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The Blue Ridge Parkway runs 469 miles through
some of America’s most beautiful country. This most visited unit
of the American National Parks system connects the Shenandoah &
Great Smokey Mountains National Parks with many things to see and do
along the way. The stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway that goes through
North Carolina offers camping, fishing and wonderful view of the parkway’s
natural surroundings. Autumn is particularly gorgeous thanks to the
turning of the leaves. The Parkway is often closed during the winter
due to inclement weather.
There are several ways to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway, and lots of
places to stop for a spell. There are numerous campgrounds and lodges,
and in places where the shoulder of the road is wide enough, travelers
can pull fully off the parkway and have a picnic. Anglers will be happy
to know that fishing is allowed in the waters near the parkway (license
required), so they can bag a few trout, bass and pan fish. Swimming
is prohibited. Large RV’s and buses are permitted on the parkway,
and are welcome at the campgrounds, though there are no hook-ups for
RV’s. Bicycling is also permitted, though all safety precautions
must be taken.
Sites and activities are numerous along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hiking
trails are plentiful, like the easy Cumberland Knob Trail or the more
challenging Devil’s Courthouse Trail. Visitors can spend a little
time at the picturesque Grandfather Mountain Park or a little money
at the Folk Art Center buying local craftworks. Thirsty travelers may
want to check out the stock at the Round Peak or West Bend Vineyards. |
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