11. Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway has been known to be America's Favorite Drive and considered the nation's most scenic highway. It is 469 miles long and connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in NC to the Shenandoah National Park in VA. The highway offers drivers numerous opportunities to stop at overlooks, quaint mountain towns and hiking and biking trails.
There are many attractions to visit along the parkway:
| Mount Mitchell The tallest point east of the Mississippi River |
MP 355.4 |
| Craggy Gardens Elevation of 5,640 feet |
MP 364.4 |
| Folk Art Center | MP 382 |
| 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.
Hours:
9:00a to 5:00p daily.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Admission: Free
Phone: (828) 298-5330
