The Blue Ridge Parkway isn't technically a National Park, but it might as well be. It connects two National Parks (Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains) together and the parkway itself is the most visited unit controlled by the National Parks System. Each year, more people drive along its roads than visit the Grand Canyon. True fact. People flock to it with good reason, though...it's pretty gorgeous. Plus, there's tons to see and do along the way. Here's a few highlights to see along the way.
89 Rufus Robinson Road, Sylva, North Carolina, United States
via Blue Ridge Pkwy
Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, Canton, North Carolina, United States
And get a taste of luxury by visiting the Biltmore Estate itself. The 250-room house sits on 8,000 acres, making it America's largest house.
via Blue Ridge Pkwy
4281 Us Route 221, Marion, North Carolina, United States
via Orchard Rd
Linville Falls, North Carolina, United States
via Staceys Creek Rd
If you're feeling lucky, stop by Sugar Creek Gem Mine and prospect for precious stones. They'll help you identify anything of value and even set it in jewelry for you!
Once you reach Banner Elk, NC, Grandfather Mountain State Park is definitely worth a stop. It's a hiker's paradise. There are challenging trails for more skilled hikers, and rocky cliffs that offer breathtaking scenic views. You can also get a permit and camp in the park.
via Holloway Mountain Rd & Cone Rd
Blowing Rock, North Carolina, United States
1075 North Carolina Highway 105, Boone, North Carolina, United States
via Elk Ridge Rd
via Skyline Hwy
Skyline Highway, Galax, Virginia, United States
via Blue Ridge Pkwy & Floyd Hwy N & Monet Dr & Blue Ridge Pkwy
via Blue Ridge Pkwy & Blue Ridge Pkwy & Blue Ridge Pkwy & Blue Ridge Pkwy & Blue Ridge Pkwy & Blue Ridge Pkwy
Honestly, you can't pick a bad time drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. In summer, the parks along the Blue Ridge Parkway are lush and green. In the fall, the entire drive is covered in fiery foliage (usually from early October to early November). In winter, the driving is a tad precarious, especially if it's a snowy winter. But, the Blue Ridge Mountains become blanketed in snow and it looks like a white wonderland. In spring, the flowers bloom across the route: the best to see them is between April and May.