After passing the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Richland Balsam, you'll reach Waterrock Knob (milepost 451.2), which has the park's highest-elevation campground. Milepost 355 Significance: Highest Point East of Mississippi Designation: State Park MANAGED BY: Mount Mitchell State Park Amenities 19 listed Towering above the surrounding forest at an impressive 6,684 feet above sea level, Mount Mitchell is the tallest peak east of the Mississippi River. Gibbes (2015-07-06). Rockfish Gap at the southern end of Shenandoah National Parks Skyline Drive, marks the northern start of the Blue Ridge Parkway. MAGGIE VALLEY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Mill Mountain Overlook is the first of two scenic overlooks on the loop road. And there was lots of sunlight through the trees. Still, it is a favorite trail to hike, especially when you dont have time for an all day hike. Sign up for a class to learn stained glass or painting techniques at the Arrowhead Gallery and Studios in Old Fort. The people, celebrations, and artisan craftsmanship also illuminate the traditions and stories of this region. Southern spruce-fir ecosystems resemble ecosystems more commonly found in the northern United States and Canada than in the Southeastern United States.The eastern half of Richland Balsam is protected by the Pisgah National Forest, and most of the western half is protected by the Nantahala National Forest (the exception being the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor, which is maintained by the National Park Service). The breathtaking views and climate at the peak make Mt. We were last here in September 2018 a few months after I had stopped treatment for cancer. Blue Ridge Mountain contains several national, state, regional and private parks that offer recreational opportunities on the mountain including: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct,.mw-parser-output .geo-inline-hidden{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}39454N 775144W / 39.08167N 77.86222W / 39.08167; -77.86222, Blue Ridge Mountain as seen from across the, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship, G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Blue_Ridge_Mountain&oldid=1132187034, This page was last edited on 7 January 2023, at 17:57. A 2.6-mile loop trail leads to a pioneer cabin overlooking the Smart View for which its named. On the west, the Blue Ridge drops to the extraordinary Appalachian Valley, a continuous trough running from Alabama to Montreal. Milepost 305.1. A walk in the clouds in the Black Mountains Hike from the highest peak east of the Mississippi River (Mount Mitchell, 6684 feet) to the second highest one (Mount Craig, 6647 feet). The very high average height of the southern Blue Ridge region gives it a climate that most people do not associate with the south. 1,150 reviews #2 of 20 things to do in Blairsville Mountains Visit website Call Write a review What people are saying " Stunning views of the surrounding area " Aug 2022 ( and plenty of people hopped on the shuttle bus). (2013-04-23). Notable Blue Ridge peaks are Mt. Take a day trip to see the grandeur of Biltmore, the breathtaking vistas of Chimney Rock State Park, the cinematic beauty of DuPont State Park, or the natural diversity at the North Carolina Arboretum. Virginia Senator Harry F. Byrd was largely responsible for getting a bill through Congress authorizing Depression-era funding for the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's almost hidden on the 3.7-mile Roanoke Mountain Road - a one-lane, one-way loop road across the mountain adjacent to the Parkway. By Nana B " Perfect weather " Oct 2020 We hiked to the highest point in Georgia on the summit trail. Highest Point: Mount Mitchell (6684 ft/2037 m) Countries: United States : . This is the junction with US-52, which runs south to Mount Airy, North Carolina, home of Mayberry, RFD. The Blue Ridge Mountains contain 5,052 named peaks, the highest and most prominent of which is Mount Mitchell (6,683ft/2,037m). Mitchell State Park. The Appalachian Mountains are among the oldest mountains in the world. 24. This is the lowest point on the parkway, at 649 feet, and also the junction with US-501, which runs west along the James River for 15 miles to Natural Bridge. The Blue Ridge is the subject of numerous musical tributes and the popular Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile scenic drive along the ridge, connects two of the most visited parks in the National Park system: the Shenandoah in . This is especially true during autumn, when the dogwoods and gum trees turn deep red, and the hickories yellow, against an evergreen backdrop of pines, hemlocks, and firs. The mountains lie within Chattahoochee, Cherokee, Nantahala, Pisgah, Jefferson, and George Washington national forests, and more than 700 varieties of trees and plants have been catalogued. