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Our first day on the Blue Ridge Parkway cycling adventure begins at the scenic Pisgah Campground, perched high in the Pisgah National Forest. From camp, we’ll follow the Parkway south, immediately surrounded by sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and dense hardwood forests.
Early in the ride, you’ll pass Devil's Courthouse where panoramic overlooks offer perfect photo opportunities. As you continue along the gently winding route, look for trailheads and scenic pull-offs like Fryingpan Tunnel Overlook and Graveyard Fields, a high-elevation valley known for its waterfalls and wildflowers.
The climb gradually intensifies as you approach Richland Balsam, the Parkway’s highest point at 6,053 feet. A sign marks this iconic spot, with the spruce-fir forest providing a cool, refreshing break from the climb. Pause to soak in the views and the sense of accomplishment before turning around for the return to camp.
The ride back rewards you with long, flowing descents and fresh perspectives of the mountain scenery.
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We'll begin Day 2 from the Folk Art Center in Asheville, NC, you set out on an unforgettable journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway toward the summit of Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern United States at 6,684 feet. The ride begins with a gentle introduction to the Parkway’s scenic beauty—rolling hills, dense forests, and sweeping mountain vistas that hint at the challenges ahead.
As you climb, the road alternates between steady inclines and exhilarating descents, with overlooks offering breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. Roughly 15 miles into the ride, Craggy Gardens provides a perfect rest stop. Here, you can refill water bottles, use the restrooms, and take a short break to enjoy the panoramic views and seasonal rhododendron blooms. The cool mountain air and lush surroundings make this a favorite pause for riders.
Continuing the ascent, the Parkway winds through tunnels and ridge lines, each turn revealing new perspectives on the rugged landscape. The final push up to Mt. Mitchell State Park is the most challenging but rewarding. Near the summit, the road twists through spruce-fir forests, feeling worlds away from the valley below.
At the top, the Mt. Mitchell summit area offers restrooms, water, and a welcome chance to recover. You can take a short walk to the observation deck for a 360-degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, stretching into several states. Other points of interest include the park’s museum and interpretive displays about the mountain’s unique ecology and history.
Bring layers as you'll cool off quick at the summit along with the long descent.
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Day 3 starts at Julien Price Memorial Park. We set off along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, greeted immediately by sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Early in the ride, the route drops off the parkway onto US Highway 221, fondly known as the “Little Parkway.” This stretch offers quieter roads and a winding descent through lush, shaded woodlands, giving a more intimate and peaceful ride compared to the broader parkway vistas.
Pedaling along 221, we gradually work our way toward the iconic Linville Falls. Here, we enjoy a perfect mid-ride pause—refilling water bottles, using the restrooms, and taking in the beauty of the cascading waterfalls with a short walk that make this stop memorable. The combination of cool mist and the sound of rushing water provides a refreshing reset before the final leg of the adventure.
The ride crescendos as we return to the Blue Ridge Parkway and traverse the famous Linn Cove Viaduct. Curving gracefully along the edge of Grandfather Mountain, the viaduct delivers an unforgettable finale with panoramic views that make the climb well worth the effort. Ending the journey here captures the essence of a quintessential Blue Ridge cycling adventure—challenging, scenic, and absolutely rewarding.
