Blue Ridge Parkway (Laurel Springs to Asheville)

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Thunder Hill Overlook
Thunder Hill Overlook

The last section of the Blue Ridge Parkway to be completed was the Linn Cove Viaduct. It is a 1243 ft bridge over land carrying the Parkway around Grandfather Mountain.

Linn Cove Viaduct From Below
Linn Cove Viaduct From Below

 

Linn Cove Viaduct: Up Close
Linn Cove Viaduct: Up Close

Today’s highlight was Linville Falls. A short hike from the visitor’s center takes you to a ninety foot waterfall through a rocky gorge.

Linville Falls: Upper Falls
Linville Falls: Upper Falls
Linville Falls: Top of the Gorge
Linville Falls: Chimney View

The other noteworthy event was Mount Mitchell, highest point east of the Mississippi River at 6684 feet.

Mount Mitchell
Mount Mitchell

In this area, at 5712 ft (35.7349, -82.322117) on the Parkway, we finally began our descent into Asheville.