LarryFitz Loc: Beacon NY

Last month my wife and I drove skyline hwy and first 100 miles of Blue Ridge. Skyline was best for overviews, so many, they are all great. Blue Ridge had good overview, it was better for get out to take short hikes. Easy to get to Monticello at end of Skyline Hwy.

Also, stop at exit 44 off of I81 in Pennsylvania. Lindt chocolate outlet, back of store has seconds.

russjc001 Loc: South Carolina

As mentioned before, for photography you should include Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed in the country. I would get there early morning before the crowds. Grandfather mountain is another great take - sunsets are nice from near the top over the footbridge on the rocks. Craggy gardens trail and other relatively short hikes that lead to nice overlooks - check the web for hikes and sample shots from their locations. The Viaduct and waterfalls cross the area - Linville falls has an overlook plus hike to the base - several others not far off the parkway. There are B& Bs not far from the parkway but make reservations ahead of time - well before if foliage season. The Big Lynn Lodge near Little Switzerland is within a stones throw of the parkway and includes breakfast and dinner - watch their cancellation policy however.

bastro

While you're taking side trips off the main parkway don't miss Brevard, Pisgah Forest, and of course all the waterfalls and DuPont Forest. That area, Transylvania county, is "the land of waterfalls".

jwn Loc: SOUTHEAST GEORGIA USA

Lexington Va.!!

Bird Dawg Loc: Georgia

You are in for a treat. I did the whole BRP on my motorcycle and it is all beautiful. We started at the Southern end and stayed at The Hemlock Inn in Bryson City, NC. ( off the BRP ) Wonderful home cooked food. We stayed near Boone, NC and Little Switzerland , NC. ( Lineville Falls has a great old "motel" with a wonderful place to eat.) Floyd, VA is a cool little town and it famous for it's music festival. If you can get in stay at the Mt. Pisgah Inn in NC and eat the wonderful trout.
Have a great trip. BRP is one of the most beautiful places in America.

NCMtnMan Loc: N. Fork New River, Ashe Co., NC

If you haven't done it already, I would suggest that you Google Blue Ridge Parkway where you will find maps of the entire parkway. There are mileposts every mile along it and the maps show you what things are located at what milepost. You may also want to take in the Skyline Drive in Virginia that ends where the Parkway starts. Also, you should consider the Great Smokey Mtns National park at the more western and southern part of NC. It is in NC and TN. Lots of black bear to photograph and they reintroduced elk several years ago. Depending on the altitude, the wild flowers start blooming from mid-April and continue right on through the summer. The laurel and rhododendron usually start around mid June and last for about 3-4 weeks. There are 100s waterfalls along and off the parkway and several guide books available. The Brevard area of NC has one of the highest concentrations. The terrain changes as you head south with the parkway riding on the crest of the mountains in much of Virginia so you can get some really great vistas. It becomes significantly more rugged and higher as you head through NC. Grandfather Mtn. is almost a must see. The variety of plant life is unmatched anywhere in the US with many only found there. Mt. Mitchell just an hour or two north of Asheville is a side trip off the parkway, but worth the short trip. Highest elevation east of the Mississippi. Biltmore Estate in Asheville is a phenomenal place to visit. Not only for the pure grandeur of the "home", but the grounds and flowers are breathtaking. They have accommodations on the grounds as well as restaurants, a vineyard and winery etc. You could literally spend 3-4 weeks trying to see it all. It's a leisurely trip since the max speed on the parkway is 45. I live in the NC mountains now, Ashe county area. I've been traveling the Parkway for over 60 years since I was a child. It continues to amaze every time I'm on it. You and your wife should have a fantastic trip!

DHooch

Skyline Drive is not free. It use to be $15 for up to one week's concurrent visit. There are two lodges on that 110 mile section. We have only done that section once.

On the Blue Ridge Parkway, there are the Peaks of Otter and Pisgah Inn to stay right on the parkway. The Peaks of Otter is okay, overlooking a lake, and it has a restaurant on site. Rooms are a little rustic so don't expect too much. Pisgah Inn is different and, also, has a nice restaurant. The rooms overlook mountains and a valley. The rooms are a little nicer.

