The Blue Ridge Parkway and the Mountains of N.C.

The Blue Ridge Parkway connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park of North Carolina and Tennessee.  It is approx 470 miles long and has a top speed limit of 45 m.p.h.  It isn't meant to be a fast trip from point "A" to point "B", but is a vacation in its self.  It is listed as one of the top 10 scenic drives in the U.S.A. It is often called the nations most popular national Park.  Built during the depression as part of a public works project by the C.C.C. It has stood the test of time, and continues to draw people from around the world because of its beauty.  There are many side trips that you can take as well as visit sites right on the Parkway. 

A list of places to viist as you plan your trip might include: Skyline Caverns near Front Royal ,VA.-Luray Caverns , Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton Va, The Natural Bridge  at Natural Bridge, Va.- The Cradle of Foresty near Brevard, N.C. (make sure you check out the waterfalls between Brevard and the Parkway)-Grandfather Mountain and the Linville Falls near Linville, N.C.-Ride the Tweetsie Railroad near Blowing Rock, N.C.-The Folk Art Center just outside of Asheville, N.C.-Chimney Rock Park- Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. (make sure you take some of the many tours available.  The roof top tour was a favorite of mine).-Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee, N.C. (they offer guided tours) and the Christus Gardens in Gatlinburg, Tn.