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Iconic Road Trips: Blue Ridge Parkway Paradise
The Blue Ridge Parkway is famous for a reason. It's a 469-mile stretch along the Blue Ridge, which is a mountain chain within the Appalachian Mountains. The mountains out west might be more grandeur, but I grew up in the Appalachians, so this drive has a special place in my heart. Contrast to the jagged, towering, snow-capped mountains you'll see in the western parts of the U.S., the Blue Ridge Mountains are subtler in their majesty. You'll see rolling hills upon rolling hills all the way into the horizon while driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. The park connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the Shenandoah National Park. When you feel moved to stop and take photos of the jaw-dropping landscape, you'll find there are plenty of places to pull over and do just that. Buy some homemade jam, salsa or an assortment of other treats when you stop. These kinds of Blue Ridge specialties are widely available along the route and unlike so many gimmicky regional foods many of these offerings are worth the price.
In addition to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park, you'll pass through the Pisgah National Forest, Stone Mountain State Park and George Washington National Forest, among other destinations.
Filed under: North America, United States, Budget Travel
