The Adventure Collective 2019 Asheville Guide Sample | Page 59

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Ride the Blue Ridge Parkway (Asheville)
Twenty-seven miles of steady climbing on one of the most famous roads in America make
this one of the best Asheville road rides for cyclists looking to experience the beauty
and challenge that road biking and cycling offers in Western North Carolina. You’ll pass
several impressive overlooks, pedal through a handful of tunnels, and cap off the ride with
a view of Looking Glass Rock, a towering dome of granite deep in Pisgah National Forest.
Turn around and enjoy the mostly downhill ride back to town, but don’t forget to pack
lights as this section of the Blue Ridge Parkway features multiple tunnels that are no fun
and are very dangerous without lights. Also, be sure and stop off at the Pisgah Inn and fill
up on water, resupply on snacks if needed or stay overnight and enjoy a warm meal with
a fantastic view.
Directions from Asheville: Head south out of Asheville on McDowell St./US 25 S. This
turns in to US 25 S/Hendersonville Rd. just past the Biltmore Estate. We recommend
parking at Liberty Bikes and hopping on the Parkway there to begin the ride headed
south.