The Adventure Collective 2019 Asheville Guide Sample | Page 21

et in your car, or mount
your bike and ride into
the Sky on Appalachia’s
most iconic road! Building
the 469-mile, Blue Ridge
Parkway, was an engineering feat
which took over 50 years to complete.
The Park Service’s plan to traverse the
airy mountains of Southern Appalachia
was audacious and the resulting road
has become “America’s favorite drive.”
In fact, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the
most visited entity in the National Park
System. Last year, over 15 million
people enjoyed the splendors of the
Blue Ridge Parkway and this year you
should come along for the ride.
G
An omnipresent theme runs along the
blacktop of the Blue Ridge Parkway,
easy-access to adventure! No matter
your location, the Parkway is always
just a drive away and many of its
overlooks double as trailheads for
all types of adventure. From remote
ridgeline rambles to handicap
accessible pathways, the Parkway
offers every type of explorer the ability
to get outside. That is the parkway’s
most valuable attribute, outdoor access
for everyone. You’re just as likely to see
an elderly couple enjoying a romantic
picnic at an overlook as you are to
see a group of young cyclists pushing
the 100-mile mark. You’re also likely
to meet a few motorcyclists and the
occasional tour bus out there too: so,
share the road and drive carefully.
Whether you’re looking to hit the trail
(the Mountains-to-Sea Trail parallels
the Parkway from Cherokee to Boone!)
or just soak in the views on a scenic
drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway should
be your go-to route. In the following
pages, you’ll find some of our favorite
adventures along the Blue Ridge
Parkway. Visit the Parkway’s website
for more information – and to check for
road closures before heading out.
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