Blue Ridge Parkway - 10 day Trip

9/3 Tues sleep Cincinnati -- then 9/4 am Cherokee NC

9/4 Wednes night in Cherokee then to BRP am 9/5

Lower Falls Graveyard Fields is a gorgeous waterfall and swimming hole, that is accessible by a short and moderate .3 mile hike down to the falls. This waterfall is also visible from a small pull over on the Blue Ridge Parkway, just past MP418.8.

Location: Milepost 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC Roundtrip Distance:0.6 Miles Handicap/Disability Accessible:Yes, from the Parkway, but the hike to the base of the falls is not handicap accessible. Difficulty: Moderate, due to uphill climb on the way back and stairs Features:Waterfall, Swimming Hole, Jump off rock, unique plant life, dense rhododendron thicket, gorgeous fall colors Directions:Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 418.8 between Asheville and Waynesville NC. There is a large parking lot for the area and a bathroom building. It will be hard to miss.

MP 417 - Looking Glass Rock Overlook - One of the best places to see the beautiful, and unique Looking Glass Rock.

Exit MP 393 on BRP for The N.C. Arboretum, Hwy. 191 and Interstate 26. On the exit ramp, the entrance to the Arboretum is immediately on the left (before Hwy. 191 and traffic light). Parking $14.00

9/5 sleep Asheville, am BRP to Blowing Rock

MP 364.4 If you are heading north on the parkway go past the visitor center, through the tunnel and take the first left.

There is a 0.7 mile trail that leads to a vista with amazing views. It is a relatively easy trail so enjoy.

Your easy 0.8 mi trail hike starts in the parking lot. Then continue to the upper parking lot where you will see the parkway sign "Craggy Dome" the trail head is just on the other side indicated by a sign. The first part of the trail is covered by color as the plants create a canopy in which you walk under on the trail. The first part of the journey is a gradual climb; then you reach a bend and a nice elevated rock with a view. The trail then leans more upward until it reaches a fork to the right where there is a plateau and many scenic overlooks. As you loop back around the trail with a sign states left to the upper lookout and right to the lower lookout. The lower lookout just allows you to see the visitor center and the mountains in the distance about a 180 degree view. If you want to feel like you are on top of the world take the upper lookout trail until you reach the rock wall with stairs. As you emerge from the stairs you will see a 360 degree lookout with a beautiful scenic landscape of the Blue Ridge mountains, the Asheville watershed lake, and more.

Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 355.4: Mt. Mitchell The highest peak in the eastern United States at an elevation of 6,684 ft, Mt. Mitchell is located in the 1,855-acre Mt. Mitchell State Park. While State Parks are managed separately from National Parks such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mt. Mitchell State Park is only accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway by taking NC 128 at Milepost 355.4 to the summit. The breathtaking views and climate at the peak make Mt. Mitchell a popular stop for many Parkway travelers.

Mt. Mitchell State Park includes hiking trails, picnic spots, and an observation deck with 360-degree views. Seasonally in May – October, visitors can enjoy the onsite Natural History Museum, restaurant, gift shop, and camping.

MP 339.5 Crabtree Falls - 3-mile hike out to this beautiful 70-foot tall waterfall. This popular, short loop descends on a moderate path to a majestic 70' waterfall, which is widely touted as one of the most photogenic in the area. You'll climb steeply up the opposite ridge for a short distance, then hike a wide, smooth trail beside the stream. Many very large trees populate the forest in this area. Finish out the loop by climbing gently through a beautiful hardwood forest. The hike starts in a Blue Ridge Parkway campground

MP 305 Grandfather Mountain - Grandfather’s lofty heights offer guests opportunities for rejuvenation, excitement and family memories in a natural haven that will endure forever. Marvel at 360-degree views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge, stand eye-to-eye with bears, cougars, otters, eagles and deer in natural habitats and interact with our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Two miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway Viaduct; one mile from Parkway. Take Linville Exit, MP 305 to US 221.

MP 304 Linn Cove Viaduct. This final portion of the parkway to be completed, skirts the side of Grandfather Mountain. A visitor center is located nearby and provides access to a trail under the viaduct. At Mile 305.2, Beacon Heights is a short one-mile roundtrip hike with spectacular views from several rock platforms to explore. Mile 308.3, Flat Rock, offers views of Grandfather Mountain. At Mile 316.3 take the trail to see dramatic Linville Falls and the bold rock cliffs of Linville Gorge. For locally grown heirloom apples, visit the Orchard at Alta Pass at Mile 328. Stop at Mile 331 for the Museum of North Carolina Minerals. This Museum is free, and It gives an overview of mining and mineralogy. Kids will love it. For a taste sensation, go just a few miles north to Spruce Pine, and have a meal at the Knife & Fork.

9/6 Fri night Blowing Rock, Sat am to Hillsville, VA