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.

Blowing Rock is only 3 square miles yet is home to more than 100 shops, about two dozen restaurants, and nearly 20 hotels and inns. It is a neat little town to stroll and browse the many shops.

Don't forget to take a train ride on the Tweetise Railroad Park; a park with a focus on children. Board the train for a scenic 3 mile ride packed with adventure. Hours of operation.

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Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway

Asheville, NC  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.

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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Folk Art Center

Folk Art Center

Folk Art Center

Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Pkwy
Asheville, NC 28805
(828) 298-7928

Hours: 9:00a - 6:00p Daily
 

At the center you can find some of the finest traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians.The center also has three galleries, a library and Allanstand Craft Shop. There is also a Eastern National bookstore and information desk about the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are daily craft demonstrations in the lobby beginning the first of March each year.

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Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain

2050 Blowing Rock Highway
Linville, NC  28646
(828) 733-4337

The Mile High Swinging Bridge gives each visitor 360-degree panoramic views. 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

Graveyard Fields

Milepost 418.8 on Blue Ridge Parkway
Canton, NC  288716

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

Linville Caverns (in Pisgah National Forest)

19929 US-221 Highway
Marion, NC  28752
(828) 756-4171


These natural limestone caverns feature stalactite and stalagmite formations and an underground stream. Linville Carvens is an active natural limestone cavern with new rock constantly growing and forming each day.

Guided tours depart every 10-15 minutes and last about 35-40 minutes. For additional information see Linville Caverns.

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Linville Falls

717 Gurney Franklin Road,
via Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 317.4
Linville Falls, NC  28647
(828) 765-1045


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

Mt Mitchell State Park

Mt Mitchell State Park

2388 State Highway 128
Burnsville, NC  28714
(828) 675-4611


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.