Area Attractions > Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Mountain vacations just aren't complete without a drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s been referred to as America’s Favorite Drive, and for good reason—the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through 439 miles of mountain meadows and seemingly endless vistas from the Shenandoah Valley near Waynesboro, Virginia, to Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, NC. There’s no better way to see the heart of the North Carolina high country, complete with overlooks, picnic spots, hiking trails and panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountain's spectacular peaks and valleys.
During your Blue Ridge Parkway vacation, you can look forward to viewing breathtaking mountain scenery, like split-rail fences, old farmsteads, and historic structures. One of the most famous tourist attractions in western North Carolina, the Parkway is only 20 minutes from Beech Mountain at Milepost 305.
The natural wonders of the Blue Ridge Parkway also offer visitors an astonishing range of outdoor activities all year round:
- Hiking and biking — explore over 100 trails including along the legendary Appalachian Trail
- Horseback riding — riding trails are available at the historic Moses H. Cone Estate, which is within 20 minutes' drive of Beech Mountain
- Fishing — fish lakes and streams along the Parkway with either a North Carolina or Virginia state fishing license, depending on your location
- Camping — visit nine campgrounds located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, three of which are within 20 minutes of Beech Mountain: Doughton Park, Julian Price Park and Linville Falls
- Natural Heritage Areas — explore 47 different areas located along the Blue Ridge Parkway that have been set aside as examples of outstanding national, regional, or state natural communities
- Historical and cultural demonstrations — visit developed areas dedicated to hands-on demonstrations of traditional mountain life, history and culture
- Ranger guided walks and programs — enjoy evening programs or traditional campfire programs complete with guided walks and special programs throughout the summer season
- Wildflower walks and fall colors— the Parkway is renowned for its springtime wildflower walks, which peak in May, as well as the Blue Ridge Mountains' spectacular display of fall colors, which peaks in October
- Birdwatching — see a wide variety of Eastern migratory birds in a beautiful natural habitat
For more information about the Blue Ridge Parkway or planning a Blue Ridge Mountain vacation, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 800-468-5506.