On our way home from Savannah, we stopped in Asheville to check out and explore the city and drive the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city is full of vibrant arts, historic architecture & too-notch culinary experiences.
We grabbed a quick lunch at Pack’s Tavern before heading into the Blue Ridge Mountains.
We entered the Blue Ridge Mountains and drove south from Asheville. Super easy drive with lots of places to pull off.
Top places to stop along the drive (71 miles one way) :
French Broad River Overlook (milepost 393) - This overlook marks the end of the Asheville valley and begins the climb towards Mount Pisgah.
Mills River Valley Overlook (milepost 404) - Overlooks both sides of the road, it’s a popular spot for sunrise and sunset!
Mount Pisgah Parking Area (milepost 407) - Just before the picnic area there are two popular hiking trails.
Park at Buck Spring Gap Overlook for an easy hike to the site where George Vanderbilt’s mountain cabin, Buck Spring Lodge, once stood.
The road ends at the Mount Pisgah trailhead for a 1.6 moderate to strenuous climb to the summit.
Mount Pisgah (milepost 408) - They have a hotel, campground, restaurant & Country Store.
Frying Pan Fire Tower (milepost 409) - Moderate hike to an old fire tower with great panoramic views.
Graveyard Fields (milepost 416) - Poplar hiking area with two waterfalls & serval trail options.
Devil’s Courthouse (milepost 422) - A strenuous .5 mile trail from the overlook leads to views of four states from the summit.
Richland Balsam Overlook (milepost 431) - This is the high point on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,047 feet.
Highway 23/74 (milepost 443) - Exit off the Parkway with access to Waynesville to the north & Visitor to the south.
Waterrock Knob Visitor Center (milepost 451) - This is the parkway’s highest visitor center (5,820 feet) with beautiful views of the mountains.
Highway 19 (milepost 455) - You can exit off the Parkway here with access to Maggie Valley to the north and Cherokee to the south. Narrow, winding road NOT suitable for longer vehicles.
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