Pisgah District Events

The Pisgah District encompasses Mileposts 305 - 469

 All programs, unless otherwise noted, are free and open to the public

 

Linville Falls Visitor Center (MP 316) 

 

Linville Falls Campground  Amphitheater (MP 316) 

 

Linville Falls Picnic Area Environmental Education Shelter (MP 316) 

 

The Historic Orchard at Altapass (MP 328)

 

Minerals Museum (MP 331)

 

Crabtree Falls Campground Amphitheater (MP 340) 

 

Folk Art Center (MP 382)

Parkway 101 - An Introduction to the Parkway
Daily  10:30am

 

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center (MP 384)

It's so easy being "Green"
Daily   10:00am, 11:00am, & 2:00pm

 

 

 

ACTIVITIES 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 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.

Driving Tour Suggestions: From Asheville take a leisurely ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway north or south. Then take a "regular" highway for a fast return to Asheville.

The North Loop: Drive north from Asheville to Milepost 304.4 (about 80 miles - allow three hours), ride across the Viaduct and turn around to return to Milepost 317.4. Exit onto US 221 South to Marion, then take I-40 West to Asheville. The return trip is about 1.5 hours.

The South Loop: Drive south from Asheville about 50 miles to Milepost 443.1 (allow 2.5 hours). Take US 74 East/US 23 North to Waynesville, then I-40 East to Asheville. Return trip is about an hour.

Below are our top picks for the 140-mile section through the Asheville area (from north to south):

 

Linn Cove Viaduct  (MP 304.4)

The Linn Cove Viaduct is a masterpiece of engineering that was constructed to preserve Grandfather Mountain as the viaduct curves with the contours of the mountain. Drive across it and turn around to do it again. Stop at the Information Center and walk under this marvel.

 

Museum of North Carolina Minerals (MP 331)

See minerals found in North Carolina and regional geology.

 

Crabtree Meadows (MP 339.5)

Take a 2.5-mile moderate hike to the 70-foot Crabtree Falls. Take the road into the campground and stop at the campground information building to pick up a map. Parking area next to information building.  See schedule of Ranger Programs.

 

Mt Mitchell (MP 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 (MP 364.4)

From Asheville, barring any weather related closures, a visitor driving north on the Parkway will be able to travel at least as far as the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area, once the area is cleared of debris all the way to MP 367.6.

 

Craggy Gardens Picnic Area, (MP 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.

 

MP 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.

 

MP 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 (MP 382)

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.

 

MP 382.6

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

 

Destination Center (MP 384)

The newly opened Destination Center features innovative, interactive exhibits, and the building itself reflects cutting edge energy-saving technology. The Destination Center is the first National Park Service visitor center in the country to offer an I-Wall, a 22-foot interactive map of the entire Parkway.

 

MP 384.7

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

 

MP 388.8

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

 

MP 393.6

NC 191 crosses. Go north to Asheville and I-26.

 

North Carolina Arboretum (MP 393.6)

Located at the exit for NC 191. Stroll through a variety of gardens or 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 outside Asheville

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.

 

Mt. Pisgah (MP 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' peak may be a bit strenuous, but the reward is the view from the top. There is a 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.

 

MP 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).

 

MP 412

Cold Mountain overlook.

 

Looking Glass Rock Overlook (MP 417)

Named for reflecting light brilliantly when water and ice are on the rock's granite surface.

 

Graveyard Fields Overlook (MP 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.)

 

Devil's Courthouse (MP 422.4)

Take a strenuous 1/2-mile hike to the "Courthouse" for a 360-degree view.

 

Richland Balsam Overlook (MP 431.4)

Stop at the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,047 feet.

 

MP 443.1

US 74/23 Crossover. For a fast route back to Asheville, follow US 74 east to Waynesville, then I-40 east to Asheville.

The Parkway continues to Milepost 469.1, ending at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee.