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+1
It was a scenic drive. Loved that there were so many overlooks along the drive. Great places to hike with various levels of difficulty and mileage. We stopped at Craggy Gardens and Mount Mitchell! We did short hikes and the views were amazing
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Date of experience: October 2020
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We drove the entire 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway between October 19 and 22 during an absolutely beautiful fall season for "leaf peeping." For the most part, the park was not crowded and was easy to navigate. We had the road to ourselves most of the way. The speed limit is a reasonable 45 mph in most places. The parkway is well-maintained. Top spots on the road were: Mabry Mill (mile 176), Cascade Falls hike (mile 271.9), Beacon Heights hike (305.2), Chestoa View Overlook of Linville Gorge (320.8). Mt Mitchell hike to peak (355.4) (spectacular) and Waterrock Knob peak (355.4). The hikes listed were doable by a couple of relatively healthy seniors -- mountain-climbing skills not needed. We turned back at the end of the parkway and avoided Route 421 through the Great Smoky Mountains because of a miles-long traffic jam caused by a traffic accident further into the park. Great trip!…
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Date of experience: October 2020
2 Helpful votes
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+1
The fall colors are absolutely amazing this year! Do take a paper map and get on the BRP as soon as possible. Go early, pack a snack and drinks, and meander up and down, stopping at all of the overlooks and eating at one of the picnic areas. We intended to do other things in the area but found that we enjoyed the majestic scenery more than anything else! Near Blowing Rock is super crowded after 10 am so drive north for beautiful views and fewer people. …
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Date of experience: October 2020
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+1
This is a beautiful drive regardless of the season but it’s especially striking in fall. Make sure you plan ahead! Google maps tries to constantly get you off of the parkway as it’s never the fastest route. So order a physical map of the Parkway & start with a full tank of gas! There are small shops and some city pullouts along the way for snacks and gas. Take your time, stop at pullouts and take in the beauty of this area & go hiking!…
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Date of experience: October 2020
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+1
I would definitely recommend a trip down the Parkway, it was beautiful when we went! We only traveled half of it, but definitely want to go back someday to travel the whole length. If you love scenic drives and nature than this is a drive I would highly recommend! And it would be beautiful anytime of the year.…
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Date of experience: October 2020
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