Charms of the Blue Ridge
July 17, 2009
The Blue Ridge Mountains
Visiting the south can often be a baffling concept. With the major urban hubs spread out, and other sites far from each other, it can be difficult to know where to go. In this article, I will outline the best way to see the North Carolina mountains.
First things first - your trip will take place on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Parkway is one of the top scenic rides in the United States and poises you atop a high ridge allowing for breathtaking vistas to the east and west. Allot plenty of time for your travels though, as a speeding ticket is a federal offense.
Following the Skyline Drive portion in the Shenandoah Mountains, you will find yourself in the Northwest corner of North Carolina.
Ashe County is known for Christmas Trees, Bluegrass Music, Charming Shops and Frescoes. Fortunately, all of these are available to the tourist eye by visiting Glendale Springs. On the surrounding hillsides, notice the endless lines of Frasier Fir trees as well as a wide array of pine trees. These will be cut down before the Christmas holidays, usually by the buyer himself. Glendale Springs is also home to the Holy Trinity Church. Inside, you will find one of North Carolina’s most glorious contributions to art: A fresco of The Last Supper by North Carolina artist Ben Long. Across the street from the church are a series of charming shops, mostly selling crafts produced by local artisans.
After Glendale Springs, continue south down the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Cascades.
This small hike, on the eastern side of the road, takes you down to a beautiful series of waterfalls and towering pines. The needles grace the path, providing an aroma of nature and earth. Further south from here are a number of majestic overlooks, both to the east and west. If you are able to peer a bit north from an easterly overlook, be sure to notice Stone Mountain.
The Linn Cove Viaduct was completed in 1987 at a cost of almost $10 million.
It is 1,243 feet long and contains 153 segments weighing 50 tons each. It took the North Carolina government many years to develop, and revise, a plan to finish the Viaduct primarily for environmental concerns. Ultimately, the road was worth the wait as it provides one of the most breathtaking half miles of driving in the world.
Linville Falls is next, and is worth a small detour. Also, be sure to visit some local shops in and near Linville and you should certainly go mining for gold and other treasures. Just south of Linville is Mount Mitchell which is the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi. Multiple overlooks will give you majestic views of this Blue Ridge peak.
Article courtesy of Sea Land Travel Club.
