Blue Ridge Parkway

It may not be the best way to get to a further destination, but I found it to be a marvelous place to explore as a destination in itself. The Blue Ridge Parkway extends along the crests of the southern Appalachian Mountains between Rockfish Gap, Virginia, and Cherokee, North Carolina, and is a visual delight in its views of mountains, valleys, and gorges. Numerous pull-offs give lots of options for stopping to enjoy flowers, rock formations, or even the shapes of the mist emerging from the forests on a cloudy day.

Autumn is the most popular time for visitors, and I could see why - the oaks and maples covering the mountainsides must be glorious in their fall shades of yellows and reds. But late spring is the time to see the rhododendrons and mountain laurel as well as the waterfalls. Historic sites, mountain villages with beautiful front-yard gardens, caves and gem mines, and many hiking trails, short or long, add to the pleasure of a leisurely trip through this area. Contact Earth Routes for more information and recommendations.