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. Mt. Completed in 1987, this was the last part of the parkway to be built. The famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge. fotosimile.com Mitchell is located in the 1,855-acre Mt. I remember feeling super excited because it was one way I could say, Im a live and Im going to live. Ive been NED for four years! The whole region has been intricately dissected by many small streams, and three major rivers have cut gaps through the ridgethe Roanoke, James, and Potomac, all in Virginia. The Blue Ridge region encompasses more than 34,000 square miles of dynamic landscapes- mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls- in eight states along the east coast. The Blue Ridge Parkway is part of the National Park Service and is known as America's Favorite Scenic Drive. The marvelous engineering feat of the Linn Cove Viaduct carries the parkway around rugged Grandfather Mountain. However, as with any huge area, generalizations are never totally true. No other large mountain range in the country has as many good, paved roads meandering through the high country and up to important summits. 2023 Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide |. Within the rain shadow of the Cascade Range, its arid climate supports a unique ecosystem that differs greatly from mountain ranges to the west. . The Appalachians were once as tall as the Rocky Mountains. Located in Mount Mitchell State Park, just about 30 miles away from downtown . Blue Ridge Parkway Meandering 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway, also known as "America's Favorite Drive," follows the Appalachian Mountains and boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Brasstown Bald, formerly Mount Enotah, highest point in Georgia, U.S., reaching an elevation of 4,784 feet (1,458 metres). South of Roanoke, it startes expanding into a huge, wide, confusing oval of ranges and ridges that extends all the way into Georgia. Modern equipment has allowed geographers to determine the exact . The Jackson County-Haywood County line crosses the mountain's summit. The southern section of the mountain contains the highest peaks, and the ridge gradually loses elevation as it gets closer to the Potomac. It lies in the northwest part of the state in the Blue Ridge Mountains, 9 miles (14 km) east of Blairsville and just south of the North Carolina border. Geography Although the term "Blue Ridge" is sometimes applied exclusively to the eastern edge or front range of the Appalachian Mountains, the geological definition of the Blue Ridge province extends westward to the Ridge and Valley area, encompassing the Great Smoky Mountains, the Great Balsams, the Roans, the Blacks, and other mountain ranges. The Blue Ridge is the top spot in the United States to drink in the rich reds, yellows, and browns on display up and down the mountains. Celebrate in the Blue Ridge at one of several annual festivals. It was at this point where I decided to hike six of the tallest peaks in Western North Carolina before 2019. The pathway starts up slowing, unless you are on the other end of Wessys lead, then you are moving quickly toward the summit. Pisgah National Forest stretches for more than half a million acres of hardwood forests and pristine rivers and serves as a habitat for a unique array of plants and animals. US-221, which used to carry the parkway before the viaduct was built, leads a mile south to 5,946-foot Grandfather Mountain (828/733-4337 or 800/468-7325, daily, $20 adults), the highest peak in Blue Ridge, now a private park with nature trails, a zoo, and the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge. The highest point of the Blue Ridge in Virginia is Mount Rogers in Grayson County at 5,729' above mean sea level. The Blue Ridge Mountains in northeast Georgia make up the state's highest mountain range. The peak is located off of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Mount Mitchell State Park, just 35 miles northeast of downtown Asheville. 