob, Sam Knob, and Tennent Mountain. Each of these unique peaks is a mountaintop bald, meaning they are treeless meadows with low vegetarian allowing for open panoramic vistas. The area attracts hikers, campers, and backpackers.
