Photo of the month: Linville Falls along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Enjoy hundreds of original, professional photographs in our Asheville travel guide to help plan your visit!
Also, sign up for updates for the latest deals and news. Send us your suggestions for additions.

Top 10 Stops Along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville

Celebrate the Blue Ridge Parkway's 75th Anniversary this summer! Exploring all the stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway could take weeks. So we have selected the “Top 10 Places to See Along the Parkway” in the Asheville area, beginning north and traveling south:

Grandfather Mountain: Drive to the top and enjoy beautiful vistas from a rocky summit and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, plus see impressive environmental habitats. Hike the Grandfather Trail for a close-up view of the jagged, rocky peaks.

Linn Cove Viaduct: This 1243-foot concrete segmental bridge snakes around the slopes of Grandfather Mountain. After driving across, stop at the Visitor Center to read about the construction and hike underneath it.

Linville Falls: See five viewpoints of the most photographed waterfall in North Carolina via two trails that begin at the Visitors’ Center.

Mt. Mitchell: Drive to the summit of the highest point east of the Rockies, and take a short paved trail to the observation deck for panoramic mountain views. Hike the Deep Gap Trail to Mt. Craig.

Craggy Gardens: Park at the visitor center here for great views to the east and to the west. Enjoy the crisp air, summer rhododendron, and easy to moderate hiking trails. Hike to the top of Craggy Pinnacle for the best views along the Parkway!

Folk Art Center: Discover the finest in traditional and contemporary craft of the Southern Appalachians with a wonderful craft shop and exhibitions in three galleries.

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center: Learn about the entire 469 miles and 75-year history of the Parkway with high-tech interactive exhibits that includes a 22-foot interactive I-Wall map.

North Carolina Arboretum: Stroll through a variety of gardens, on peaceful hiking trails, or ride Segways. And don't miss the wonderful bonsai exhibit.

Black Balsam: A must hike for sweeping vistas across several grassy peaks.

Graveyard Fields: This very popular hiking spot features two waterfalls in a mile-high valley filled with wildflowers and surrounded by Blue Ridge Mountains with 6,000-foot peaks.

For more stops along the Parkway, see the comprehensive Blue Ridge Parkway Guide that covers the 170-mile section near Asheville.