Thursday, October 20, 2011

Scenic Drives for NC Fall color in the Mountains

One of the best way to enjoy the NC  fall color is to take a scenic drive. Everyone knows about the incredible Blue Ridge Parkway with its breathtaking overlooks, picnic areas and hiking trails. At this time of the year 1000s of mountain residents and visitors travel the Parkway to enjoy the experience of fall leaf color. But the Parkway isn't the only scenic drive available. If you're lucky enough to be in the NC mountains during the next two weeks, check out these alternative scenic drives:

Cherohala Skyway
is much like the Blue Ridge Parkway with its winding views and overlooks. Completed in 1996 this scenic drive winds up the
North Carolina mountains to a height of 5390 feet and descends into the Tellico Plains of Tennessee for a total of 36 pristine miles. The Skyway is a favorite in motorcycling and sportscar circles. Access the Cherohala Skyway from Santeetlah Gap in Robbinsville NC.

Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway winds through Pisgah Nation Forest on old settlement roads past mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls. The Cradle of Forestry is located 11 miles from the southern entrance of the byway. Stop for a visit to enjoy a hands-on exhibit or hike an interpretive trail and experience the wonders of the forest first hand. Access the Forest Heritage Byway (276) at the intersection of 64 and 280, just outside Brevard NC.

South Mountain Scenic Byway travels through cornfields and apple orchards, and into North Carolina's Civil and Revolutionary War past. The terrain is rolling foothills and the rich farmlands of the Piedmont Valley. Stop at South Mountains State Park  to see High Shoals Falls, a waterfall dropping 80 feet, and more than 40 miles of trails through one of the state's most rugged parks.   Take a side trip to Cherry Mountain and its 5604 foot summit in Yancy county or the Cherry Bounce Trail  in Rutherford County.   Access the South Mountain Scenic Byway (226) at the North end in Marion NC or at the southern tip in Metcalf.

New Found Gap Road begins at Cherokee NC (441) and traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for 33 miles to Gatlinburg TN. The Road excludes commercial traffic an offers unforgettable views of the various peaks in the Smokies, a vast variety of trees, flowers, and wildlife; campgrounds and picnic areas. Visit the Sugarlands Visitor Center for information about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoy the "walkways" or stop at Campbell Overlook, which offers arguably the best vistas in the Park. Mt. LeConte, the 3rd largest peak in the Smokies,  rises to 6,593 feet in front of you.

Pacolet River Byway begins at the South Carolina Border at Tryon NC (176) crossing the Pacolet River several times following a parallel of the Saluda Grade railroad line. Stop by Pearson's Falls for a short hike through the natural forest to the falls.

Upper Yadkin Way is a scenic adventure through the northern foothills along the Yadkin River with pastures and farmlands and the Yadkin Valley, home to many of the areas vineyards.  Accesses at the intersection of 
Blowing Rock or at the route’s eastern terminus is near the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in Goshen at the intersection of N.C. 268 and Resevoir Road (S.R. 1178)

Get a link and maps for more North Carolina scenic Byways from US-Parks.com
N.C. 268 and U.S. 321 near Lenoir and

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