11. Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway.

AshevilleNC  28801

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

For more information