35 High Point Trl # 2, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $499,000. Oglethorpe, Georgia. Did you know that the Blue Ridge is home to the oldest national forest in the Eastern U.S.? The tallest peak in the Appalachians is Mt. Among the notable Blue Ridge peaks are Mount Rogers (5,729 feet [1,746 metres]), the highest point in Virginia; Sassafras Mountain (3,560 feet [1,085 metres]), the highest point in South Carolina; Brasstown Bald (4,784 feet [1,458 metres]), the highest point in Georgia; Stony Man (4,011 feet [1,223 metres]) and Hawksbill (4,051 feet [1,235 metre. South from Roanoke, the Blue Ridge Parkway winds another 100 miles before crossing the North Carolina border. The distinctive color that gives the Blue Ridge Mountains their name largely comes from the forests that line its ridges (which reach elevations up to 6,684 feet). You climb about 700 vertical feet, but it's not overly strenuous. So much has changed, but the one thing that remains is our friendship. The many high roads in this area, plus the gentle slopes and often short walks to summits from high trailheads, make the Blue Ridge an excellent place for mountain explorers who don't go for backpacking, rugged scrambling, or rock-climbing. Convenient to Interstates 40 and 26, as well as the Blue Ridge Parkway, your basecamp will have the best of both worlds great food, culture, and hospitality in town, plus easy access to the great outdoors. P.O. Thats quite a list for a mountain that doesnt have an overlook at the top or really on the way up or down. The Blue Ridge region is home to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park, as well as eight national forests (including the Chattahoochee National Forest, Cherokee National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, and Pisgah National Forest). No Collect, curate and comment on your files. Mitchell State Park. The BRMTG was created by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett, the award-winning team behind the world-renowned responsible travel website Green Global Travel. The greenstone was deposited during the Catoctin Formation and uplifted during the Alleghenian Orogeny. If you live anywhere in the southeast, you're within driving distance of Blue Ridge, only 90 miles north of Atlanta via I-575 on the Georgia-Tennessee-North Carolina line. The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is Americas longest linear park, stretching 469 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Linville Falls crashes through a rugged gorge; short trails lead to scenic overlooks. jaredkay / iStock. The 1,820 sq. 828-926-1686 800-624-4431 The range of rugged ridges and rounded, weathered peaks varies in elevation from 1,600 to 4,700 feet and harbors spectacular mountain scenery, as well as some of the world's richest biological diversity. Download or request a visitor guide here. Unfortunately, as with most things COVID-related, 202, Mail me On the east, the mountains rise up distinctly from the flatter, rolling hills of the Piedmont. It's a part of the Great Balsam Mountains in North Carolina. While that name may be forgotten, no other ridge top near Asheville is so familiar as the lofty silhouette of Grandfather Mountain, the name adopted by early settlers. The Blue Ridge Parkway reaches an elevation of 6,053 feet (1,845 m) the parkway's highest point as it passes over Richland Balsam's southwestern slope. The Blue Ridge is the extremely long mountain crest that runs from just north of the Potomac River on the Virginia-Maryland border south all the way to northern Georgia. Mitchell - Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 344, 376.6 Mt. At Mile 294, Southern Highlands Crafts Guild members demonstrate various Appalachian crafts throughout the summer at the Parkway Craft Center on the front porch of the former Cone mansion, which is now part of the Southern Highlands Craft Guild nonprofit. The highest peak in the eastern United States at an elevation of6,684 ft, Mt. First proposed in the 1920s, the bulk of the Blue Ridge Parkway was constructed in many stages between 1935 and 1967, during which time it grew from a network of local roads to the current route, along which billboards and commercial traffic are both banned. Photo by, Sunset on Cliff Tops @ Mt. BRPA is the official marketing partner of the Blue Ridge Parkway NPS. The notable exceptions are the Bull Run and Catoctin mountains, which lie approximately 20 miles (32km) to the east across the Loudoun Valley, and Short Hill Mountain, located 4 miles (6km) to the east, which runs parallel to the Blue Ridge for 12 miles (19km) near its northern terminus. In summer and fall, interpreters demonstrate blacksmithing and milling skills. For those looking to linger longer in the Craggies, there's also a 7-mile hike to Douglas Falls. The range, a relatively narrow ridge, is 5 to 65 mi wide, with average . The Blue Mountains Province is located in the southeast corner of the state, south of the Snake River. Get the Parkway Travel Planner (Digital or Paper), 2023 Blue Ridge Parkway Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Parkway recorded information line: 828-298-0398. North of Roanoke, VA, the Blue Ridge is pretty much a single mountain crest. Originally known as the Appalachian Scenic Highway, the roads construction began in 1935 and ended in 1987. . Check the event calendar for more information. On the ridge line of these