Scenic Smoky Mountains Ahead!

Leaving Asheville, the Smoky Mountains loom before you. It’s a gorgeous ride, so sit back and enjoy the views. There is a detour that’s worth the trip; since you’re here, you may as well enjoy a bit of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Savor the vistas and wildflowers; this is one of the most famous scenic roads in all of America!

If you take the Blue Ridge Parkway detour (see details below), you will find yourself at the entrance to the GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK.

Stop at the lovely new Visitor’s Center (right) to learn about the people who settled the area and the fascinating history behind the creation of the park. This well-done, multi-million dollar facility provides a ton of interactive exhibits, photos and interesting artifacts.

 

 

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY DETOUR:
 

 Exit I-40 at Exit 27

 to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

 

After exiting, head to Balsam

 (just south of Waynesville, NC, on Hwy 23/74), and take the Blue Ridge Parkway into the park.

 

For the next 30 minutes, this shady, curving road will provide breathtaking views of hazy valleys and smoky blue ridges. Serene viewpoints and spectacular summer flowers add to the very peaceful drive.

 

Blue Ridge Pkwy flowers:  spring and summer provide an abundance of flowering azaleas, mountain laurel, rhododendron, purple-fringed orchid and other spectacular species that grow wild on the hillsides.

 

VISITOR'S CENTER:  at almost 6000 feet, this small info-stop provides a perfect vantage point for 360' views and answers to all of your questions.

 

 

Adventure opportunities in the area include horseback riding, fishing, hiking…

 However you choose to do it, get out and EXPLORE the Garden of Eden around you!

 

While more heavily traveled than the Blue Ridge Parkway (right), the road through Great Smoky Mts. NP does offer some pretty grand views from the top!

 

Stop at Newfound Gap (below) to stretch your legs and snap a photo of the smoky ridges that earned the park its claim to fame.

 

 

 Next stop,

 

KNOXVILLE, TN!