Cruising the Blue Ridge: Asheville to Mount Mitchell, the Highest Peak East of the Mississippi

Asheville Day 2: Part 3

If you missed Day 2, Parts 1 and 2 describing The Biltmore estate and gardens, here are the links:

Asheville's Crown Jewel: The Biltmore's History and Grandeur are a Must-See

Beyond the Biltmore House: The Estate's Grand Gardens and Historic Stables

Asheville, NC Day 2, Part 3 ~ After our morning visit to The Biltmore, we were ready to explore. We headed to the Blue Ridge Parkway without a destination in mind.

The 40-mile route we traveled is a small southern portion of the 469-mile Blue Ridge National Parkway that runs along the spine of the Blue Ridge mountains through Virginia and North Carolina. It’s also the longest linear park in the United States.

First up, Tanbark Ridge Overlook.

The views were breathtaking.

Around every corner.

We stopped at the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center at Mile marker 364.4 and a National Park Ranger told us about a short hike to a structure. After all the walking we did at The Biltmore, a short hike was all we could handle.

We hit the trail to check it out. It was rocky and wet in several places.

We made it.

Then we went looking for the waterfall the park ranger told us about.

We found Glassmine Falls at Mile marker 361. It appears as a trickle above the L in Falls on the sign.

We traveled as far as Mt. Mitchell State Park, which is only accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway by taking NC 128 at Milepost 355.4 to the summit. The apex of Appalachia, Mt. Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.

Mt. Mitchell State Park is only open seasonally between May and October. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic spots, and an observation deck with 360-degree views, and camping.

It was 84 degrees in Asheville and 62 degrees atop Mount Mitchell.

It was hard to capture the 365 degrees but here’s Kate’s shot. It’s a wee distorted, but you get the idea.

And that wrapped up our long day of touring.

Ride along with us and enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains as we make our way back to Asheville.

We’re back to Asheville on Day 3 with more murals, our hostel misadventure, and a visit to the hot shop at the North Carolina Glass Center.