There are very few gas stations right on the parkway. So, plan ahead. Make sure you get a map and a listing of facilities before you leave, otherwise you might run out of gas. A beautiful sight is Mabry Mill. It has a small restaurant and gift shop on the premises. You could spend a few hours there, taking photos and eating at the restaurant. Try their pancakes. They are great!

Mount Mitchell is six miles up a mountain off the parkway. It is the highest point east of the Mississippi River. Every time we have driven up there it was foggy. Never saw vistas from there. However, if it isn't foggy or raining, it should be worthwhile visiting.

A few side trips are: Ashville, NC, including the Biltmore Estates. If you like railroad museums, Roanoke, VA has a few very good ones. There are the Virginia Transportation Museum and Norfolk and Western Museum. President Jefferson's Monticello is close by Charlottesville, VA.

The maximum speed on Skyline Drive is 35 mph and on the Blue Ridge Parkway it is 45 mph. You could drive the Parkway in three days if you stay only on the Parkway. Both spring, around June, and the fall are good times to see nature and take photos. There are, literally, hundreds of pull-offs on the way. Each one has beautiful views.

Plan your trip and have a good time.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

I’ll second the Biltmore suggestion. Visited last month.

But be warned it is very expensive. $75 per person standard admission plus $14 for audio tour rental, which you really need. If you have AAA you can get admission tickets for $58. Pick them up in Asheville. But be aware they are a little confused on reservations and their address has changed relative to the one in their book on NC. You should call the Biltmore and make your tour reservation but you do not need to do it before picking up tickets at AAA. You can make reservation on entry but you might not get what you want. It was crowded on a weekday in October.

You are allowed to photograph inside but no flash. Most of it is relatively dimly lit so take your fastest lens. Many images outside and in the garden and greenhouses.

tomad Loc: North Carolina

Stay in Blowing Rock the night before starting the North Carolina part of the parkway, Ashville for one or two nights in the middle part and Highlands near the end of the lower part. We go every fall and these are our favorites. There is lots to do in and around Ashville so two nights are recommended. Highlands is one of the most beautiful small towns in the mountians, I recommend two nights there too if possible. There are lots of waterfalls nearby. If you want a bit bigger city in the north part, you can try Boone as well. A second choice to look into for the lower part is Brevard, another charming small city.

tomcat

Definitely do Linville Falls. Hike to the third level for a spectacular view. Waynesville NC, just south of Asheville is a great little Norman Rockwell type of town with tree lined streets and wonderful stores downtown (Mast General Store ) Bryson City is a great place to visit to ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and also visit Grandfather Mountain. Get a Parkway map and get off at some of the exits for a delightful side trip. If you don't have a National Parks pass, I would get one. They are $90 for Seniors for a Lifetime Pass and the pass is good for the whole car. The Biltmore House in Asheville is a great ½ day trip on its own.

old poet

The stretch from Blowing Rock, N C.heading south to Asheville, NC and beyond to the Great Smokey Mt. National Park.can't be beat. Many great attractions: Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls, Mt. Mitchell (The highest peaks east of the Rockeys). The views can't be beat. Somewhere between Linville Falls and Asheville might be a good central location. This is my world.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Senior pass is still a great deal at $80 but you don’t need it for the Blue Ridge Parkway per se. You do for Shenendoah National Park, which is the northern most 100 miles and called Skyline Drive. The standard entrance allows for 5 or 7 days. It might be $30 (not sure as I have senior pass. Might also be $50).

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Just for reference: Skyline Drive is 100 miles and Blue Ridge Parkway is 425 miles.

Paul L_S Loc: Lithia Springs GA USA

Little Switzerland NC. Right off the Parkway. Alpine village, hotel/motel restaurant bar. Try the blackened prime rib it is good. Also they are serious about the 45mph speed limit.

old poet

In winter, much of the drive is closed because of snow and ice. They do not clear it. Summer, early fall and late spring is best.