Since moving to Georgia in 2016, we promised ourselves that we would make time one fall to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. We didn’t officially make it a bucket list item, but in retrospect, we should have.
Finally, after years of scheduling conflicts, COVID interruptions and other excuses, we headed northeast from our home in Marietta to travel the legendary parkway. First, though, we ventured along the Atlantic coast for a few stops, ending the northward journey in Williamsburg, VA. After enjoying the historical attractions for a few days, we left our resort on a crisp October fall morning for the first leg of our parkway journey.
Before our Parkway journey, we headed up the Atlantic coast for a few days of historic tourism near Williamsburg and surrounding Virginia.
First traveling west on Interstate 64, we joined the parkway at its northern terminus at Mile 0, Rockfish Gap near Waynesboro, Virginia. Here, to the north, the parkway also connects with the Skyline Drive, which winds 105 miles (169 km) through Shenandoah National Park. That’s an adventure we left for another trip.
We started our Parkway route heading South, departing from the northern-most point near Wayneboro, VA. We enjoyed much of our weekday journey without traffic.
In an unusual move, we hadn’t planned our journey. Well, to be accurate, we hadn’t planned the details of the southbound drive on the parkway. We did have reservations at two points along the southward route. But we had simply left the days open on our calendar for driving. In retrospect, we wished we’d done a bit more planning so we could have best optimized our time for hiking, exploring and stopping along the way.
From here, rather than try to describe the trip with words, we’ll let our photos (and captions) do the heavy lifting.
Parkway Day One
Our Day One journey stretched from Mile Zero near Waynesboro, VA, to milepost 120 at Mill Mountain Parkway in Roanoke, VA.
Lesson One: Consider the distance AND the elevation gain. The short trail at Humpback Rocks was indeed short. But, that elevation gain and the rocky footing proved challenging.
We caught our breath after conquering the 700-ft elevation gain at Humpback Rocks. We were pleased with the view and our effort.
At Crabtree Falls, more climbing and descending. We decided that viewing a few of the small falls was good enough, and didn’t hike the full 3 mile round trip. Thus, our lesson two: pace yourself.
Day 1, Lesson 3: Overlooks are overwhelming. With approximately 280 “official” pull-outs, scenery is plentiful. So, pull-over when you want, but don’t feel obligated to stop everywhere. This, from Raven’s Roost.
Day Two
Departing Roanoke after a hearty breakfast and picking up some sandwiches for lunch, our day two drive took us onward to Boone, NC.
We started the day in Roanoke, where elevations reached over 2000 feet. As we traveled South toward North Carolina, we gained elevations and began seeing true fall colors.
Mabry Mill near Meadows of Dan, VA, offered a picturesque setting and a nice, short walk for stretching our legs.
At Groundhog Hills, we found a shaded picnic table and enjoyed the lunch we purchased before departing Roanoke.
Later in the afternoon, we stopped at the Blue Ridge Music Center, enjoying the stylings of locals Scott Freeman and Willard Gayheart. Afterwards, we took a short hike through the surrounding forest.
Day Three
From Boone to Ashville, NC, we climbed to and crossed over the highest elevations on the Parkway. And the fall colors were on full display all along the way.
First stop of the day at Cone Manor, where we enjoyed a home tour then a walk-about around the grounds.
Scenic Price Lake was surrounded by beautiful fall color. We watched — an envied — kayakers paddling the perimeter.
On a Friday, the crowds started to build as we hiked to Linville Falls.
Looking down into the canyon at Linville Falls.
Overlooks, overlooks and more overlooks . . . we stopped at and enjoyed many. By Friday afternoon, many of the pull-overs reached capacity.
Among our most colorful stops: Laurel Knob Overlook.
With pull-outs and parking full on a late Friday afternoon, our last scenic stop was at Craggy Gardens. Then, we enjoyed the scenic drive, then nightfall, as we drove to Ashville.
Parkway Day Four
We awoke to clouds and a light drizzle in Asheville. But the weather began clearing after breakfast, as we drove the final leg of the Parkway to the Smokey Mountain National Park.
After we began Saturday morning in Asheville, we rejoined the Parkway for the final leg.
Fog filled some of the nearby valleys. As we twisted and turned on our Saturday morning drive, we transitioned frequently from sunshine to misty fog.
One of our few detours off the actual parkway, we visited Looking Glass Falls on what turned out to be a worthwhile detour.
Sliding Rock in the Pisgah National Forest is a popular recreation spot in summer. We found it nearly deserted on a cool October Saturday morning.
While the day changed from sunny to partly cloudy and back several times, the bright colors continued as we neared the end of our 400+ mile journey.
Speed limit along the Parkway is 35 mph. And while its possible to travel faster, the scenery and the spiral curves discourage higher speeds — as do ticket-writing Park Rangers.
With approximately 30 miles to go, Steestachee Bald was one of our final pull-outs. And over more than 400 miles of Parkway travel, this one was a spectacular as each.
Final Notes
We completed the drive over four days. But frankly, depending on your interest, stops and activities, you could easily make driving the Parkway a 12 to 14 day trip. No matter how long you take or when you do it, though, hotel reservations are highly recommended. For most, you’ll drive to towns and cities located just off the Parkway, as we did in Roanoke, Boone and Asheville.
We also recommend filling a cooler with ice, carrying lots of water, and packing or purchasing picnic lunches. You’ll want to do all that before you start your day on the trail.
Finally, if you’re planning to walk or hike, we highly recommend a good pair of hiking boots, hiking poles, lots of bug repellent, bear spray, a whistle and a generous supply of that water you packed.
Inquisitive traveler -- 33 countries, 48 states. Sometimes cyclist, occasional hiker, over-experienced diner. Cajun by birth, Parrothead by choice, Baby Boomer by age, Southerner by the grace of God. Semi-retired career marketeer, with a career serving the foodservice and food retail industries. Sharing experiences is an avocation.
