The Best Stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway | DAY #1 (of 4) | Milepost 0-120
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ส.ค. 2024
- Best stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost 0-120 - Day #1 (of 4)! FULL ITINERARY BELOW. Join us on the fabulous Blue Ridge Parkway as we cover all 469 miles. We'll show you all the finest highlights of this road and provide you all you need to know to plan your own successful trip! We spent the final day (day #5) at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visited October 19-22, 2020.
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DAY 1
0 - Welcome Sign (8:00 am)
1 - Afton Overlook (8:10)
6 - Visitor Center (8:20)
6 - Humpback Rocks Trail (8:30)
6 - Mountain Farm Trail (9:40)
34 - Yankee Horse Ridge (10:50)
63 - James River Visitor Center (11:45)
63 - Canal Lock Exhibit Trail (12:00)
77 - Apple Orchard Mountain Overlook (1:10)
86 - Peaks of Otter Visitor Center (1:45)
86 - Johnson Farm Trail (1:55)
86 - Peaks of Otter Lodge (3:00)
92 - Purgatory Overlook (3:45)
95 - Appalachian Trail (4:00)
115 - Roanoke River Trail (5:00)
120 - Roanoke Mountain (6:00)
SLEEP: ROANOKE, VA (Comfort Inn)
DAY 2
139 - Cahas Mountain Overlook (8:15 am)
144 - Devils Backbone Overlook (8:35)
154 - Smart View Recreation Area (8:50)
168 - The Saddle Overlook Trail (9:20)
176 - Mabry Mill (10:30)
180 - Mayberry Trading Post (12:00)
189 - Groundhog Meadow Overlook (1:00)
190 - Puckett Cabin (1:15)
(200) - Gap Deli (Fancy Gap, NC)
213 - Blue Ridge Music Center (3:00)
259 - Northwest Trading Post (4:20)
272 - Cascades Trail (5:00)
281 - Grandview Overlook (6:30)
SLEEP: BOONE, NC (Sleep Inn University Area)
DAY 3
(292) - The Blowing Rock (8:30 am)
(292) - Original Mast General Store (10:30)
301 - Green Mountain Overlook (11:50)
303 - Rough Ridge Trail (12:00)
304 - Linn Cove Viaduct (1:45)
307 - Grandfather Mountain Overlook (2:00)
316 - Linville Falls Trail (2:30)
328 - Apple Orchard at Altapass (4:20)
(317?) - Pickin Pig Parlor (6:00)
SLEEP: NEWLAND, NC (The Shady Lawn Lodge)
DAY 4
Overlook
334 - Little Switzerland (9:00 am)
339 - Three Knob Overlook (10:10)
339 - Crabtree Falls Trail (10:20)
363 - Graybeard Mountain Overlook (1:30)
419 - Graveyard Fields Trail (3:15)
422 - Devils Courthouse Overlook (4:20)
431 - Cowee Mountain Overlook (4:50)
431 - Richard Balsam Overlook (Highest Point) (5:00)
451 - Waterrock Knob (6:00)
SLEEP: BRYSON CITY, NC (Ridge Top Motel)
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Welcome to my personal "home" park here in Asheville, North Carolina. I caught a couple of your videos last December when I was stuck home with COVID. You and I have a lot in common. We both love Jesus, our families and our national parks. When I realized that, I had to go back and watch every one of your videos from the very beginning and work up to this point. It's amazing that I'm almost completely caught up and am happy to hear you have learned how to properly pronounce "Appalachian!"
Last summer, I took my wife, daughter and twin sons on an epic road trip to Gateway Arch, Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Rocky Mountain National Parks. After watching your videos, I am inspired to take my kids on a father-child trip. I have planned my first one for late June as I'll be taking my daughter to Zion, hoping to hike Scout Lookout (I'm not taking her on the chains) and the Narrows. Gotta plan the boys next. If these short trips go well, maybe we'll try the long, crazy ones. Thanks for sharing, the Lord is using you well.
