The Blue Ridge Parkway isn't technically a national park, but it might as well be. It connects two—Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains—and each year, more people drive it than visit the Grand Canyon.
Honestly, you can't pick a bad time to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. In summer, the parks along the road 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 can be a tad precarious, especially if it's snowy, but in spring, flowers bloom across the route. No matter the time of year, here are a few of our favorite stops to see along the way.
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Head up to Clingman's Dome in the Smokies for 360-degree views of the park from Tennessee's highest point, then plan out your hikes through Cades Cove and to one of the waterfalls. There are plenty of hikes during which you can stretch your legs after your road trip, and there are many ways to relax in the park's peaceful setting—just watch out for black bears.
The Smokies has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the U.S., and is home to several species of wildflowers that range from white to pink to orange and every color in between. The secluded Cades Cove is a great place to take it all in.
The most distinctive feature about Grotto Falls is that it's the only waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that you can actually walk behind. The 25-foot-high waterfall offers a cool, shady, and moist retreat for hikers in the summer and provides an ideal habitat for salamanders.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the area is incredibly awe-inspiring. Fall is a popular time to visit the Smokies, and with good reason: The changing colors are unlike anything you'll find anywhere else in the world. Avoid the crowds and still get awesome views by visiting in the summer or when everything is blooming in the spring.
Pigeon Forge is a very popular tourist destination, and you can't go wrong staying at the Music Road Resort, which is located half a mile from the Titanic Museum. It features an outdoor water park and an indoor pool and hot tub open 24/7. Enjoy the free hot breakfast and ask to upgrade to a room with a whirlpool tub and fireplace.
Ole Smoky is the first legal moonshine in Tennessee (a state that loves moonshine so much, at least one of its state songs outright mentions it), so you know it’s the real deal. A tour of the distillery offers a chance to learn about moonshine legends and the opportunity to taste its many flavors (from the original to the classic staple apple pie flavor to other fun varieties).
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Don't forget to pack a swimsuit for your trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway, because there's an awesome natural slip 'n slide along the route. The waterfall, known as Sliding Rock, is on Looking Glass Creek in Pisgah National Forest, just outside Asheville. Slide down a 60-foot slope which ends with a plunge into a big pool of icy cold water. Eleven thousand gallons of water pour over the smooth slab of granite every minute, so expect a swift ride down the rock and into the splash pool.
Get a true taste of luxury by visiting the largest house in the U.S., Biltmore Estate, with 250 rooms set on 8,000 acres. There’s no bad time to visit; winter means the famous Christmas decor is up (and Christmas pricing is in effect), autumn brings stunning foliage, and during spring, the gardens are in full bloom. You don’t need a tour to appreciate the massive grand house, grounds, and furnishings—but don’t miss the pool, the ballrooms, and the conservatory.
While in Asheville, visit the opulent Inn on Biltmore Estate, the perfect place to unwind amidst 19th-century luxury. Amenities include free Wifi, 24/7 room service, and an on-site fine-dining restaurant, spa, and bar.
You absolutely cannot visit Asheville and skip Wicked Weed. Wicked Weed Brewing specializes in West Coast-style hoppy ales, open fermented Belgian beers, and barrel aged sours. King Henry VIII declared hops “a wicked and pernicious weed” destined to ruin beer. That rebel integrity drives Wicked Weed's "defiant beer," which also happens to be delicious.
If you have time, grab a bite at Table, a small, seasonal restaurant in the heart of Asheville's vibrant downtown. It offers an innovative menu that is constantly changing.
A favorite Asheville stop for road travelers is the Lexington Avenue Brew. The pub food is locally sourced, and there's often live music.
In Asheville, North Carolina, you'll find plenty of historic bed and breakfasts and cozy campsites, in addition to old-school diners and restaurants serving up the next great food trend. Asheville is full of unique characters, quirky galleries and boutiques, and dozens of microbreweries scattered around town.
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If you're feeling lucky, stop by Sugar Creek Gem Mine and prospect for precious stones. The staff will help you identify anything of value and even set it into a custom jewelry piece for you to bring home.
Once you reach Banner Elk, North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain State Park is definitely worth a stop. It's a hiker's paradise with challenging trails for skilled hikers, and plenty of rocky cliffs offering breathtaking scenic views. You can also get a permit and camp in the park.
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When you're ready for some hearty road food, the Roanoker Restaurant is a good bet. It opened in 1941 and has remained a local favorite ever since.
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The Natural Bridge Hotel is a charming hotel close to a lot of local attractions including a wax museum, caverns, and a zoo. Request a mountain view room and don't miss the on-site restaurant and bar.
Further south in Virginia—and another short detour off the Blue Ridge Parkway—you'll find the Natural Bridge, with its 20 stories of solid rock, carved out by nature. It has dazzled people for centuries, including founding fathers George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
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Nestled in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains is Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp, a rustic and relaxing camping getaway. Close to Natural Bridge and the Parkway, this is a great spot to relax after a long day of driving. The 7-acre campground was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
