Blue Ridge Parkway Association P.O. Box 2136, Asheville, North Carolina 28802-2136 828-298-0398 The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles, connecting Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park with Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, North Carolina. Construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began in 1935, but the final leg wasn’t completed until 1987 with the Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering masterpiece that winds gracefully around Grandfather Mountain in Linville, North Carolina. With a maximum speed limit of 45 miles per hour, the Blue Ridge Parkway was specifically designated for leisurely enjoyment of the scenic overlooks and attractions along the way. The Blue Ridge Parkway can be accessed from several major highways, including U.S. 441 near Cherokee and I-40 near Asheville.
Near the Southern end of the North Carolina section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, travelers can stop by the Folk Art Center (milepost 382), which is run by the Southern Highland Craft Guild and contains the Allanstand Craft Shop. Craggy Gardens (milepost 363-369) offers hiking trails and picnic areas. Beds of Catawba Rhododendron bloom here in mid-June. The Crabtree Meadows Recreation Area is located at milepost 339.5, featuring a restaurant, gift shop, campground and a hiking trail that leads to 70-foot Crabtree Falls. Views exhibits on rocks and minerals at the Museum of North Carolina Minerals (milepost 331).
Pull off the Parkway at milepost 316.4 and hike to the overlook at beautiful Linville Falls. A visitor center at milepost 304 allows you to learn more about the famous Linn Cove Viaduct. Julian Park Memorial Park (milepost 295) offers hiking trails and boat rentals. Operated by the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild, the Parkway Craft Center (milepost 294) near Blowing Rock is housed in the manor house at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park.
At E.B. Jeffress Park (milepost 272), a short hiking trail leads to the Cascades, a picturesque waterfall. Near the Northern end of the North Carolina section of the Parkway, visitors can view Brinegar Cabin (milepost 238.5), an authentic mountain homestead built around 1880. The cabin is located within 6,000-acre Doughton Park.