Hey Peter, that was truly a blessing to read! Edified by your love for the Lord and passion to build solid relationships with your children. Mine are getting older and the trips are becoming more difficult with their schedules, but I'll never regret the time and money I have invested in their lives. Thank God, they are on the right path... now I get to "catch-up" with time alone with my wife! All the best to you, brother! Keep fighting the good fight!
The Blue Ridge Mountain area is such a beautiful part of America. Thank you Randy for all your videos. It's always fun seeing Julie with you. She really is, "the icing on the cake" !! ... Robin :-)
Amen to that, brother!
My dad and I did this trip 2 weeks after you guys. We started in front Royal Virginia at the beginning of the skyline Drive and continued through the Blue ridge and finished through the Smoky mountains at the end to Gatlinburg.
Nice to hear about you guys spending quality time together!
Really liked the way you edited this beautiful video, Pastor Randy! And, Julie did an excellent job sharing the narration with you! Looking forward to the blessing of your next installment...
Thanks, Dan! That will encourage Julie!
Very appreciative that you are doing this series. I have a lot of memories of the Blue Ridge Parkway. As a kid in Indiana it was my first experience with mountains. I did the full length with my Minnesota wife during the summer when the azaleas and rhododendrons were blooming! Right out of college I was working in eastern Arkansas and made 2 or 3 trips across Tennessee, for quick sampler trips, in the fall and early winter. It was hard not to stop at every overlook. Didn't want to miss something special.
Nice to hear, Harry! Glad it could rekindle some good memories!
Fabulous beginning for this trip! Looking forward to the next installments. Thanks for putting them all together. Take care!
Happy to hear you are enjoying the videos!
What beautiful country! The Johnson farm was very cool, really like the old log structures! Looking forward to parts 2-4!
Great to hear, Mark!
Spectacular scenery! Thanks Randy
Thanks for the comment, Dawn!
Oh Man! I so want to drive the parkway again...Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
Glad you enjoyed it, Jonathan! Hope you can get back!
Thanks for the video. My wife and I took our 24ft class c towing our Prius on the dolly from Front Royal to Smokey Mountain N P last September. The Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge can be somewhat challenging in a motorhome bit we made it safe and sound. Praise God. It was a beautiful trip. Spent 4 nights each in Shenandoah N P and Smokey Mountain N P. Beautiful creation by our God. It was kind of a warm up for our western trip which starts soon. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us and happy Easter. He is risen. 🙏🙏👫💕
Risen indeed! ...and what a great trip you guys had!
Me and Rachel are definitely going to be driving the Blue Ridge Parkway in one day in its entirety. I'd love to do it in peak season. Thanks for sharing 👍
Highly recommended! Very economical and great for the views, history and hikes.
It was a fun filled adventure. Made some good memories. Great combination of hiking, looking, exploring, driving, just being together.
Good memories, indeed!
Hey Julie, nice commentary & navigation! Let Randy know; I'm sure he'll appreciate it!
Where would I be without her!
Absolutely beautiful. You always present these wonderful places in such a way that vaults them to the top of anyone's list of places to visit :) Looking at a list of NP sites one might see Blue Ridge Parkway and say "Meh", but after watching this "WOW". On our list in part due to your videos but also a dear friend of ours just got a position as a Ranger there
That was great, Jymn! Thankful for your loving words of encouragement!
Unbelievable beauty, thanks for sharing.
Glad to hear you enjoyed the video! Thank you!
Great job on explaining all the details of this Scenic Parkway. I remember I enjoyed your original video that you did of this drive. I didn't realize you had a whole bunch of extra footage from this that you still needed to show. Cool video Randy and I look forward to seeing the other 3 parts.
Thank you, Eric! The first video was just a preview (kind of the highlights/greatest hits). Now these are a more detailed presentation of each individual day.
I hope I can get back there one day, it looks beautiful. Another nice video!