giants of the Black Mountains, you might read more 50 Things to Do in Asheville, N.C. by Del Holston 23. The parkway stretches, winds, climbs, and descends some 469 miles through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. The Catawba Falls trail is closed until spring of 2024. Photo by, Mount LeConte, Tennessee, as seen from Charlies Bunion (2010-04-10). Trailhead 0 Miles from Parkway. The Blue Ridge Mountains stretch 550 miles from north Georgia to southern Pennsylvania, much of it connected by the Blue Ridge Parkway. The hardwood forests of the Blue Ridge are a source of timber, and some minerals are worked. copy It is called Richland Balsam because the trail is totally shadowed by two types of Balsam trees the red spruce and the Fraser fir commonly called the he-balsam and she-balsam respectively, although the latter has been decimated in recent decades by the balsam woolly aphid infestation. Find unique handmade items by many local artists at the McDowell Arts Council Association gallery in Marion. The highest point is located near Waynesville, NC at Milepost 431 where the elevation is 6,053 feet. Best seen in late spring when the rhododendrons are in full bloom, the lush greenery of Craggy Gardens feels like an Appalachian Shangri-La. The low point on the Parkway is 649 feet elevation on the James River. Spring is wildflower time, with abundant azaleas and rhododendrons blooming orange, white, pink, and red throughout May and June, especially at the higher elevations. A couple of worthwhile detoursto the mountain hamlets of Blowing Rock and Little Switzerland, and to the city of Ashevilleare covered in greater detail in the main text of Road Trip USA. Click here to find alternative waterfall and hiking trails. Humpback Rocks has a short but strenuous trail (45 minutes each way), leading through a reconstructed farmstead and a visitors center (visitors center at Milepost 5.9), ending with a 270-degree view over the mountains. MLS # 10186106 Note: Range borders shown on map are an approximation and are not authoritative.Click Here for a Full Screen Map. The highest point in the Blue Ridge is Mount Mitchell which reaches 6,684 feet in elevation. Note: Range borders shown on map are an approximation and are not authoritative. Author, Editor, Photographer, and Adventurer! Mount Mitchell's summit (elevation 6,684 feet), located in the Black Mountain range of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, is the highest point east of the Mississippi River. The Blue Ridge Mountain Complex can be thought of as the Blue Ridge, with two main additions: its low continuations north of the Potomac into Maryland and Pennsylvania, and, more importantly, the whole series of high mountains centered on western North Carolina and . Our mild weather means gorgeous mountain views are acc, A day trip on the Lake James Loop covers so many sights, activities, adventures in just under 90 miles! Blue Ridge, also called Blue Ridge Mountains, segment of the Appalachian Mountains in the United States, extending southwestward for 615 mi (990 km) from Carlisle, Pa., through parts of Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, to Mt. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. You climb about 700 vertical feet, but its not overly strenuous. Cross-Country Adventures on America's Two-Lane Highways, El Camino Real and the California Missions. The area has the greatest rainfall in the contiguous U.S. outside of the Pacific Northwest, and is also much cooler and less humid than the surrounding lowlands. While the parkway avoids towns and commercial areas to concentrate on the scenery, many interesting towns and other places along the way are well worth a detour. Geography Geology Natural History Human History Main Hiking Areas Shenandoah National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park George Washington National Forest & Jefferson National Forest Cherokee National Forest The highest point is at Richland Balsam in North Carolina at 6,053 feet. Are you ready for a Road Trip? The last section near Linn Cove Viaduct in North Carolina was completed in the mid-1980s. In addition, the range contains Georgia's wettest areas, with [] Intensive truck farming, tobacco production, and cattle raising are important activities. The 4,800-acre Rocky Knob area contains a campground (540/745-9664), a visitors center, and a strenuous but rewarding 10-mile round-trip trail (starting at milepost 167.1) leading down through Rock Castle Gorge and over 3,572-foot Rocky Knob. Travel south on the Blue Ridge Parkway to take a day trip to the Pisgah Mountain area, home to the Cradle of Forestry where the study of forestry took root in America. Photo by, NC Geodetic Survey benchmark on Mt. The Blue Ridge Parkway reaches an elevation of 6,053 feet (1,845 m) the parkway's highest point as it passes over Richland Balsam's southwestern slope. The southern reaches, approaching the North Carolina border, get better and better. Blooming dogwoods abound in May. 199 Hemphill Knob Rd Rough Ridge; Grandfather Mountain (1.2 Miles) The perspectives from Rough Ridge are just the absolute best on the Blue Ridge Parkway. However you choose to set up camp pitching a tent, booking a room, or renting a mountain cabin the welcoming towns of the Blue Ridge Mountains are the perfect place to call home during your mountain adventures. Mitchell are managed by North Carolina State Parks. The mountain extends from the Potomac River in the north to Linden Gap in the south. