Why build a 469-mile long road on top of a mountain?
Not for transport, really. Commercial vehicles are not allowed, the road is often closed in winter, and speed limits are quite low.
Well, never mind…we are glad that it was built, because it is a beautiful, beautiful road.
Blue Ridge Parkway runs along the Blue Ridge mountains (remember “Country Roads” by John Denver?) and cuts through North Carolina in South-eastern United States. It runs even further north towards Shenandoah in Virginia and that part of the road is called Skyline Drive.
Of course, you cannot see all of it in one go. You have to see it little by little.
During our short road trip through North Carolina we made our base at Asheville, and enjoyed driving though the Blue Ridge Parkway and taking in the many “must-see” points on the way, such as the Looking glass waterfalls, Mount Mitchell and Craggy gardens.
A bit about the parkway and why it is ‘blue’
The Parkway runs along the spine of the Blue Ridge in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are part of the Appalachian Mountain Chain. The summits of this mountain chain are covered by a bluish haze caused by trees releasing a gas called isoprene to protect themselves from the summer heat – hence the “blue”.
The Parkway has no traffic lights, gas stations or service stations. However, there are many places where you can leave the road and head for the valleys on either side, where everything is available.
LOOKING GLASS FALLS
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina, Looking Glass Falls near Brevard are located in Pisgah National Forest. These falls thunder down a 60-ft cliff.
The best thing about these falls is that there is no strenuous hike to reach them. Climb down some flights of steps to a viewing platform to get a closer look at this awesome 60-footer waterfall.
Why the name ‘Looking glass’? During winter, the water on the falls freezes along the sides of the ‘looking glass rock’ on which it flows. When the sun shines on it, it creates a mirror-like effect.
The looking glass creek runs beyond the rock and through the falls.
The best time to visit the falls is the morning, when crowds are less and the sun doesn’t shine on the waterfall. Spring and fall, rather than summer, may be better seasons to visit to get a convenient spot for parking.
As with most good waterfalls, the best way to enjoy this waterfall is to take a few moments just listening to the sound of the cascading falls and enjoy the time.
MOUNT MITCHELL
Mount Mitchell, the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains (6,684 feet in elevation), is an awesome location to visit for spectacular views and hiking. It is located in Mount Mitchell National Park, accessible by a 4.6-mile spur road off the blue ridge parkway.
The best part of Mount Mitchell’s attractions is the spacious observation deck at the summit of the mountain. The deck is accessible via a short paved trail, but this trail is very steep.
On clear days, the visitors can have panoramic views of 360-degree and 85 miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains. During our visit in fall, we found that we were above the clouds, and black/blue mountain peaks jutted out of a sea of clouds stretching as far as we could see!
The views were breathtaking, and actually look almost unreal!
Mount Mitchell Museum
An exhibit hall located near the mountain’s summit has interesting and informative displays describing Mount Mitchell’s natural and cultural history. It also compares it to the high peaks of the east coast. This museum is open daily from May through October.
Mount Mitchell Restaurant
At about half a mile from the park office is a restaurant offering simple burgers and sandwiches, with scenic views to admire while you eat.
Camping Facilities
Mount Michell National Park has nine family campsites – all equipped with grills and picnic tables, located between park office and the summit. Restroom facilities are also provided.
Hikes and Trails
This is the best part! There is a choice of seven trails with different degrees of difficulty: two easy ones (Summit trail and Commisary trail), a moderate one (Balsam Nature trail) and four difficult ones for the adventurous (Mount Mitchell trail, Old Mitchell trail, Deep Gap and Camp Alice trails).
Even when we visited in the fall, Mount Michell and surrounds were quite cold and windy because of its elevation. Suitable clothing and sturdy shoes are a must.
CRAGGY GARDENS
There is yet another interesting must-see stop: a natural garden flourishing on the high slopes.
It was amazing to see the pink rhododendron blanket on the mountains and wildflowers blooming all around. Picnic tables are provided and the views are great.
There is a visitor center with information on trials, history and maps, but we got there in the fall and there was just one person there. In Winter the center is closed.
Some scenic and interesting trails are:
- Craggy Pinnacle trail – 1.5 mile round trip to the top. There are some great panoramic views provided there is little or no fog.
- Craggy Gardens trail – runs from the visitor center to the picnic area, with some steep sections.
