Blue Ridge Parkway: Take One of America’s Most Breathtaking Drives

No great American road trip is complete without driving along the winding roads of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway is over 460 miles long, and spans North Carolina and Virginia. There is no better way to experience the enchanting beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains than to drive through some of the most scenic country in all of Appalachia.

As the name implies, the Blue Ridge Mountains are celebrated for their deep blue appearance. Depending on the time of year, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers drivers an up-close view of blooming wildflowers, colorful fall leaves, and thundering waterfalls. You can drive at a leisurely pace without stopping. You can also park your car to hike, listen to traditional Appalachian music, or have a relaxing picnic in a serene forest.

During the warmer months, the Blue Ridge Music Center—located at Milepost 213—offers regular concerts which showcase the banjo and fiddle-centric music for which Appalachia is known. The Blue Ridge Music Center features an outdoor amphitheater which allows concertgoers to bask in the beauty of nature while listening to some lively tunes.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is home to over 300 miles of hiking trails which are easily accessible from the road. One of the most popular hikes is the Linville Falls Trail, which leads visitors to a magnificent 3-tiered waterfall. The sheer strength and volume of Linville Falls leaves onlookers hypnotized.

While driving the length of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you may spot a shy black bear retreating into a forest, a blanket of orange leaves swirling towards the road, or a log cabin that has stood for centuries which has been carefully preserved by historians. The Blue Ridge Parkway is brimming with history, natural beauty, and heartwarming Appalachian charm that you simply won’t find on any other road.