01
Blue Ridge Parkway
Frequent Paved Overlooks
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers many things to do with incredible views. Here are just some of the top places to visit on the parkway:
Craggy Gardens: Milepost 364.4: Breathtaking views await you here at elevation 5,640 feet. Craggy Gardens is home to a National Park Service visitor center, shop and restroom facilities. (24 miles, 35 minutes)
Mount Mitchell: Milepost 355.4: Explore the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River. You can drive nearly all the way to the summit. From the parking area it is just a half-mile hike to reach the observation deck and enjoy the long-range mountain views. Mount Mitchell also has a museum, gift shop, restaurant (open during spring to fall) and restrooms. (35 miles, 1 hour)
Mount Pisgah: Milepost 407.6: See Asheville's most iconic peak up close and personal. (26 miles, 40 minutes)
Graveyard Fields: Milepost 417: This area, named for its unique landscape, offers relatively easy hiking trails to access to two waterfalls. (37 miles, 55 minutes)
02
North Carolina Arboretum
Parking Fee
With 65 acres of gardens, you’ll always find a plethora of blooms. Don’t miss the Technicolor Quilt Garden, complete with an observation deck to admire the design. From the tiny blooms on the bonsai trees to the massive native azalea gardens, there are many areas to explore by foot or bike. And you can bring the dog along, too.
Location:
20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way
Asheville, NC 28806
Directions:
If your navigation system directs you to the Arboretum service entrance off Wesley Branch Road, please turn back and follow the road to the traffic light. Turn right (south) onto Brevard Road/Hwy. 191 and continue in the right lane, which will become a turn only lane. Turn right at light and the entrance to The North Carolina Arboretum is ahead on the right.
03
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
1hr-1.5hrs from Asheville
Great Smoky Mountain National Park is America’s most visited National Park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, and covers 520,000 acres (800 square miles). The Smoky Mountains are known for the blue mist that always seems to hover around the peaks and valleys.
Cataloochee Valley: See majestic elk as they roam this historic valley. Cataloochee is known as the area's best place to see these incredible animals. Volunteers are often present to share information about the elk and provide insight into area history. While you’re in Cataloochee Valley, see the one-room school, the church and the farm house. There are also several great hiking trails, including the Little Cataloochee Trail. (40miles, 1 hr)
Deep Creek: Waterfalls abound at this outdoor adventure hot spot near the mountain community of Bryson City. A loop hike takes you to the area’s three main waterfalls. It's also a popular place to go tubing in the summer. (68 miles, 1 hour and 10 minutes)
*Dogs are not allowed on the National Park trails.
04
Craggy Gardens
Easy/Moderate Hike
Distance from Asheville: 24 miles
Milepost 364.4: Breathtaking views await you here at elevation 5,640 feet. Craggy Gardens is home to a National Park Service visitor center, shop and restroom facilities.
Location:
364 Blue Ridge Parkway
Black Mountain, NC 28711
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Explore exhibits on the natural history of the region at the visitor center – open seasonally
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Take a short hike up Craggy Pinnacle trail and witness a stunning 360-view of seemingly endless peaks and forested slopes – see area map below
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Enjoy a picnic amid natural beauty – restrooms open seasonally
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Visit nearby Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi
ADA Accessibility
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visitor center is wheelchair accessible
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exhibits are wheelchair accessible
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picnic area is wheelchair accessible with assistance
SCENIC VIEWS