Thanks, Eric!
Randy, Excellent video, and we are already looking forward to days 2 through 4! Hats-off to Julie on great commentary. I like scenery, but that mountain farm trail looks very interesting - nice to have the information plaques. Weather looked fantastic on your day 1. THANKS FOR LETTING US JOIN YOU TODAY AND SHOWING US TEH OVERLOOKS, . . . Mike
Thanks, Mike!
What a great drive through the blueridge area! The hikes looked nice also. Love the old hickory cabins. I always think that might have been a nice life. That lift loc was neat! And the lake views! Wow! What a perfect day!
Hahaha! Love that your wife mentions that the best navigator should ride shot gun 😉
Thanks for the thoughtful words!
Just her way to say her husband is not lazy LOL!
What a great guide to the Parkway! Can't wait for the other installments. Not going to lie, it really makes we want to get out on the road to see some country. That season will be upon us real soon. Wishing you and your family a blessed Resurrection Sunday coming up this week!
Hey Andrew, this is some of the finest land east of the Mississippi. Hope your family can get in some nice trips this year! Happy Resurrection Day!
Fantastic Video Pastor Randy..wanted to also thank Julie, for her informative insight. Nice touch adding the banjo. Banjo playing makes every video better..lol..🎸🎸🎸..have an Awesome day!
Thanks, Glenn! Amazing how the right music can set the mood - a little bluegrass was just what this one needed! :)
Wonderful video really enjoyed this sledgehammered that like button stay safe awesome and blessed nature at its finest
Thanks, my friend!
Perfect timing for the videos. I'll be in Asheville in 2 weeks on the BRP. These dates will line up with your video release for those mile markers on TH-cam too I think!
Great to hear, Chris! Enjoy your trip!
Been there in the late 60's and early 70's.
It's such a special place. Hope it brought back some fond memories!
Pisgah Inn is the best place on the lower part of the parkway. The views from rooms looking out off the back is amazing and so is the view from the restaurant. Huge glass windows.
Thanks for the recommendation, Beverly! Made a note as we hope to return!
Love the color of the trees 🌲 and the sunrise is beautiful ❤️
Thank you, Randy! Hope all is well with you, brother!
@@AmericasParks ty brother 👍
I have a friend who lives in NC (while I live in AZ) and have been thinking about something like this for us to get together post-COVID for the past year. When I saw these videos in my sub box, it could not have been more perfect timing. This is exact what we need to plan! Thank you so much for these videos, they are such a wonderful guide while dreaming and planning future adventures. Hope you and your family are well, thank you for being so generous in sharing your trips & experiences.
Thanks, Kayla! That was really nice to hear. If you didn't see it, check out our 4-day itinerary that I posted in the video description.
Such a great episode and can't wait to see the whole series! We may get up to Virginia in October, not for sure yet, but will be checking these stops out!! Great series to put together guys, love it!
Thanks, Tom! We really had a nice time on this one!
Nice video and really sweet couple😊Thanks folks😘
Thank you, Brooke! Hope you had a nice weekend!
Great video Randy! I live in the Roanoke area and we are truly blessed to live in such a beautiful region of the country. Some of my fondest memories involve cycling along the Blue Ridge Parkway with my grandfather who still does it at the age of 78. As you can imagine, that is a very tough stretch to climb from the lowest point at the James River up to highest point near the Peaks of Otter.
Nice to hear of your memories, Allen!
We encountered some people bicycling when we drove the Blue Ridge Parkway. That seems so dangerous! It's so narrow and winding in some areas and not everyone does the speed limit.
You inspired us to drive The NC portion today. Was terrific.
Great to hear, Jim! Happy you had a nice time!
What a wonderfully helpful video! As a child, our family would drive to and from New England through the U.S. I grew up in Virginia Beach, so we usually skirted the coast. However, on some occasions, we would drive down through this area. It was always so beautiful! While we would stop at some nice spots, we missed so much of it. One day, I'd like to drive that way myself and stop at some of these fantastic spots.
