BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

 Take Hwy. 19 south (left out of our driveway) 2 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway and head towards Asheville. 4.5 miles after entering the Pkwy take a short detour left to the Waterrock Knob parking area, where you will see a 360-degree panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is a 1/2 mile gravel-hiking trail with some beautiful views, if you'd like a little exercise (rated moderate). Continue on to the Pisgah Inn, where you can eat a delightful lunch while looking down at mountaintops. Keep riding past Asheville to the Folk Art Center to experience mountain arts and crafts at their best. Local artisans make all displays and merchandise. Most items are for sale. Continue on the Pkwy to Linville Falls and Linville Caverns (milepost 316.4). There are lots of scenic overlooks and hiking trails all along the way. To return, backtrack on the Parkway to milepost 382.6 then take Hwy #70, right 5 miles to Oleen then on to Asheville, left 9 miles to Black Mountain. Get onto I-40 West and stay on until exit #27. llow signs to Maggie Valley, and go 11 miles to the Abbey Inn. Approximately 170 miles, 6 hrs. Time does not include side trips or meal stops