Is there much to see if I pick it up from Asheville towards Raleigh?

I guess that would be taking the Marion exit to get back on 40 West?

Any idea on time getting back to Raleigh from there?

Thanks!

7/25/2010 3:34:23 PM

actually, the portion you speak of is completely enclosed

7/25/2010 4:30:56 PM

are you dead set on taking the marion exit? if it were me, i'd head up the parkway to blocking rock and take hwy 421 to i-40. but that would obviously take a little more time.

there are some pretty awesome views just south of blowing rock...especially around the linn cove viaduct.

7/25/2010 4:33:14 PM

I just drove about 50 miles of the parkway from Bear Den Campground to Asheville last week. It was pretty good. Lots of overlooks and of course you have Mt. Mitchell on the way. So you will have a good time. It doesn't take too long, probably 2 hours driving time (not including time for stops).

7/25/2010 6:52:47 PM

Quote :

"Lots of overlooks"

No longer means a damn thing since the funding to keep overlooks ...lookable is a bit short (to say the least)

7/25/2010 8:13:22 PM

I love Boone and Blowing rock, also the Linville falls are nearby.

7/25/2010 9:31:10 PM

^^Most of them in that area were still good though. They are doing some roadwork around Mt. Mitchell replacing the old wooden guardrails with new wooden rails, but they have closed a couple of overlooks to store their equipment and shit in. I ran across one or two overlooks that were completely overgrown, but most were still good in that area.

7/25/2010 10:25:50 PM

there are some good trails and places to climb just off the road around the viaduct.

7/26/2010 9:28:49 AM

ended up doing it. went from Asheville to Boone and it was fantastic. first time I ever went on the parkway and it had been raining a bit then cleared up for my whole trip so there wasn't really anyone on the road and in my car (M Roadster) it made for a really great drive.

Stopped at all the lookouts and took pictures and did the Mt. Mitchell detour, which I'm glad I did.


oh I went to Boone because it took way longer than expected lol so I detoured to Boone and stayed the night with a friend. First time ever in Boone too, but that's another story

[Edited on July 28, 2010 at 12:13 AM. Reason : .]

7/28/2010 12:13:04 AM