36 Hours in Asheville
View of the Black Mountains from Biltmore
Photo uploaded by isipeoria.
The NY Times recently ran a travel article highlighting the attractions in Asheville, North Carolina, calling it an “Appalachian Shangri-La.” The article mentions Biltmore, the Mast General Store, and several other Asheville area attractions. Check out 36 Hours in Asheville.
Planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Blue Ridge Card.
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We just visited Asheville and it is very true that this area is a wonderful place to visit. However, don’t make the mistake we did! We thought we would check out the Blue Ridge Parkway and, after a few miles, realized that it definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. Oh yes, the scenery may be beautiful for the first few minutes but, unless you want to experience a full-blown anxiety attack, possible heart failure, and a variety of other stress-related episodes, you stop looking and just focus on arriving safely at the nearest exit! It was truly the ride from hell! A very scary winding 2-lane road; no guard rails and possibly 200 to 300 foot drop-offs all along the mountains. Don’t be sucked in by all the hype about this road. It was one part of the vacation we should have eliminated!!!
Wow! Which part of the parkway were you on? North Carolina or Virgina. I always feel like the Virgina roads are much steeper myself!
Your experience sounds somewhat like my experience I had when I went up Mt. Washington in New Hampshire and there were some points on the road where I was wowed and amazed by the drop-offs — they were beautiful — but at times my boyfriend and I were a little nervous — especially since parts of the road had a tendency to get foggy. Once we got to the top of the mountain though — any nervousness we had melted away. The view was incredible.
However, I’m so sorry your experience was such an intimidating one! I can understand how traveling mountain roads can be a real shock for those not used to navigating them, but for those who want to experience the incredible views there are a few things drivers can do to stay safe on the parkway!
The National Parkway Service recommends that drivers should drive slowly and always obey the posted 45mph speed limit, stopping frequently when you feel nervous or anxious about the journey. Also, mountain roads are prone to sudden weather changes and cloud roll-overs. During these circumstances, drivers should “drive especially slow” and be prepared for sudden, drastic turns in the road — which are very beautiful and unique to the parkway, but sometimes catch inexperienced Blue Ridge Parkway drivers off guard.
Here is some helpful information listed about Blue Ridge Vehicle safety:
http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/yoursafety.htm
http://www.virtualblueridge.com/parkway/general/regulations.asp#vehicle
On a more personal note, when I lived in Roanoke, Virgina in college, the mountain roads of the Blue Ridge Parkway were somewhat shocking to a flat-lander like me(I’m from Florida) but I was happy to find out that they were extremely well monitored and traveled. The national park service is excellent about posting emergency road signs and closing any roads that are deemed too treacherous for visitor travel before any incidents occur. I also noticed that there were frequent road signs which warned travelers about exceptionally sharp turns or places to stop and rest and enjoy Parkway views.
Despite these helpful initiatives which are meant to help travelers navigate the roads, I understand the Blue Ridge Parkway isn’t for everyone. Also, sometimes a vacation is just too short to get comfortable with the roads twists and turns!
However, for those adventurous travelers who want to see those famous, incredible views, the parkway’s curving roads and mountain vistas are sometimes worth occasional nerve-wracking ride :D!
Even though the Parkway wasn’t your bag, I’m glad to here your experience staying in Asheville made up for the stress inflicted. Asheville is such a beautiful, comfortable southern town :D I also love it’s thriving artistic & crafting community.