Transylvania County’s most notable Blue Ridge Parkway mileposts |
The Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic ribbon of road that weaves through Virginia and North Carolina, has been providing drivers, cyclists, hikers, and lovers of panoramic views an unmissable destination for decades. It is called “America’s Favorite Drive,” and the 24 miles that run through Transylvania County are arguably among the most scenic.
The Parkway can be easily accessed in Transylvania County two ways. The first is NC 215, along which you’ll also find two worthy stops: Forks of the River Taproom at Headwaters Outfitters and Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. The other route is US 276 through Pisgah National Forest, which boasts iconic spots like Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock, as well as the birthplace of forest conservation, the Cradle of Forestry, located just four miles from the parkway. Here are a few of our favorite places on the Blue Ridge Parkway to stop, explore, relax, and take in the views.
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Photo provided courtesy of Pisgah Inn
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You’ll find picnic tables at several of the overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Transylvania County. One of our favorites is Mt. Pisgah at Milepost 408.6 with 50 picnic sites. In this general area you’ll also find a small grocery store and restrooms (open seasonally) with nearby trails.
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(and where to see magnificent sunsets/sunrises)
There are twelve Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks in Transylvania County (between Mileposts 406.9 and 423.5) and each of them offers spectacular vistas. Here are a few of our favorites:
Best Views
Pounding Mill Overlook (Milepost 413.2)
Looking Glass Rock Overlook (Milepost 417)
Devil’s Courthouse Overlook (Milepost 422.4)
Best Sunrise Spots
Funnel Top (Milepost 409.3)
Cradle of Forestry Overlook (Milepost 411)
Best Sunset (and mini-adventure)
Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower
Near Milepost 408.5, park at the pull off for Forest Service Road 450. Take the 1.5-mile hike (out and back) to this decommissioned fire tower with stunning views of Cold Mountain and Shining Rock Wilderness.
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Hiking trails branch off the Blue Ridge Parkway at multiple, easy-to-access points. You can’t go wrong with the following:
Graveyard Fields Loop Trail
This popular trail starts from the parking area at Milepost 418.8 and winds 3.2 miles over boardwalks, through a ravine, to high meadows, and past two waterfalls.
Devil’s Courthouse
At Milepost 422.4, this hike is a 0.8-mile roundtrip walk that offers up panoramic views from a jagged and dramatic rock face.
Buck Spring Trail
This short hike takes you to the former site of George Vanderbilt’s Buck Spring Lodge. Pull in at the Mt. Pisgah Overlook (407.6) parking area. From here, you can also take the Mt. Pisgah Trail to the summit (2.4 miles out and back).
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Be sure to Leave It Better when visiting forests and waterways by following these tips:
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- Pick it up.
- Pitch in.
- Prepare yourself
- Protect habitats.
- Politeness, please.
- Preach what you practice.
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Photo provided courtesy of Pisgah Inn
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Pisgah Inn
Without question, one of the best Transylvania County experiences is enjoying a meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) or a stay at the Pisgah Inn. Perched at about 5,000 feet, the Inn has some of the best views of the Blue Ridge – including beautiful sunrises for all of you early birds. Open seasonally, starting April through October.
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Click here to find all of our recent blogs or check out the three blogs below.
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Read the previous Field Notes here.
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