Happy the video could bring back some nice memories for you, Chris!
Awesome. full of info and tons of great views, looking forward to the rest of the series!! we were just finishing up our last DV trip when you started this
Thanks, Thorn!
There are so many more stops there than I realized. I am going to have to go back and do that again! This time I'll have to dedicate the time to do some of the hikes and not just drive!
Good call, Josh!
Excellent episode. I like the music in this one.
Appreciate the kind words and feedback!
October 2020, man you must be behind with your uploads 😂. Loved that Fall colour mind, absolutely gorgeous colour in the trees and what a place to spend 4 days. If you can do the climbs, I can see why the locals love it there, amazing panoramic views. It's the same in the UK with closed toilets, which I can understand but (imo) counter productive, as people do need to use them. The seats next to the Abbot Lake would have been Mrs Metalman's favourite, she likes nothing better that a seat with a view and that sure had it. Got to say, if that was purgatory, give me more of it! A very Happy and Peaceful Easter to you all, cheers Alan
Thank you, Alan! Yeah, was holding off on uploading this footage. :) It was a great trip - some say among the best drives in the US. Hope you had a super Easter weekend!
Hey y'all, we are Shion and Matthew and just came across your channel! We love the Smokey Mountains and can't wait to explore more and to see the Blue Ridge Parkway! We are looking forward to seeing more! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, guys! All the best to you in your adventures!
@@AmericasParks Thank you! :-)
Great job on this one. You always capture great footage but this one had a really nice balance between the narration on the history and sights of the area and just letting the scenery do the work.
I also always like when I have been to the NPS unit so I can see someone else’s take on it or find points of interest I may have overlooked. We have done this stretch of the BRP and have hit a few of the places you highlighted. I am pretty partial to the BRP as we frequent it a few times a year since it is only about 3-4 hours away.
If you get back, Sharp Top is indeed a great hike with unobstructed views at the top. I also recommend Crabtree Falls (yup one in VA as well) and Devil’s Marbleyard. These are not on the parkway but are less than 30 minutes off of it in the adjacent National Forest for this particular stretch you covered.
More great insights! The notes for a future trip keep growing. Thanks for the thoughtful comment!
Excelent job. We decite to take a jurney the same way as you. Thanks for all tips.
Happy to hear that! Trust you has a nice time!
Enjoying your BRP videos. Best I can figure is the Appa-lach-uns turn into the Appa-lay-shuns somewhere in the neighborhood of Harpers Ferry.
Thanks, Chris! Helpful, because we do pronounce it differently up here in NJ. The local folks are real sensitive when it's not said their way! :)
I did about 200 miles of it last November, absolutely beautiful! Some spots made me a bit dizzy!
Great to hear you've enjoyed this special drive, Lisa!
Nice sweatshirt!
Couldn't resist once I saw yours! :)
Thank you so much for putting this video together and sharing your journey with us. Inspiring.
Really thankful to hear that, Zach!
This is without a doubt on my list someday. Really enjoyed the clip you did that was kind of a preview of this adventure. Glad you decided to do each individual day as well. What a nice trip that must have been! I just uploaded a clip last Monda and still waiting for a comment! You must be on the road again right? Well, whatever you are doing i hope all is well and stay safe.
Hey Robert, yes, just got back early this morning! Look forwarding to seeing your new video!
I live there and fortunately have been to all the places you mentioned and then some. Well if you were at the Yankee Railroad you should have walked a hundred yards to Wigwam Falls. Also at the James River Crossing, Otter Lake has Otter Creek Falls right on the road. And personally I would have taken the sharp Top Trail instead of the Johnson Farm tour. Maybe next time. A sunrise or sunset from Sharp tops summit is something the both of you could appreciate
Hey Jeff, really appreciate the recommendations. This was such a fantastic trip - hope to get back again - made a note of your fine suggestions. Looking to upload Day #2 today. Always open to your thoughts from experience.
