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Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Southern Terminus

Cherokee, North Carolina

5.0/5
based on 5 reviews

Description

Added by Tiffany Trent

Enjoy the stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you head north just outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The pinpoint for this particular entrance starts just outside of Cherokee, North Carolina, following the Parkway North.

They say the Blue Ridge Parkway is more than just a road, it's a beautiful journey. Start this journey and you will quickly find this to be true. This 469 mile gateway connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Along the way, you will find yourself surrounded by ever-changing stunning views, 369 miles of trails (everything from a short-leg stretch to a challenging trek,) 382 overlooks, 910 vistas, 600 miles of streams, 2,074 plant species and an abundance of wildlife.

The Parkway is open year-round, but sections may be closed in winter due to ice and snow, so make sure to check on the status and closures before you plan your winter drive.

Side note: The Country Store on the parkway in front of Pisgah Inn, milepost 408.6, has wi-fi. It does require a password, so hop in, grab some snacks or a map and ask about the wi-fi.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Picnic Area
Romantic
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Swimming Hole
ADA Accessible

Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Southern Terminus Reviews

This is the road trip to take if you are interested in obscene views and beauty for miles and miles of slowly winding mountain roads. In June, rhododendrons start blooming all over, dotting the landscape with shades of pink. There are overlooks everywhere for you to pause and drink the scenery in. Take your time and plan to hit up Mt. Mitchell if you have a chance - or make your way to the quaint town of Burnsville - if you’re lucky, you may stumble into an unmarked swimming hole or a massive waterfall.

This is a must-do in the area. It offers breathtaking scenery of the valley below and is perfect for one of those days that you want the views without the effort of hiking!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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