Blue Ridge Parkway
 Generally, the Parkway sections of North
Carolina are higher in elevation and more rugged in their beauty.
The road itself reaches over 6,000 feet south of Asheville.
From
Milepost 355 south, the Parkway leaves the Blue Ridge and follows
other mountain chains into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Park headquarters is in Asheville, NC and there are five
campgrounds, six visitor centers, two lodges and three restaurants
throughout the North Carolina section.
From north to south, here are
the major developed areas that offer opportunities for Parkway
visitors.
Milepost 216.9
Landmark: NC - VA State Line
Alt. 2,547
Milepost 217.5
Landmark: Cumberland Knob
The visitor center covers 1,000 acres with
picnic area, comfort stations, drinking water, visitor information,
public phone. They have a 15-minute loop trail to Cumberland Knob.
(Elev. 2,855). Loop trail into Gully Creek Gorge. 2 hours. Alt.
2,740
It was the first recreation area to be
opened to the public, and is still a favorite destination for both
locals and visitors. The mixture of lush woodlands and open fields,
housing a variety of birds and other wildlife, is ideal for
leisurely walks or a more demanding hike to nearby Gully Creek.
Visitor Center, Picnic Area, and close proximity to Sparta, NC and
Galax, VA.
Milepost 238.5
Landmark: Doughton Park
The park covers 7,000 acres and includes
picnic area (Milepost 241), campground (Milepost 239), trailer
sites, comfort stations, drinking water, 30 miles of trail.
Be sure to visit Wildcat Rocks (Milepost
241.1), to view the Caudill House, a survivor from a community
largely destroyed by an early 20th century flood. Alt. 3,710.
This landscape of open meadows is a place to
view wildlife and get a feel for the lives of those who lived here
long ago. Doughton Park is one of the best places along the motor
road to view white-tailed deer, raccoons, red and grey foxes, and
bobcats, as well as spectacular shows of flame azalea and
rhododendron in the late spring.
Bluffs Lodge is open during the summer
season along with a restaurant and gas station. For reservations at
the lodge call (336) 372-4499.
There is a campground with ranger talks
during the summer season. Hiking opportunities range from a short
hike at Fodder Stack Trail to the strenuous 7.5 mile Bluff Mountain
Trail.
Visit the Brinegar Cabin to see craft
demonstrations or hike into Basin Cove to view the Caudill Family
Homestead.
Restaurant. Service station and gift shop
are located by the Restaurant.
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