There are several reasons the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway has become known as America’s Favorite Drive. The charming little towns, the dramatic vistas, the friendly mountain folks, the glorious fall foliage, and the rich Appalachian culture are merely some of the reasons; there are many more. When driving on this all-American road, travellers are forced to slow down so they can enjoy the view, at the same time, get the wonderful therapy your mind and body needs.
The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is a 25-county region. This includes the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the timeless Parkway. It constantly reminds travellers what a remarkable place it is as the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway takes them to an absolutely different world.
The Scream Time zip line is situated on the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway at Milepost 291, where you can whiz at 50 miles per hour through the air. Canopy tours are offered by the company that will allow you to fly over a wooded area near Boon, as you watch the grazing horses and cows under you. This place can steal your mind away from all your problems, which makes it a very good therapy for you. It’s even something that medicines can’t do.
Still on the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway but at Milepost 294, you will also find the 13,000-square-foot mansion of Moses Cone – a conservationist, a philanthropist and a textile entrepreneur. The mansion is preserved within the vicinity of Moses Cone Memorial Park. Crafts shops and interesting activities like cross-country skiing, easy trails, fishing and horseback riding are also offered by this 3,500 acre park. If you happen to enjoy these, then you can indulge yourself and relax.
In Sugar Grove at Milepost 298 on the Parkway, you will come across the equestrian paradise of the Dutch Creek Trails. These trails were created by Keith Ward, who made sure you enjoy the hour-long trail ride through its the wooded path. Its ride through the mountains can also be a great therapy for you as it brings you the relaxation you seldom get in your daily busy life.
The Grandfather Mountain area on the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway is a part of the newest state park in North Carolina, where you can also find peace of mind. This expands across almost 2,500-acres of land. The Mile High Swinging Bridge, hiking trails, interesting wildlife, a kid-friendly Nature Museum and picnic spots are boasted by boundless nature preserves.
The Parkway is also the home of the historic Orchard at Alta Pass. This is a fun-filled destination for the whole family where you can take a hayride, or dig into their homemade fudge and ice cream. Go light on the fudge and the ice cream though; or, you will have to go on a diet when you get home.
The Appalachian cultural center is also a historic apple orchard built in 1908. This is where the art, the beauty, the music, and the people of the Blue Ridge Mountains are celebrated. If you are getting headaches from the bustles the city then here is a good way to spend the day. The combination of music and art is a good form of audio-visual therapy as it is soothing to the mind.
Moreover, the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway has a Sliding Rock near Milepost 413 down Highway 276. This seems to attract the young and those young at heart. Here you can slide down a 60-foot natural rock water slide to the very bottom into a 7 foot-deep refreshing pool. Nothing feels better than a cool bath to calm your nerves and release the tension.
These are just some of the mileposts on the Parkway that you should not miss. You should try and check them out if you are fortunate enough to be driving down the road. There’s nothing more inspiring than to satisfy your mind and body by visiting Mother Nature – Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway is a great experience and is definitely a must-see!
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