North Carolina is a beautiful place at all times of the year, but its beauty is unmatched in autumn. If you are planning a Thanksgiving vacation but still stuck on where to go, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect place to take in all of North Carolina's fall beauty! Here are the top 8 places to visit in the Blue Ridge Parkway area.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway
Starting off with the main attraction!
This 469-mile parkway with loads of site-seeing spots is the perfect way to take in autumn's beauty. Along the way, there are numerous other site-seeing spots as well! The parkway ranges from Asheville, North Carolina, to Charlottesville, Virginia, overall taking 9 hours to drive the whole road.
2. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
If you are tired of driving, just 15 miles from the parkway is a train that gives another way to
take in North Carolina's red, orange, yellow, and brown autumn scenery. With two different excursions and trains to choose from, how can you resist taking this relaxing train ride through the woods?
3. Natural Bridge
If you are planning to drive the parkway to the Virginia area, you cannot miss Natural Bridge State Park. Visit its lush forests, caverns, rolling meadows, waterfalls, and amazing rock structures while hiking one of its scenic trails!
4. Linville Falls
If you want a closer place to see some waterfalls, visit Linville, which is right off the Blue Ridge Parkway! You can walk 4 trails varying in difficulty to see the beautiful Linville Falls!
5. Biltmore Estate
Looking for a scenic walk away from nature? Look no further! Right at the start of the parkway in Asheville, North Carolina, you can visit one of Vanderbilt's infamous mansions! Around Thanksgiving time, you may also catch the majestic winter decorations the Estate puts up. Walking around outside at the gardens, touring the inside of the estate, or even sipping a taste of alcohol at their winery, I can guarantee Biltmore will give you an amazing time!
6. The Orchard at Altapass
Here's another stop right off of the parkway: The Orchard at Altapass. Visit their walking trails and butterfly garden, and pick some apples while listening to live bluegrass music! But be careful, these events have a specific time frame, so remember to check the timings before visiting!
7. Emerald Village
Want something fun for the little ones? Stop by Emerald Village for some gem mining that is sure to keep them occupied! You can also take a tour at one of their 12 historic mines while learning some amazing, North Carolina history!
8. Pisgah National Forest
Want to end your vacation with a bit of camping? Visit Pisgah National Forest! There is bicycling, climbing, fishing, hiking, horse riding, water activities, and more. You can do it all!
These are among the many places you can visit along the winding Blue Ridge Parkway. So are you sold? Pack your bags and let's go sightseeing!