Highlights of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville

October 12, 2018

One of the most common questions we have had is where to visit on the Blue Ridge Parkway and how to get there. We will share some of the highlights closest to The Lion and the Rose. You can choose to take just a short drive to a few overlooks or you can use maps and other tools to spend a day or more exploring the views from numerous overlooks.

The fastest and easiest route to the Parkway from The Lion and the Rose is traveling North via 74A:

  • Turn right on Montford Avenue and continue until it dead ends into Haywood St. (at a stop light).
  • Turn left on Haywood St and turn left at the next traffic light onto the I-240 East entrance ramp.
  • I-240 East becomes 74A after exit 8. Once on 74A, follow the signs to the Parkway.

Attractions along the Northern route of the Parkway

Folk Art Center  – art galleries, craft shop and artist demonstrations of Appalachian arts and crafts located at MM 382.

Haw Creek Overlook  – overlooks Haw Creek and Tunnel Road (Mall and McCormick Field). Insider tip: On the 4th of July, you can watch the McCormick Field fireworks from here.

Tanbark Ridge Tunnel  – Hike up a hill to the ruins of Rattlesnake Lodge built in the early 1900s. Parts of the old building and a spring still remain. And it has beautiful mountain views.  Insider tip:  There is a good picnic spot just before you enter the tunnel on the left.

Craggy Gardens  – Close to MM 367. If you go up this road, picnic grounds are on the right. If you take the gravel road on the left, you will see several waterfalls. Four wheel drive is almost essential to handle the gravel road. You can meander down this road for quite a while and see waterfalls rolling down the mountainside.

At MM 365 there is a visitor center and lake overlook.

You can also hike to the top of Craggy Pinnacle. There are many other hikes in this spot. If you drive past this stop and continue through the tunnel, you will come to another parking lot. This stop also has a hike up to Craggy Pinnacle. This is a 15-20 minute hike and not very difficult. Many rhododendrons make a beautiful sight when blooming in June and July.

Mount Mitchell  – The tallest point east of the Mississippi. It is located at MM 356. Mount Mitchell State Park is approximately a 45 minute drive from Asheville and is open 8 AM – 9 PM. Restaurant is open May through September. There is a parking lot near the summit and then a 5 minute hike to the top. It overlooks the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. There is also another trail to the top that starts at the restaurant.

Helpful tip:  We have found the Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Planner to be a great tool in planning your drive on the Parkway. They have a mile by mile guide and map. You can also download their free app for Android or iOS. There is an option to download offline maps which is very helpful since cell reception is limited while driving the Parkway.

Innkeepers thoughts:  The Parkway is enjoyable any time of day or year but is especially breathtaking for watching a sunset or sunrise. Perfect for those on a romantic getaway or for those love to photograph nature and landscapes like we do.

Click  here  to download a PDF file of the Blue Ridge Parkway attractions and directions from The Lion and the Rose.

Snowman in a hat and scarf stands in front of a snow-covered house with lit windows.

Top 10 Winter Activities in Asheville

By odysys_admin • December 15, 2025
Biltmore Estate There is never a bad time to visit the iconic Biltmore Estate but winter brings a yuletide oasis. Now through January 4, 2026, you can experience the beauty of thousands of lights, over 100 Christmas trees, fragrant wreaths, and sparkling garland. The winter season of January through March also brings lower prices and less crowds. Explore Beer City USA The local craft brewing scene has exploded and Asheville has been voted Beer City USA four years in a row, Asheville takes extreme pride in being home to over 20 local craft brewers. Whether you take a Brews cruise or a DIY tour on the Asheville Ale Trail, a brewery hopping exploration is the perfect way to keep warm and enjoy a cold, winter weekend. Foodie Experiences Find out why Asheville ranks first in the South Atlantic region in the RewardExpert’s Best American Foodie Towns . With hundreds of restaurants and farm fresh eateries, you will not be disappointed by the choices of restaurants. Take a guided eating tour with a professional foodie to sample and taste some of Asheville’s best restaurants. Asheville Restaurant Weeks (January 20-26, 2026 and February 17-23, 2026) Try some new restaurants or revisit favorites. Get the lowest prices of the year, with a prix fix menu at $15-$35/person. With dozens of choices, there’s something for all appetites! Asheville has been touted by many as one of the top ten food and wine destinations in America. Hiking Less crowds means quieter hikes. It is a great time to hit the trails! Discover peace and solitude with expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a cool, clear day. Dupont State Forest offers several hikes from easy to difficult. It is famous for being one of “The Hunger Games” film locations. Chimney Rock offers breathtaking views of the gorge after climbing up the chimney. Pisgah National Forest offers the opportunity of seeing a frozen waterfall at Daniel Ridge Falls. Sharpen your photography skills Choose a half-day or full-day photo tours with our friends, Chris & Bonnie at Asheville Photo Tours. Explore some of the most photogenic but lesser-known locations in the Blue Ridge and Asheville areas. Take an art class Tap into your creative side with some of the talented, local artists. Day and weekend workshops include oil painting, acrylics, watercolor, inks, bookbinding, and pottery. Live music Asheville has been called “One of America’s Greatest Music Cities”. There is a vibrant music scene with live music of all genres from bluegrass to rock. Experience some of the very best in live music and find out why The Orange Peel has been called the country’s premiere Live Music Hall and Concert Venue. The Orange Peel offers state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment rarely found in a club of its size. Other fun venues include The Grey Eagle and Asheville Music Hall. Pamper yourself There is nothing quite like a luxurious foot soak in a hand-hammered copper bowl. Enjoy a fragrant, rejuvenating, and moisturizing sole to soul experience at Wake Foot Sanctuary. A signature massage can be added on for an extra splurge. Indulge in a romantic getaway Snuggle up with your loved one next to one of our cozy fireplaces with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine at The Lion and the Rose
Road beneath an arched stone bridge covered in vines and surrounded by trees.

Haunted Asheville

By odysys_admin • October 30, 2025
We are lucky to have great friends that grew up in Asheville. They have told us about some interesting local hauntings and strange experiences. With Halloween around the corner, we thought this was the right time to share some of these ghost stories and legends of paranormal activity.
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