Blue Ridge Parkway Auto Tour

The Blue Ridge Parkway follows the Appalachian Mountain chain south from Shenendoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park--approximately 470 miles. Roadside turnouts offer ample opportunities to enjoy picnic areas, mountain vistas, waterfalls, and the occasional visitor center. Some of the restrictions on the Parkway also make it uniquely enjoyable: No trucks are permitted and the speed limit is 45 miles per hour. However, much of the Parkway is closed in winter. The Smoky Mountain portion auto tour spans the last 175 miles of the parkway and begins at the Linville Falls visitor center. The parkway passes through a series of meadows, tunnels, gaps, and scenic overlooks. Some major points of interest include the Museum of North Carolina Minerals, the Folk Art Center and Craggy Falls. Sidetrips include a visit to the Vanderbilt's spectacular Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC and the Oconoluftee pioneer museum at the termination point near Cherokee NC.

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