Blue Ridge

Explore the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway in this driving route. Winding its way for over 550 miles of beautiful ridgeline, this drive should not be rushed. With a speed limit of 45mph and no commercial signs or vehicles, the Parkway is a gateway to many more interesting places. Allow at least 6 days to drive the whole route.

[wptabs style=”wpui-dark” mode=”horizontal”]

[wptabtitle] Summary[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Blue Ridge

Day 1 – 2: Skyline Drive
Day 3 – 6: Blue Ridge Parkway
[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] Description [/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Description

Winding its way for over 550 miles of beautiful ridgeline, this drive should not be rushed. With a speed limit of 45mph and no commercial signs or vehicles, the Parkway is a gateway to many more interesting places. Allow at least 6 days to drive the whole route – even better if you have longer.

Much of the route was built during the Great Depression as part of the work created by Roosevelt’s New Deal. In addition to stunning scenery the route passes through many historical areas giving you the opportunity to learn about the Appalachian life through the ages…

Here we take you on a journey along the drive and make suggestions to how you could extend your trip to make the perfect holiday

Day 1 – 2: Skyline Drive
Explore the 105 miles of the Skyline Drive, precursor to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Following Virginia’s long, gentle Shenandoah Valley; hiking, horseback riding and cycling are all on offer here – watch out for bald eagles, black bear, bobcats, deer, turkey and raccoon. The drive runs parallel to the US11 – this road was originally an animal path, then a Native American Trail, then a wagon road for European settlers. The road now links vibrant and interesting small towns. The area is steeped in history – the Shenandoah Valley was the setting for some of the most pivotal campaigns of the Civil War – explore historic sites, battlefields, courthouses, cemeteries, walking trails, and museums that tell the story of those years.

Day 3 – 6: Blue Ridge Parkway
Waynesboro is where the Skyline Drive ends and the Blue Ridge Parkway begins. Take at least 4 days for this part of the drive with regular stops along the way – perhaps at Roanoke, Blowing Rock, Asheville… There are so many places to explore – here are just a few suggestions

• Take a short detour to visit the mountaintop home of Jefferson, Monticello
• Explore one of the wine trails in Virginia
• Take a scenic hike along stretches of the famed Appalachian Trail
• Explore the roots of Mountain and Blue Grass music at the Blue Ridge Music Centre
• Climb Chimney Rock for breathtaking views
• Wander through Asheville’s historic vibrant downtown area with its museums, galleries and superb restaurants
• Learn about the culture and history of the Cherokee Nation
• Experience the amazing diversity of plant and animal life in the Great Smoky National Park…

More time? then here are just a few suggestions for extending your trip

• Spend some time in the Capitol City: Washington DC is just 75 miles from the start of the Skyline Drive
• Relax on the deck of your remote cabin in the Smoky Mountains.
• Experience Southern hospitality in the historic southern cities of Charleston, Beaufort and Savannah
• Head to the Carolina coast for a few days on one of the islands or un-spoilt beaches
• Explore the coastal wildlife refuges of Southern Carolina – these wonderful salt marshes and tidal creeks support a huge diversity of wildlife including ibis, heron, egrets, alligators and deer …

Contact us and we will help you plan and put together a superb road trip

[/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] Little Gems[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Little Gems

This itinerary gives you an opportunity to get into the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.  Consider this as an alternative to New England for stunning fall colours 
 [/wptabcontent]

[wptabtitle] What our clients say[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]

Client Feedback

Content coming soon
[/wptabcontent]

[/wptabs]