North Carolina--Blue Ridge Parkway

 
Date: 2004-12-08

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This wild and remote southernmost stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway will keep you alert at elevations above 6,000 feet with long stretches of high-flying ledges and rocky cliff faces. At 75 miles long, this trip is ideal for weekend warriors and families, and can be extended for another 390 miles into Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. Starting in Asheville and heading south on the Parkway, you will climb to traverse three spectacular ranges: the Pisgah Ledge, the Great Balsams, and the Plott Balsams.

Along the way, you can stop off at a number of long trails and scenic overlooks such as the Shut-in Trails and the Buck Spring Gap Overlook to catch a glimpse of the mountaintops shrouded in fog and clouds. Passing the French Broad River will lead you to the North Carolina Arboretum, which contains a variety of gardens, a greenhouse, and selection of hiking, walking, and biking trails.

Drive through a series of tunnels and end up at the Mount Pisgah Picnic Area for a bite to eat and a break in the beautiful grassy knoll surroundings. The last ten miles will run you along ridges northwest of the Cherokee Indian Reservation and lead you to the Oconaluftee River, where the Parkway meets the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Starting Point:
Asheville, NC

Distance of Drive:
75 miles

Must Eat:
Café on the Square
1 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone:  828-251-5565
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.

Best Time of Year for Drive:
Summer is the best time to take this drive due to the extreme cold during the winter at high elevations.

Points of Interest on Drive:
Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests
Several ranges including the Great Balsams
Cherokee Indian Reservation
Oconaluftee River
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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