Pisgah District Events

Milepost 306-469

Linville Falls (MP 317) and NC Museum of Minerals (MP 331)

17th Annual Overmountain Victory Celebration September 11 - 14, 2008 at the Museum of North Carolina Minerals, milepost 331. Click here for list of activities.

Campground Evening Programs – Beginning May 24, 2008, join rangers at the Linville Falls Campground Amphitheater (MP 316) for an evening program by the river. Topics and times vary.Call 828-765-1228 for more details. Programs are held on Fri, Sat and Sun nights.

Junior Ranger Programs – Beginning in June, rangers will be offering a variety of programs designed for Blue Ridge Parkway children. Locations, times, and topics will vary. Call 828-765-1228 for more details. These programs will be offered on Wed, Fri and Saturday throughout the summer.

Folk Art Center, Milepost 382

Asheville-Area Junior Ranger Camps

The Blue Ridge Parkway will once again offer Junior Ranger camps for 7-9 year old and 10-12 year old youth.  The Junior Ranger program encourages learning about our National Parks and the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities, games, and craft projects.  Each session meets for three mornings over a one week period from 9:30am – 1:30 p.m. at the Folk Art Center located on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Junior Ranger participants will bring their own lunch and should dress accordingly for the weather.  There is a registration fee of $30.00 per child per camp. Financial Need Scholarships are available.  Pre-registration is required as spaces are limited.  Spaces will be filled on a first-come-first served basis.  There is a minimum requirement of 15 participants per camp.  To register your child or for more information please call (828)350-3822 ext. 207, Mon. – Fri. 8:30am to 4pm.  The following programs are being offered:

Call (828) 350 3822 ext 207 for reservations.

Crabtree Meadows

Campground Evening Programs – Beginning May 24, 2008, join rangers at the Crabtree Meadows Campground Amphitheater (MP 331) for an evening program. Topics and times vary. Call 828-765-1228 for more details. Programs are held on Fri, Sat and Sun nights.

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 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.

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.

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

Linn Cove Viaduct, Milepost 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.

Milepost 317.4

US 221 Crosses. Take US 221 South for a faster return to Asheville, (US 221 to Marion, then I-40 West to Asheville)

Museum of North Carolina Minerals, Milepost 331

See minerals found in North Carolina and regional geology.

Crabtree Meadows, Milepost 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.

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

Craggy Gardens Visitor Center will be closed for the 2008 season.

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, Milepost 367.6

Opening May 9, 2008. 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

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.

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.

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 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, 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.

Looking Glass Rock Overlook, Milepost 417

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

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.)

Devil's Courthouse, Milepost 422.4

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

Richland Balsam Overlook, Milepost 431.4

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

Milepost 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.