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.
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.
2676 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, United States
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.
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.
via Blue Ridge Pkwy & Blue Ridge Pkwy