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains cover most of Western North Carolina, including Asheville. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. The entire huge complex of the Blue Ridge Mountains has clear natural boundaries. There were lots of super wild smells to take in for this little brown dog and that meant me having to keep a firm hold on her. rugged, challenging terrain, and even a few peaks with rocky ledges at the summits that poke above the trees and provide spectacular mountain settings--Old Rag-3268 in Virginia and Grandfather Mountain-5984 in North Carolina come to mind. To the west of the mountain is the lower Shenandoah Valley. Richland Balsam is the tallest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,410 foot. You can drive nearly all the . Home / Blog / The Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip. 28803, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Photo by, Virginia (33%), North Carolina (25%), Tennessee (12%), Georgia (10%), Maryland (9%), Pennsylvania (6%), South Carolina (3%), West Virginia (1%),                 , Sub-peaks are excluded from this list. Here are 25 of the top things to see, do, and explore in the Blue Ridge. Mitchell a popular stop for many Parkway travelers. From crashing waterfalls and sweeping vistas to small-town main streets and locally crafted flavors, there are countless ways to experience this amazing place. This page has been served 101923 times since 2004-11-01. Of course, its not just the beauty of the mountains that makes the Blue Ridge shine. Check out our guide to local food in the Blue Ridge. The 1.5-mile self-guided loop trail passes through a spruce-fir forest (best smelling trail on the Parkway) and passes over the summit of the 10th highest in the eastern United States. a The forest is dense and on this day we ran into a small number of hikers who all had dogs but I didnt grab any photos of them because Wessy was on her way to the top! Skyline Drive is generally open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. This forest type consists of two dominant tree types the red spruce and the Fraser fir commonly called the "he-balsam" and "she-balsam" respectively, although the latter has been decimated in recent decades by the balsam woolly adelgid infestation. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. History of Skyline Drive The Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park and is the only public road through the Park. 770-297-3000. A half-mile nature trail leads to 3,995-foot Flat Rock for a view of Grandfather Mountain. Check out our guide to local food in the Blue Ridge. LeConte (2016-10-24). Today, geologists estimate that the Appalachian Mountains erode about two inches every 1,000 years. ft. home is a 3 bed, 3.0 bath property. In Washington, rivers running through the mountains carve deep canyons NC 28762, booking a room, or renting a mountain cabin, Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway. An easy mile-long trail leads to the top of Jumpinoff Rocks for a sweeping view. 2023 Getty Images. 4.Lake James State Park and the nearby town of Nebo offer laid-back lake vibes for your getaway, whether you prefer water activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing, or prefer to enjoy the beauty of this mountain waterway with your feet on dry trails. The Mill Mountain Overlook is one of the most overlooked on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Talia Lakritz. South of Ashby Gap the Blue Ridge reaches 2000 feet, and south of Manassas Gap (950') (where I-66 crosses) High Knob (2388') is the highest point on the whole Blue Ridge north of Shenandoah National Park. This section begins at the city of Roanoke. This midsection of the parkway, especially the first 25 miles south of Roanoke, runs at a lower elevation across a more settled and cultivated landscape than the rugged ridge tops followed elsewhere. Great views can be had over both valleys from the highest point on the parkway in Virginia, at 3,950 feet. Rabun Bald, Clayton, Ga. Birding is a popular