Scenic Fall Drive of the Week - High Points of the Parkway Southern Route

As the fall color just begins to emerge at the higher elevations around Asheville, this week's themed fall scenic drive is High Points on the Blue Ridge Parkway (the southern route). Following this suggested route will allow you to pass through varying elevations, and stop at the highest elevations just north of the Asheville area:

• Starting from Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway south to Mount Pisgah (elevation 5,721 feet), which is expected to peak any day now. This is a nice spot to picnic, or enjoy a meal at the Pisgah Inn Restaurant.


• Continue south along the parkway to the Looking Glass Rock Overlook for a splendid view of a unique rock formation. Just south of that you will find Graveyard Fields (elevation 5,120), a great spot to enjoy an autumn hike.


• Continue south to the Highest Point on the Parkway, at an elevation of 6,047 feet. Pull off at the Richland Balsam overlook there.


• Return to the parkway, and head north to return to Asheville.

Total driving distance is about 50 miles each way. You can also do a modified, shorter version of the drive by simply going as far as Graveyard Fields (40 miles each way) and returning or just hitting Mount Pisgah (30 miles each way).

Also see: Fall Scenic Drives Fall Scenic Motorcycle Rides Fall Scenic Craft Trail Drives