Gone to the Mountains

It’s fall and the mountains are calling.  My friend from church, Darlene and I are taking a few days and driving the Blue Ridge Parkway.

DAY 1

We started our adventure in Tennessee and are driving into Virginia, where we will stay the night and start the BRP refreshed and ready in the morning.  *I will be using BRP in reference to the Blue Ridge Parkway*

Did someone say Buc-ees?  The biggest one is where we stopped for breakfast sandwiches at exit 407 off I-40 in Sevierville.

After a few hours of driving we decided we had plenty of time to explore Abingdon, Virginia.  Downtown, there were some beautiful Colonial homes. 

As we made our way to the Virginia Creeper Abingdon Terminus home of 1907 Norfolk & Western #433 Virginia Creeper Steamer.  The last of two of its kind.

From the parking lot we took a small walk on the 34.3 mile hike and bike trail. On our walk was this enormous 150 year old White Oak with a circumference of 19 feet! Oh, and a couple of horses and Darlene.

From there, we drove out to White’s Mill. This 18th century grist mill, circa 1790, which provides flour and corn meal for families and businesses from miles around.

The mill is still in service today.

DAY 2

We started our day at the Fancy Gap Access Point MP 199.4 and headed north on the BRP. *On the BRP, the Milepost are referred to as MPs*

At MP 189.9 is Puckett Cabin. Home to “Aunt” Orelena Hawks, a midwife who delivered over 1000 babies in her 102 years on earth.

Groundhog Mountain Overlook at MP 188.8 had an observation tower for a 360 degree view.

Oh my goodness, the wind was crazy and temps this morning were in the mid 40’s.

At MP 177.7 was an access road to Meadows of Dan, VA. Since it was right there, we decided to stop.

Poor Farmers Market is a must stop. Bring your wallet because you will see all sorts of items to purchase.

Across the street, they were making fresh, hot off the grill fried pies. You know we couldn’t resist!

There was a mural of the town down by Nancy’s Candy Store, which had a nice variety of crafted items.

I absolutely loved the Mabry Mill stop at MP 176.6. Mabry Mill is over a century old and served the surrounding families for over three decades.

On the grounds there is a gift shop and restaurant, the grist mill and surrounding blacksmith shop, wheelwright shop and sawmill.

Driving along the BRP is as peaceful and serene as one can imagine.

The speed limit is 45 mph for most part. I had a hard time driving that speed. I wanted to go slower!

There are 910 overlooks on the BRP.

At MP 168.8 is the Rock Castle Gorge Overlook elevation 3195′.

Rakes Mill Pond at MP 162.2 built early in the 19th century by Jarman Rakes. Customers of the nearby mill were allowed to fish in the pond while waiting to make meal.

At MP 144.8 was the Pine Spur Overlook and trail. Just a few of these turn of the century rough built cabins remain along the BRP.

With a picnic table area, we have a nice lunch before we return to the BRP.

Pulling off at MP 139 was the Cahas Mountain Overlook. There were a few people there on blankets enjoying the view.

At MP 120.4 we leave the BRP for Roanoke Mountain in search of a star.

Erected in 1949, this is the worlds largest man-made star.

The Granite Quarry overlook at MP 202.8 overlooks an operational dolomite quarry.

The Great Valley at MP 99.6 views the Appalachian Mountains with the Alleghenies to the west and the Blue Ridge to the east.

The Great Warrior Path of the Iroquois and Cherokee was used by pioneers when they migrated down the valley to settle in the area in the mid 1700s.

At MP 86 we arrive at The Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant.

In 1834 it would become the area’s first lodging for visitors like Thomas Jefferson. By the late 20 families would call it home along with a school, church and resort.

We couldn’t pass up the views at Arnold Valley at MP 74.6 and it sure was windy!

Last stop of the day was at Lower Otter Creek at MP 62.5. Harlie and Frannie joined us for a walk.

DAY 3

Off the BRP, we travel south to Mt Airy, the home a Andy Griffith. Who doesn’t love Mayberry?

On the way down, the curvy mountain was this abandoned property that looked interesting. After some investigation it I found it started as part of the stagecoach trail and was eventually the Double Branches Tavern and Inn and eventually the Blue Ridge Court and Restaurant. I’m not sure when the last time it was open, but wouldn’t it be neat if someone renovated it.

