A Travel Guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway

When planning a vacation to the Blue Ridge Parkway, it’s wise to buy a travel guide that specializes in the route’s attractions. Not affiliated with the National Park Service, this guide is written for a new generation of travelers who are proficient in searching through review sites and using search engines. Before you can write a guide for the Blue Ridge Parkway, however, you must spend time researching the entire route by contacting every tourism office and website. Then, you’ll need to gather all of the information you can get from each brochure and website in order to create an itinerary that will give you the most information about the route shorttravelshots.com.
Highlights of the Blue Ridge Parkway

One of the highlights of the Blue Ridge Parkway is the natural bridge. The 215-foot-high natural bridge spans a 90-foot limestone gorge. It was once sacred to the Monacan Indians. It also caught the attention of early frontiersmen. In 1750, a young George Washington made an extensive survey of the area, and in 1774, he bought land nearby and built a cabin retreat.

The parkway’s five hundred miles of trails wind through lush forests and mountains. The park also features a number of natural wonders, including ancient caves and swooping mountains. Visitors can hike the trails at the park’s many attractions, such as Big Meadows, where you can see local wildlife. You can also check out the park’s tallest waterfall, Overrun Falls. Lastly, make sure to stop at Hawksbill Summit, the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches for 469 miles through the southern Appalachian Mountains, connecting two national parks, the Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s one of the most popular national parks in the United States, with more people passing along its roads than the Grand Canyon! It’s a beautiful drive, and there’s plenty to see and do along the way.

You can visit the parkway year-round. The summer months are lush, while autumn and winter bring fiery colors to the landscape. However, this parkway is a dangerous drive in the snowy season. Although the road is a slick and precarious road during this time, the snow covered mountains make for a white wonderland in the winter. In the spring, the Blue Ridge Mountains are covered in flowers and greenery. If you’re lucky enough to visit the parkway in the spring, you’ll be able to view over 100 different species of birds.

The Blue Ridge Music Center teaches traditional mountain music and hosts live concerts during the summer. Nearby, you can visit Cumberland Knob, a site where the parkway was built in 1935. There’s also a trading post in the area, where you can purchase handmade crafts and view a massive waterfall. A short nature trail will take you to Lion King Rock, another iconic vista of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Seasons to visit

Fall foliage is one of the most beautiful things to see on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s also the most crowded time of the year, so you’ll want to plan your visit accordingly. During this season, park facilities remain open through early November, but temperatures dip dramatically in the winter. High elevation temperatures are around 43degF, while low elevation temperatures are about 50degF. If you plan to visit the Parkway during the winter, consider packing warm layers to stay warm.

You can view breathtaking scenery from the Parkway’s high peaks. The best views are seen in the early morning or late afternoon. You can even hike up Mount Mitchell for a unique view of the fall foliage. However, you should note that the summit is closed during the winter due to snow. If you don’t mind spending the night in a car, you can also visit the Parkway’s visitor center and take a hike along the trails.

Summer and fall are prime months for Blue Ridge Parkway visits. However, you’ll need to avoid visiting the Parkway during the holiday weekends in December and March. During these months, the roads are often clogged with heavy traffic. If you are planning a hike, be sure to arrive early and avoid the peak summer and fall seasons. You’ll get to see amazing views while avoiding the heat and crowds of these seasons.

There are several other activities to enjoy while traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway. During fall, you can try apple picking in the high country. Wineries dot the parkway as well. The Orchard at Altapass, Saylor Orchard, and Grandad’s Apples are just a few of the many options you can visit. The Parkway also features several wineries, including the Biltmore Vineyard and Winery, Linville Falls Winery, and Grandfather Vineyard and Winery.

Fall is a great time to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway because of the fall colors. You’ll want to bring your best camera, with all lenses. While a cell phone camera can take beautiful pictures of the park’s landscapes and wildlife, a professional camera is best.
Attractions to see along the route

The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches from the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. The drive is beautiful during all seasons, and visitors can enjoy scenic overlooks and historic mansions along the way. There are four main entrances to the Parkway, located near the North Carolina Arboretum and the Asheville Outlets. The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center is located at Milepost 384 and offers free maps, interactive exhibits, and souvenirs.

One of the most iconic stops along the Parkway is Mabry Mill, a wooden grist mill dating back to the early 1900s. It sits beside a stream, cloaked in hardwoods and is one of the most photographed attractions along the Parkway. Visitors can also take a short trail to explore the grounds, and grab a bite to eat at the local restaurant. The parking lot is often full, so plan accordingly.

Another popular attraction along the Parkway is the Falling Spring Falls. This waterfall has a trail leading to it. The parkway is home to several waterfalls along its route, and you can find pictures of them online before planning your trip. You can also use your GPS to mark waterfalls as you go.

Another iconic view along the Parkway is the iconic Tanawha Viaduct. It is one of the most photographed sites on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and is located near Milepost 304. This attraction has a museum, a scale model, and restrooms. If you want to experience a longer hike, you can follow the Tanawha Trail under the viaduct, connecting the Grandfather Mountain nature preserve to Julian Price Memorial Park. The hike is approximately two miles round-trip.

Apple Orchard Mountain is another great destination along the Blue Ridge Parkway. At 6,053 feet above sea level, it’s the highest point along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s also home to the FAA radar dome, which is a remnant of an early warning system used during the Cold War.

Doughton Park is another popular stop along the Parkway. It is the largest recreation area on the Parkway and offers a great opportunity to take a picnic. It also features historical cabins and hiking trails. If you don’t feel like hiking, the Bluffs Restaurant is a great stop.
Best time to visit

The best time to visit Blue Ridge Parkway is early in the morning. The road is less crowded and the temperatures are warm, but you should be aware of some factors. It is best to avoid visiting the parkway during the months of December and January. Additionally, ice and snow can close certain sections of the road. Lastly, the best time to visit Blue Ridge Parkway is during the spring and fall months, when the scenery is at its best and visitors can take in the breathtaking views.

The best time to visit Blue Ridge Parkway depends on your interests. If you are looking for hiking, you should visit it in September or October. The temperatures will be pleasant, but you will need to pack layers of clothes, especially if you plan to explore the high elevations. It is important to pack appropriate clothing during these months, because temperatures range from around 70 degF to nearly 115degF.

Summer is the most popular time to visit Blue Ridge Parkway. The road will be more open, but crowds are likely to be higher. It is also a good idea to book accommodations in advance. Summer temperatures are also hotter, which may make hiking trails more difficult. However, it is also nice to visit during the winter. The road is less likely to be closed than in the summer, and the bare trees make for an atmospheric backdrop.

The parkway is incredibly photogenic. Make sure you bring your best camera with you to capture the scenery. You can photograph long mountain ridges, wild animals, and even the occasional bear! If you are looking for outdoor recreational activities, Blue Ridge Parkway is an incredible choice for any vacation. Moreover, you can visit the parkway without spending a fortune.

Hiking is a great way to spend your day on Blue Ridge Parkway. You can choose from a variety of easy and moderate trails. Some trails have waterfalls, so you can take a leisurely stroll along them. You can also hike up Mount Mitchell, which is the highest peak in the eastern US at 6,684 feet. The hike is accessible all year round, but it is best to take it during good weather.