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Blue Ridge Parkway - The Southern Half
Are you ready to continue our journey on the Parkway? This is the second part of the most scenic highway in America. The first segment was on the northern half of the
Blue Ridge Parkway,
The last mile marker was 180.
As you begin your travel down to mile marker 230, there are a series of different unique gaps. Orchard, Volunteer, Fancy and Pipers Gap line either side of the Parkway. Continuing on, there is a great place to visit, the Blue Ridge Music Center. The next Visitors Center is at Cumberland Knob, around mile marker 220. This is where you officially enter the state of North Carolina. A fascinating aspect of this entire Blue Ridge Parkway is you are changing elevation throughout the entire 469 miles, and you really aren't aware of the changes until you see a sign with a new elevation point. Between mile marker 220 and 240 you can get off the Parkway and visit Stone Mountain State Park. As you come to mile marker 240, you may want to stop at Doughton Park. This area is home to Bluff Mountain at elevation 3,792 feet. Feel free to search in Google for any area you may be looking for around here or anywhere.
 Custom Search From mile marker 240 to 270 you can exit the parkway and tour the Mount Jefferson State Park. The views continue to be spectacular and one doesn't realize at this particular point of the parkway, you are south of the eastern most tip of Tennessee. As you reach mile marker 290, the town of Boone lies to the west off the highway. To the east are some breathtaking views in Blowing Rock. You also have a couple of options of visiting the popular Moses H. Cane Memorial Center and the Julian Price Memorial Center. There is a wonderful craft center and I highly recommend taking the time to browse through this genuine art and heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains.This stop is also the beginning of one of the most lush natural forests, Pisgah National Forest.
As you continue on, one of the most famous mountains appear to the west, Grandfather Mountain. The elevation at its peak is 5,890 feet. There are many challenging
nature trails
as well as a great adventure for all of you risk takers. Leaving Grandfather Mountain you begin to travel from mile marker 300 to 340. The views are unique to anything you have seen before. You can stop also at Linn Cove Viaduct, Lind Falls and down to the Museum of North Carolina Mineral Center. All these centers deserve a little time to see. If you are feeling hungry, the next stop is the Crab Tree Meadows. There is a picnic area as well as tenting for a good nights rest. People own cabin and lodges throughout this area in the southeast. Here are some decor for a lodge. South of this area is the highest peak east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell. This mountain's elevation rises to 6,684 feet. The fog over the mountain is persistent. The views are breathtaking and one senses the natural power and beauty of this mountain. Below the mountain is Mount Mitchell State Park. Southward you go and can stroll through the Crabby Gardens Visitors Center around mile marker 370. Ten miles down the road at mile marker 380 is the Folk Art Center and another great opportunity to see the heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just below this center becomes exciting as you can get off the parkway and visit the beautiful city of Asheville. Upon getting back on the parkway, at mile marker 390, you can witness one of the most magnificent Estates in the United States, The Biltmore. To me, this is one of the highlights near the Parkway. The beauty of this estate during any season is well worth your time. The natural setting as well as gardens surrounding the estate will take you back in time. I will be doing a page in the future on this wonderful natural landscape. As you head from mile marker 390 down to 410, you can once again get off the parkway and head south east to the quaint mountain city of Hendersonville. If you are traveling during the early September, you will be just in time for the Apple Festival. Just above mile marker 410 you will find striking views of Mount Pisqah. Continuing on, you can sense the journey of seeing this incredible parkway is nearing the southern end. Between mile marker 410 and 420, you can exit the parkway and head east towards Brevard. This town has a great outdoor music facility as well as programs for all ages during the summertime. There are also great sites at
Graveyard Fields,
Looking Glass Rock, and Devil's Courthouse. At this point, there is a change from the Pisqah National Forest to the Nantahala National Forest. At mile marker 430, you can pull over as you are at the highest point of the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,053 elevation. At mile marker 450 you can rest at the Waterrock Knob Visitors Center. You are about to enter one of the most stunning areas at the south end, Great Smokey Mountain National Park. This area is also home to the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Here are a couple of photos of the Great Smokey Mountains. The natural beauty that surrounds this famous parkway is seen by thousands of tourists as well as local people throughout the entire year. There are times during the winter months that a snowstorm or ice storm could close part of the parkway, but for the most part, this scenic highway is open year around for your enjoyment. You can drive the Blue Ridge over and over again and it is amazing that there are new and awesome sites for you to experience. Every inch of this parkway has some form of nature. Take the time to digest all the natural habitats and powerful mountains and valleys surrounding you. Put on your favorite CD and ride along with nature at its best. I hope this simple trip from the northern half to the southern half has given you the opportunity to read about some places as well as see a few photos. In
photgraphy of natural landscapes,
there are a few more photos of parts of this highway. Feel free to visit a little taste of natural beauty anytime.
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