What’s more synonymous with a North Carolina fall than cruising on the Blue Ridge Parkway? Sure, it can get congested, sure, ‘leafers’ are painfully slow drivers, sure…you might be asking yourself, ‘Is it even worth it?’ But when you really think about it, we’re so lucky to be blessed with this kind of natural beauty in our state…why would we not take advantage of it?
North Carolina has one of the most gorgeous (and rivaled) autumns in the country and let’s be honest, come leaf season, we’re all secretly ‘leafers.’ Buckle up and take a cruise on the Parkway, but don’t forget to stop at these overlooks to make the most of your journey.
- Linn Cove Viaduct
Flickr / Frank Kehren I think it’s safe to say 90% of the pictures of Linn Cove Viaduct are taken during fall. This ’engineering marvel’ curves against the shoulder of Grandfather Mountain while dangling motorists over the edge. Each twist and turn makes it one of the most spectacular drives and vistas on the Parkway. Milepost 304.
- Julian Price Lake Overlook
Flickr / Jim Dollar This dreamy lake is perfect for those ‘reflective’ fall photos. The 4,200-acre Julian Price Park is a perfect stop-off for canoeing or kayaking. Milepost 296.7
- Graveyard Fields
Flickr / Jeff Gunn Graveyard Fields might give you more midwest vibes with bushy plant-life and wide-open spaces shadowed by towering mountains. Named after the ’tombstone-like’ appearance of trees that were left devastated after a severe windstorm, today the area is beautiful and serene. Milepost 418.8
- Cowee Mountains Overlook
Flickr / Mary Anne Baker You know those stunning pictures of the Blue Ridge with unobstructed mountain views spanning miles and miles? You can find just that at Cowee Mountains Overlook situated at milepost 430.
- Chestoa View Overlook
Flickr / Lindley Ashline This stunning, rocky overlook transports you into what feels like a private overlook while providing great views of Table Rock. Note there’s a small trail leading to the overlook that requires some walking. This is a great place to take in the fall views of the eastern side of Linville Gorge. Milepost 320.7
- Craggy Gardens
Flickr / Sarath Kuchi If you’ve read this site before, you know we LOVE Craggy Gardens. The 1.5-mile hike weaves you through twisting trees that look more like something out of a Grimm Fairytale. Once at the top, two overlooks treat you to panoramic views featuring some of the highest peaks in North Carolina. Don’t rush this one, take it all in and enjoy the view. Craggy Gardens is a great stop before nearby Mount Mitchell. Milepost 350.
- Richland Balsam
Flickr / Angi English While Mount Mitchell might be the highest peak east of the Mississippi, Richland Balsam is the highest point on the Parkway. Situated at 6,053 feet, it’s safe to say the views are more than stunning from the overlook, and the air thin and chilly! Milepost 431.
- Looking Glass Rock
Flickr / Valerie The pecuilar granite-dome structure is certainly an eye-catcher and hard to miss. The formation dates back some million years and represents a ‘pluton,’ or what would be a volcano had the lava not cooled before reaching the Earth’s surface. Today, it’s easily viewed off the Parkway and close to nearby Skinny Dip Falls. Milepost 417
- Mills River Valley Overlook
Flickr / Steve Harwood You’ll want to wake up early for this one, as the sunrises also included dreamy fog rolling over the mountaintops. It’s an idyllic location all day, but one of my favorites for starting the day. Milepost 404.5
- Green Knob Overlook
Flickr / bobistraveling Green Knob Overlook is the type of place you can see for miles and miles, especially on a clear day. This also means that come fall the overlook is one of the best places for viewing stunning vistas painted in gold, orange, and red leaves. Milepost 350.4
These are all so beautiful it’s hard to pick just ten. What are some of your favorite overlooks off the Parkway? When do you think is the best time to go to avoid ‘leafers?’
Flickr / Frank Kehren
I think it’s safe to say 90% of the pictures of Linn Cove Viaduct are taken during fall. This ’engineering marvel’ curves against the shoulder of Grandfather Mountain while dangling motorists over the edge. Each twist and turn makes it one of the most spectacular drives and vistas on the Parkway. Milepost 304.
Flickr / Jim Dollar
This dreamy lake is perfect for those ‘reflective’ fall photos. The 4,200-acre Julian Price Park is a perfect stop-off for canoeing or kayaking. Milepost 296.7
Flickr / Jeff Gunn
Graveyard Fields might give you more midwest vibes with bushy plant-life and wide-open spaces shadowed by towering mountains. Named after the ’tombstone-like’ appearance of trees that were left devastated after a severe windstorm, today the area is beautiful and serene. Milepost 418.8
Flickr / Mary Anne Baker
You know those stunning pictures of the Blue Ridge with unobstructed mountain views spanning miles and miles? You can find just that at Cowee Mountains Overlook situated at milepost 430.
Flickr / Lindley Ashline
This stunning, rocky overlook transports you into what feels like a private overlook while providing great views of Table Rock. Note there’s a small trail leading to the overlook that requires some walking. This is a great place to take in the fall views of the eastern side of Linville Gorge. Milepost 320.7
Flickr / Sarath Kuchi
If you’ve read this site before, you know we LOVE Craggy Gardens. The 1.5-mile hike weaves you through twisting trees that look more like something out of a Grimm Fairytale. Once at the top, two overlooks treat you to panoramic views featuring some of the highest peaks in North Carolina. Don’t rush this one, take it all in and enjoy the view. Craggy Gardens is a great stop before nearby Mount Mitchell. Milepost 350.
Flickr / Angi English
While Mount Mitchell might be the highest peak east of the Mississippi, Richland Balsam is the highest point on the Parkway. Situated at 6,053 feet, it’s safe to say the views are more than stunning from the overlook, and the air thin and chilly! Milepost 431.
Flickr / Valerie
The pecuilar granite-dome structure is certainly an eye-catcher and hard to miss. The formation dates back some million years and represents a ‘pluton,’ or what would be a volcano had the lava not cooled before reaching the Earth’s surface. Today, it’s easily viewed off the Parkway and close to nearby Skinny Dip Falls. Milepost 417
Flickr / Steve Harwood
You’ll want to wake up early for this one, as the sunrises also included dreamy fog rolling over the mountaintops. It’s an idyllic location all day, but one of my favorites for starting the day. Milepost 404.5
Flickr / bobistraveling
Green Knob Overlook is the type of place you can see for miles and miles, especially on a clear day. This also means that come fall the overlook is one of the best places for viewing stunning vistas painted in gold, orange, and red leaves. Milepost 350.4
We didn’t want to just include this Parkway stop on the list, but instead write a whole feature about it! Get a delicious meal and a view at Pisgah Inn and Restaurant!
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