Blueridge Parkway--the national park highway of America

First time ever I got on blueridge parkway, I saw the road sign "An All American Road"(this phrase makes no sense imo)which certainly made me laugh.Despite that, this road that stretches from Virginia via North Carolina to Tennessee is probably the most scenic mountain highway that I have ever seen, which makes it a very nice contrast with CA-1's sea view from the post I mentioned before.

There are many stops along the way while you get to see beautiful appalachian mountains, local arts and native american culture. I have only been to the part of parkway in WNC and near Great Smokies, although I do wish I can see the rest part of it someday as well. Scenic mountainous views is possibly the biggest feature on this road, while you do get to see river, waterfall and thick forests along the way.

The best season to take a drive along parkway is probably fall, while the mountains are in different shades of red and orange that look perfect in photoes. Summer is alright as well, the sky is blue and mountains are green. In winter the parkway usually is closed due to the heavy snow and bad weather on the mountains.

Few things need to be mentioned if you do plan to come see the parkway:
It is closed from november to march annually due to the driving safety reasons in snow season.
As part of the national park system, the parkway is patrolled by both park rangers and police, the speed limit is 45/mph, no commercial vehicles are allowed. So follow the rules and play safe.




for more info about the parkway:

national park service

blueridge parkway association