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.
1082 Mcconnell Drive, Decatur, Georgia, United States
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Blue Ridge Parkway, Waynesville, United States
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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.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Mills River, North Carolina
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Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, North Carolina
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Blue Ridge Parkway, Swannanoa, North Carolina
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via Blue Ridge Pkwy
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via Blue Ridge Pkwy & Orchard Rd
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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.
via Holloway Mountain Rd & Cone Rd & Elk Ridge Rd & Blue Ridge Parkway
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via Skyline Hwy & Blue Ridge Pkwy
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Blue Ridge Parkway, Hillsville, United States
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Blue Ridge Parkway, Woolwine, United States
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Blue Ridge Parkway, Floyd, United States
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216 Conner Lane Southeast, Callaway, United States
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