Such a great video Randy! Have you ever thought about going to Big Bend National Park again?
Thanks, Eric! Would love to get back to BB, but it might be a couple years out.
👍😍
Thanks for watching!
That you acknowledge it is God's creation drew us to comment and join you😘😘😘
Appreciate the encouragement and affirmation! Welcome to the channel and be blessed!
@@AmericasParks thankyou, if you have not been notified, we have subscribed and will follow you😘😘😘
@@thirteen23girls64 Thanks so much!
Pastor Randy, you are one handsome man
You are too kind, Nancy! :)
"Steep" is right. That's more than a 16 percent grade!
We were feeling it! :)
My wife and I tried to get a sunrise at Afton Overlook in July 2019 but the fog was so thick we couldn't see anything. Fog eventually lifted around 10am as we continued south.
Neat to hear you've been out there, Dana! Such a wonderful place!
@@AmericasParks We loved it! Did the complete parkway from 0-469
Nice video. Where do you get gas on the parkway. Is it a long drive of the parkway to get fuel.
Thanks! Yes, no gas on on the Parkway, but there are exits throughout the stretch to hit a city for gas.
You, guys, have Different types of parks in USA : NP, state parks,national recreation area, national monuments, national historic sites...is there a big difference between all that categories? Is it about the size, the way to preserve the area..?
I have heard that your government wanted to reduce the size of Grand staircase Escalante NM...is it done?
Great video again😍🤩❤️.Thank you Randy.
Much of the classification is based on the "value" of the park. The federal government definitely oversees the "bigger" ones... and down the line (state, county, etc). After than, the federal parks are categorized by category in the National Park Service.
@@AmericasParks understand👍
I was wondering if you were going to do a better more detailed video of the BRP than your quicky back in Sept. You could take an entire month traveling the parkway and hiking the trails. Glad you actually enjoyed it more fully. But I understand those videos have to get out...LOL
Thank you, sir! Yeah, the "preview" was just a "teaser." Was backlogged, so looking forward to finally getting these up and running in full length. Take care!
Howdy Rick. Any chance of you making a Skyline Drive and BRP playlist? We're planning a Front Royal to Cherokee trip this fall and you seem to know all the best camping spots.
Hi! I am planning to go in November and have NO idea where to start or where to stay. I only have one day Saturday and not sure if to stay in Tenneessee or Ashville North Carolina, will probably be flying there and renting a car and staying in a cabin, planning from friday afternoon to sunday any tips?
Hi Rachel, if you haven't done so, check our our 4-day itinerary that I listed in the video description. Those were four, one-day segments. All were good, really no preference between them. I also made a video from each day. Maybe something will jump out at you regarding an interest. Have a great time!
Where did you stay? Recommendations?
Hey Robert, we just stayed at common hotels near our ending point each day. Listed them in the "description" of the video. Enjoy!
How’s the cell service on the blue ridge parkway? & is there places to stop for gas?
Don't recall having any cell phone issues. Only way off the highway are the exits into the towns. No gas stations that I can remember on the highway itself.
You don't mention where you're staying at night. It appears you are not traveling with an RV. Any suggestions to those who are driving a vehicle without RV and are making it a 4-5 day trip?
Yeah, we normally tent camp. With the wife, so we went with the hotels this time. They are all listed in our 4-day itinerary in the description (have a video uploaded for each of the 4 days). To extend the trip, possibly do our itinerary and slow it down a bit. We were moving pretty quick.
@@AmericasParks Thank you for your reply.
@@AmericasParks I have not been able to find the itinerary description. Is it embedded in one of the four videos?
Phil
We natives pronounce it Appa LATCH ian. Thanks
Thanks, Frank! Learned that when we drove the full Blue Ridge Parkway in 2020. Made the correction in those videos. Growing up in the north and using the word frequently - never dawned on me there was another pronunciation! :)