Enjoy a journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Western North Carolina, rich in both beauty and history. Spanning 469 miles, the Parkway connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. From quaint mountain towns to panoramic overlooks, this scenic drive offers numerous stops that capture the essence of the area.

Join us in some of our favorite spots along the way, giving a special nod to Larry Taylor, General Manager at BMW of Asheville, for making the journey even more memorable and sharing some of his favorites along the way. Let’s hit the road and explore the vibrant offerings of WNC, one stop (and tunnel!) at a time.

Blowing Rock and Boone

Mile Post 294
The Blowing Rock and Boone area offers stunning landscapes and charming small town atmospheres. Explore for a perfect blend of natural beauty and the opportunity to support the local businesses.

2 hours from downtown Asheville

Grandfather Mountain

Mile Post 305
Located about one mile south off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain boasts rugged beauty, the iconic Mile High Swinging Bridge, and diverse wildlife, making it a unique destination.

1 hour and 40 minutes from downtown Asheville

Linville Falls

Mile Post 316
This stunning waterfall, recognized as one of the most impressive along the Parkway, holds historical significance as “the river of many cliffs” according to the Cherokee.

1.5 hours from downtown Asheville

Craggy Gardens

Mile Post 364
Experience panoramic 360-degree views from the Craggy Garden Pinnacle. Make sure to pack a picnic and explore the numerous hiking trails for a day filled with adventure.

45 minutes from downtown Asheville

Folk Art Center

Mile Post 382
Explore the Folk Art Center at the Southern Highland Craft Guild, showcasing traditional and contemporary Appalachian art. With over 250,000 annual visitors, it’s the top attraction on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

20 minutes from downtown Asheville

NC Arboretum

Mile Post 393.6
The NC Arboretum offers captivating gardens, scenic hiking trails, and educational exhibits, offering a blend of nature and learning.

20 minutes from downtown Asheville

Mount Pisgah

Mile Post 407.6
Take a scenic 2.5-mile hike with a 750-foot elevation gain to experience the breathtaking views of Mount Pisgah. This iconic peak is visible from much of Asheville on a clear day.

50 minutes from downtown Asheville

Looking Glass Rock Overlook

Mile Post 417
For prime views of Looking Glass Rock, head to this top spot. Composed of compressed volcanic rock, the formation takes on a shimmering glass-like quality, especially when adorned with rain or ice.

1 hour from downtown Asheville

Graveyard Fields

Mile Post 418.8
Legend has it that the peculiar name traces back to a windstorm, which left behind tree stumps resembling gravestones. Dive into the natural beauty with easy and moderate trails, each offering glimpses of waterfalls.

1 hour from downtown Asheville

Waterrock Knob Overlook

Mile Post 451
Waterrock Knob Overlook provides sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains, making it a favored spot for enjoying stunning sunsets and panoramic views.

55 minutes from downtown Asheville

Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Cherokee

Mile Post 469
The Blue Ridge Parkway ends near the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cherokee, just around the corner and a favorite spot of Larry’s, offers outdoor adventures, shopping, dining, and a vibrant showcase of Cherokee art and culture.

Images: www.bmwofasheville.com, www.grandfather.com, www.ashevilletrails.com, www.romanticasheville.com, and www.hikewnc.com.