10 TIPS FOR ENJOYING THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
1. Go slowly and enjoy the scenery. The speed limit is 45 mph. Although there are no stop signs or stoplights, this is not a freeway.
2. Stop at the overlooks to soak in the views. If an overlook is busy, take a short walk to find a more secluded spot.
3. Take a blanket and picnic. There are several picnic areas along the way, and many green areas along the drive to stop.
4. Take a jacket. With the elevation changes along the drive, the temperature may vary as much as 20 to 30 degrees. At the highest elevations, the hottest summer days only reach into the 70s.
5. Watch for hikers and bicyclists.
6. Be certain to take your camera and plenty of film. Ask someone to take a picture of you along the way.
7. Gas up before you get on the parkway. There is only one gas station on the parkway (at Mt. Pisgah). Gas stations are also located on intersecting highways near the Parkway exits.
8. Restrooms are located at major stops such as picnic areas and visitor centers.
9. Please do not disturb wildlife or plant life. Bear sightings are rare.
10. If you are into bird watching or wildflowers, be sure to take your guidebooks.
11. For emergencies along the Parkway, call 1-800-ParkWatch.

OVERVIEW OF THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY NEAR ASHEVILLE
You may take the Blue Ridge Parkway north or south from Asheville, and in either direction you will quickly climb the ridge and reach elevations of 5,000+. However, the higher stretches of the parkway are closed during the winter months (November-March), depending on the weather. There are five entrances to the parkway in the Asheville area. If you are taking the parkway to the north, take the entrance from U.S. 70 east of town (at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 382), and if you are heading south, take the entrance from Highway 191 near I-26 (at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 393). There are no exits onto the Blue Ridge Parkway from Interstate highways. Here are our top picks for the 63-mile section through the Asheville area (from north to south):

Mt Mitchell, Milepost 355.4: Drive to the top of the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi (6,684 feet) for 85-mile views from the observation tower (if the clouds are not hanging on the peak). This is the perfect place to escape the heat of a hot summer's day, because it is usually 15 or 20 degrees cooler than the city. Hike through Alpine forests or pick up some food at the restaurant and take it outside for a mile-high picnic. Best of all, there is no admission fee. Allow an hour to drive the 35 miles from downtown. (See our Mount Mitchell Guide and Hikes & Walks Guide.)

Craggy Gardens, Milepost 364.4: A short drive north from Asheville (24 miles from downtown) will take you up, up, up in elevation to the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center with great views to the east and to the west. Enjoy the crisp air, summer rhododendron, a big picnic area, and easy to moderate hiking trails. Our favorite trail is the Craggy Pinnacle (see photo at right) with panoramic views on top. (See Hikes & Walks Guide, See Panoramic Photos from Craggy.)

Craggy Gardens Picnic Area, Milepost 367.6: Ample parking, lots of picnic tables, and easy access to several lovely trails make this a favorite destination. Also a delightful place for stargazing, weather permitting.

Milepost 376.6: Ox Creek Road intersects and winds down into the valley. At the end of Ox Creek Road, take a left on Reems Creek Road to go into the Weaverville area.

Milepost 377.4: Turn onto NC 694 (not marked from the Parkway) for a fun drive on Town Mountain Road into downtown Asheville. You can hike on the Mountains to Sea trail from the small parking area there.

Folk Art Center, Milepost 382 (see photo at left): This is the best stop to see (and buy) some of the finest art and crafts from Southern Appalachia artists. Browse the three fine art galleries, see daily craft demonstrations, and visit the Parkway information center.

Milepost 382.6: US 70 crosses. Go east to find I-40 East or go to Black Mountain (10 miles). Head west into Asheville.

Milepost 384.7: US 74A crosses. Head east to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure (25 miles). Head west to find I-40 West.

Milepost 388.8: US 25 crosses. Travel north 3 miles to Biltmore Estate or south for I-26 South toward Hendersonville.

Milepost 393.6: NC 191 crosses. Go north for Asheville and I-26.

North Carolina Arboretum, Milepost 393.6: Located at the exit for NC 191. Stroll through a variety of gardens, on peaceful hiking trails, and don't miss the wonderful bonsai exhibit in the greenhouse. This 426-acre public garden reflects the cultural and natural heritage of the region.

Tunnels of Love: As you leave the Asheville area, you will climb quickly in elevation and go through a dozen tunnels in the next 15 miles or so. Add a little romance by holding hands each time you enter a tunnel.

Mt. Pisgah, Milepost 407.6: This is a favorite hiking spot and picnic spot, but it can be a bit crowded. The hiking trail to the summit of this 5,000-foot peak may be a bit strenuous, but the reward is the view from the top. Picnic area at Milepost 407.8.

Pisgah Inn, Milepost 408.7: The only inn and restaurant (and gas station) on this stretch of Parkway is located at 5,000 feet. It's a great place (and very popular) to stop for lunch since their dining room has big windows with beautiful vistas. Open April through October.

Milepost 412: US 276 crosses. Go south to the Pisgah National Forest, Cradle of Forestry (4 miles) and Brevard (18 miles). Head north to Waynesville (22 miles).

Milepost 412: Cold Mountain overlook. Read more about Cold Mountain.

Graveyard Fields Overlook, Milepost 418.8. This barren scenery is very different from what you see along most of the parkway. Enjoy nice vistas with fairly easy hiking to some waterfalls. However, it can become very crowded here. (See Hikes & Walks Guide.)

The parkway continues for another 50 miles, ending at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee.

Click here for a map of the North Carolina section of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

For more information on the Blue Ridge Parkway, click here to visit their Web site.