activity on Rabun Bald, Georgia's second-highest mountain, extending 4,696 feet above sea level. It has been the most visited unit of Americas National Park System for 70+ years. The mountain's ridgecrest forms the border between several counties, with Loudoun County and Fauquier County, both in Virginia, to the east and Jefferson County, West Virginia, Clarke County, Virginia, and Warren County, Virginia, to the west. Mt. Highest point; Elevation: 2,388 ft (728 m) Geography; Location: Virginia, West Virginia: Parent range: Blue Ridge Mountains: Climbing; Easiest route: Hike: Blue Ridge Mountain, also known as Blue Mountain, is the colloquial name of the westernmost ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Virginia and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. . Blue Ridge, also called Blue Ridge Mountains, segment of the Appalachian Mountains in the United States, extending southwestward for 615 mi (990 km) from Carlisle, Pa., through parts of Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, to Mt. There are pockets of From your base camp on the eastern edge of the Blue Ridge, you can explore so much of what these mountains have to offer. Way too far south to even approach having a timberline, even the summits of Mt. The Rocky and Appalachian Mountains contain numerous smaller mountain ranges. Also, mountains need not present sheer, craggy faces to impress; the Blue Ridge charms with its endless waves of green hillsides, its incredibly diverse flora and fauna in its damp forests, its haunting blue morning mists (which gave the Blue Ridge and the Great Smokies their names), and the fascinating Appalachian culture of the long-time residents. In place of the spectacular vistas, youll see many more houses and small farms, a few pioneer cabins (preserved and not), miles of split-rail fences, and some picturesque cemeteries. thepioneerwoman, Atlanta Living Cocoa Cocoa Joy Cocoa Smiles cocoasmiles.com England and Great Britain Ft. Myers Georgia North Carolina Travels northeast Georgia waterfalls North Georgia Mountains Stephens County Toccoa Toccoa Falls Toccoa Falls College Western Pennsylvania. The Black Mountain crest between Mount Mitchell and Deep Gap. Top 25 Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Embrace the alpine charm and breathtaking views in, Enjoy an adventure under the stars when you, Visitors who love to meet new feathered friends will love, The Blue Ridge Parkway leads to some of the, Tap your toes to the sounds of old-time music as you enjoy a fresh plate of apple pie a la mode at the. The Blue Ridge Parkway starts at U.S. 441 and ends at Shenandoahs entrance, where the name changes to Skyline Drive. Let our local experts be your guide to things to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains, from camping and hiking to the best Blue Ridge cabins, resorts and restaurants. Check the event calendar for more information. For ease of use, weve divided the Blue Ridge Parkway into three main sections, starting with the drive between Shenandoah National Park and Roanoke. Cool off with a chilly slide down Sliding Rock, pull over to snap a selfie at Looking Glass Falls, and enjoy the trails and waterfalls of the popular Graveyard Fields hiking area (milepost 418.8). Balsam Cone is the peak just to the left of the blow down which is on top of Big Tom. Some of the mountain folk, isolated in their deep mountain hollows, speak English so similar to the Elizabethan dialect of the 1600s that it has interested Shakespearean scholars. Nature has made it easy to get the best angle on her yearly masterpiece by dotting the Southern Appalachians with bald-topped mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway leads to some of the highest peaks in the Eastern United States. The highest and most memorable parts of the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway are the 250 mountainous miles leading along the backbone of North Carolina. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. Washington. The Yankee Horse parking area has an exhibit on an old logging railroad, part of which has been restored, and a short trail to Wigwam Falls. Find local creations and crafts inside The Davis Country Store, another Old Fort stop. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. The lack of challenging monster mountains isn't necessarily a drawback, either. Drive or hike to the top of Mount Mitchell (milepost 355.4) the highest point east of the Mississippi River for 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding alpine forest. Following the southern Blue Ridge Mountains as they fade into the taller and more massive Black Mountains, the parkway skirts three other mountain ranges before ending up at Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Tennessee border.