Autumn Colors - Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

Blue Ridge Parkway

Discover the haven of rolling hills and wildflowers that is Appalachia along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina.  Drive the entire length if you have time, but for a shorter trip, start in Asheville, North Carolina, and follow the Parkway north.  Instead of gas stations and strip malls, the road is dotted by dogwood, tulip trees, and red maples with the soaring Appalachians standing in the background.

Grandfather Mountain

Must-sees include Grandfather Mountain and the Gardens of the Biltmore Estate, a 19th-Century Vanderbilt mansion near Asheville.

Grandfather Mountain has an amazing swinging bridge that offers an amazing view.  Grandfather Mountain also has environmental habitats for black bears, river otters, cougars, bald eagles, golden eagles and white tailed deer.







The Biltmore Estate, is a historical landmark in Asheville.  The estate is America's largest home.  The celebrated architect Richard Morris Hunt modeled the house on three châteaux built in 16th-century France. It would feature 4 acres of floor space, 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. The basement alone would house a swimming pool, gymnasium and changing rooms, bowling alley, servants' quarters, kitchens, and more.

The Biltmore Estate