We were welcomed by these murals once in Mt Airy.

We visited Floyd’s Barbershop, Walker’s Soda Fountain, the Sherriff’s Office and Wally’s Service Station.

Andy Griffith’s childhood home.

A beautiful mural and statue of Andy Griffith!

After our detour to Mt Airy we traveled back to the BRP at MP 199.5.

We drove to MP 218.6, Fox Hunter’s Paradise Overlook and took the short road from the main parking lot to a Overlook above.

Continuing on the BRP we arrive at MP 229.6 and a big orange and white baracade and detour.  The detour took us to Sparta and then over through West Jefferson and back to the BRP MP 261.2.

An outcropping of boulders at Raven Rocks Overlook at MP 289.5 was a perfect place for a photo op.

A must stop on the BRP is at MP 294 and the Moses H Cone Memorial Park.

The stunning Flat Top Manor a Colonial Revival built by textile magnate Moses H Cone and his wife Bertha at the turn of the 20th century.

The home is open to visitors and boasts a bookstore and craft center.

Finally a bunch of fall color at Green Knob Trailhead at MP 295.3!

At MP 297 is the 4200 acre Julian Price Memorial Park with lake and spillway.

The Linn Cove Viaduct at MP 304 a 1243 foot long concrete bridge that travels around Grandfather Mountain.

Driving around Grandfather Mountain, you see this smooth faced rock. At the Yonahlossee Overlook, MP 303.9

At MP 305.1 we exit the BRP to take the drive up Grandfather Mountain State Park and the mile high swinging bridge.

Upon entering the Grandfather Mountain State Park your admission fee covers the entire park and the swinging bridge. The park also gives you a driving tour on a flash drive.

On our way up the very curvy road there are two distinct rock formations, the spinx and split rock.

Be ready for all the hairpin turns as you travel to the top of the mountain.

As you travel up, be ready for a drop in temperature and possible wind. Today, the wind was gusting around 45 mph, and the Temps were in the low 40s.

At the top, there is a gift shop, amazing views on and off the swinging bridge and restrooms.

Note to self, if I ever come back it will be in the middle of July because it was cold and we were not dressed for it!

Getting back onto the BRP we saw some deer having dinner.

At MP 316.3 we exited the BRP and drove down to Linville Falls. The surroundings were beautiful, but it was getting late, so we were not able to hike to the falls.

Bear Den Overlook at MP 323 was the last stop of the day. We were just in time for the sunset. As we waited We had some sandwiches and enjoyed the view.

DAY 4

Today we are hoping to finish the 469 mile Blue Ridge Parkway. First stop MP 349.9, Mt Mitchell the highest mountain in North Carolina.

Next stop in Craggy Gardens at MP 364.5. The trail from the parking lot is .7 miles to the pinnacle.

The hike begins as you walk through a garden of rhododendrons, which in summer was probably beautiful.

Called Craggy Gardens for its twisted, rocky, jagged “crags” through various tree formations and rock steps.

The reward awaits at the pinnacle for a breathtaking view and three different mountain ranges.

At Buck Springs Overlook take the stairs for a different view from MP 407.6

As we drive closer to the Great Smoky Mountains, we start to see more color.

Can you see the lookout from the beginning of Fryingpan Mountain Trailhead at MP 409.1

At MP 417 is Looking Glass Overlook. Apparently, when ice and water are on the Granite faced rock, it reflects light.

MP 418.8 is Graveyard Fields Overlook. The story goes like this, a Forrest fire in the valley left charred trunks of trees. Later, strong winds broke the trunks, making the stumps look like tombstones.

Good story, but it is very overgrown now, and nothing looked like the description.

Black Balsam trees cover the mountainside of the Devils Courthouse, at the overlook at MP 422.4.

As you look over the horizon at MP 430.7 you can see all the layers of mountains and vastness that is mesmerizing.

We have reached the highest point of the BRP in North Carolina at MP 431.4, Richard Balsam Overlook.

Finishing up the BRP we drive through several tunnels and end in Cherokee, North Carolina.

Driving up US 441 we saw this! Not fenced and roaming free these Elk come out of the mountains before dusk every evening.

A nice dinner in Pigeon Forge and it’s back to the real world.

I want to thank Darlene for tagging along as my co-pilot.

Until next time, stay safe, be kind and live life!