Speaking of fog, we drove through some stretches of very dense fog, or maybe clouds, in which visibility was down to just about a couple of car lengths. That made us think that perhaps summer is a better time to visit, with no fog, more rhododendron and color. But summer could be crowded too. We did get to see some fall colors and fall scenery along the drive!
The Blue Ridge Parkway also has numerous overlooks along the main route, some of which offer views worth stopping: Craven Gap, Lane pinnacle overlook, Bull Gap, Graybeard Mountain overlook, Craggy dome overlook and Black mountain gap.
You do see large vistas of mountains at every place, with several layers of different shades of blue, but the views are pretty much similar in all the overlooks.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a mighty large apple, and what you have read so far is all about just one bite of it. It would take a great deal of time to enjoy this magnificent road in its entirety, because you can only do it one bite at a time.
Yes, we did take another bite – the Skyline Drive through Virginia – but that’s another story.
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We really have not spent any time in North Caroline. And would love to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. A friend just moved to North Carolina so will be keeping this post for our visit. And singing “Country Roads” as we drive! You know we will be stopping for waterfalls and great panoramic views.
This article gives me the idea for our summer vacation. I’ve wanted to visit Blue Ridge but somehow it went to the back of my head. Although I won’t be able to see the glass-looking falls because it will be a summer trip, I’m sure it will be a wonderful trip. The Craggy Gardens reminded me of the Betty Ford Gardens in Vail, Colorado.
I’ll be honest, I’m not the best driver out there, but after reading this, I’m itching to test my skills on the Blue Ridge Parkway. That scenic road looks like it winds through some of the most breathtaking, misty mountain landscapes North Carolina has to offer. Just imagining cruising along with the windows down, surrounded by those blue ridge peaks and fresh pine-scented air, has me ready to hit the road right now.
This drive looks amazing. We’re big fans of ‘bucket list’ drives (we’re RVers!) and this is definitely going on there. There’s so many different landscapes and flora/fauna throughout.. saving this for next time we drive through N. Carolina!
This post brings back great memories of childhood trips driving through the blue ridge parkway. It would be great to do this drive again.
Wow! The view is amazing especially the one from Mount Mitchell National Park. It’s like straight from a post card.
I am also excited to know that there are many camping facilities and would love to take a hike even a just a short one next time. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience.
After reading this post, I got “Country Roads” stuck in my head- The words of the song brings up visions of lovely mountains and you just put a face to this vision. Its great to learn about the hiking trails here to truly enjoy the beautiful landscapes. The cherry on top for me is a visit to the Looking Glass falls.
I love driving through the mountains, the scenery is always so spectacular. How interesting that the Blue Mountains are named after a gas that rises up and makes them look blue. I would also love to stop at the mountain garden, it looks like such a peaceful place.
As a Virginia resident, I definitely need to explore the BRP in North Carolina more. It looks so pretty (of course!). I like that there are so many lovely places to stop along the way, and the garden and views are so stunning. Spring is a perfect time to go, too! Or fall, of course.
First time I have heard about Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. But it looks like an amazing drive for sure. Waterfalls, museum and good ffod – always a perfect combi. And I love camping – so that would be a plus too, if I ever come to the area.
Your journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway is vividly depicted, capturing the essence of its scenic beauty and diverse attractions. From the breathtaking views atop Mount Mitchell to the enchanting waterfalls and gardens, your exploration invites readers to experience the wonders of North Carolina’s landscapes. The detailed descriptions of points of interest, hiking trails, and seasonal nuances provide valuable insights for prospective travelers. Thanks for sharing this captivating adventure, inspiring others to embark on their own Blue Ridge Parkway odyssey!
My husband and I hiked Craggy Gardens in the fall and commented that the rhododendrons must be amazing when they blossom
Stunning Views! Did you take all those photos? This is a road trip for all seasons. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you! Yes, I took all the photos. The views were amazing with mountain peaks jutting out of the clouds. 🙂
Beautiful views! I’d love to take this trip one of these years. It seems that it would be most beautiful in the fall, but seems perfect for any season of the year.
Well now Country Roads is stuck in my head for the rest of the day 😂 Looks like an awesome road trip I’d love to try it someday. The Blur Ridge Mountains feel so mysterious with all that fog. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful road trip! would love to go hiking at Mount Mitchell one day
A drive through this place is just amazing and the views through the hikes is wow!! I love the photos you captured with the clouds hovering. Saving this for my road trip to NC
I’ve visited Asheville briefly and the scenery was beautiful! I’d love to go back and explore the hiking trails mentioned as well as Craggy Gardens.