My Favorite Place on the Blue Ridge Parkway

In my humble opinion, the best waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway is Graveyard Fields. I first discovered Graveyard Fields when I lived in Asheville a decade ago. A new friend named Jamie introduced me to the Parkway. She is also from the Chicagoland area and we instantly connected. The first time she took me here, we jumped in the cool mountain water and swam around. She advised me that this was a “rolly” waterfall, not a “droppy” one. Also, we hugged the waterfall and talked to it. Had we been drinking? Yes. Yes we had. Would I hug a waterfall sober? Yes, yes, I would.

History of Graveyard Fields

So why is this spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway called Graveyard Fields? There are several theories. According to Wikipedia, the two most popular theories are either a windstorm or logging left behind a multitude of tree stumps that kind of looked like gravestones. The sign that greets you in the parking lot also seconds this theory. It no longer looks like a graveyard as the trees have all regrown. But, still a cool name.

How to Get to Graveyard Fields

Here is how you get to the best waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Graveyard Fields has two waterfalls, but the only one of consequence is the lower falls. Coming from Asheville, hit the Brevard entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head south to milepost 418.8 and park. From the parking lot, you will hike down through a rhododendron forest. Then, you will navigate down a series of boardwalks and staircases down to the lower falls. It is quite the hike down, so don’t make this trek if you have bad knees or limited mobility. Once you’re at the bottom of the stairs, you will have to scramble over some boulders to get to the idyllic swimming area at the base of the lower falls. It is perfect for a mid summer dip!

Planning a Trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway

While the Blue Ridge Parkway is accessible year around, there are perks to visiting at certain times of the year. Spring is great because of the rhododendrons. Rhododendrons are trees that bloom with beautiful pink flowers and they are all over the parkway. Graveyard Fields has an especially beautiful rhododendron patch you have walk through to get to the falls. Summertime is great because you have longer days and better weather. In the fall the mountain explodes with color from the changing leaves. In the winter, the Parkway can be harder to access but the snow creates a beautiful winter wonderland. Whatever the season, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must see.

The post Best Waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway first appeared on Adventures in Jennyland.

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History of Mabry Mill

This former mill is a beautiful stop on the Virginia portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Built by Ed Mabry in the early 1900s, it was used for several decades as a functioning mill. It also served as a wheelhouse and a blacksmith shop. The National Park Service took ownership of the land in 1938 after Ed passed away. The site was a clear choice for inclusion on the Blue Ridge Parkway route. Check out more information about Mabry Mill here.

What to do Here

There are many fun activities at Mabry Mill. Be sure to stop in at the restaurant for delicious southern cuisine. There is also a gift shop. There are also live exhibits during the warmer months including an active blacksmithing shop, a sorghum mill, and a whiskey still. You can also take a look at Matthew’s cabin, an authentic log cabin that was moved to the Mabry Mill site after being donated in 1956.

Planning a Trip to the Parkway

I used several resources to find these spots and plan my route. Once was the Blue Ridge Parkway app. I was impressed by how much information the app had and it was integral to planning my trip. Click here to check out this app.

Another great resource is the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation website. You can check out webinars, get maps, and stay abreast of weather closures through this site.

The Parkway is an excellent choice for a relaxing road trip. The most popular times on the BRP are spring and fall, so plan accordingly. During high season there is a lot of traffic and getting from point A to point B can be slow going. But if you drive the Virginia portion, you wont encounter as much traffic.

Check out the best waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway: https://adventuresinjennyland.com/best-waterfall-on-the-blue-ridge-parkway/

The post Mabry Mill – Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia first appeared on Adventures in Jennyland.

The post Mabry Mill – Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia appeared first on Adventures in Jennyland.

Virginia Portion of Blue Ridge Parkway

When I lived in Asheville, NC, I would go up to the Blue Ridge Parkway on the weekends. My friends and I pretty much stuck to mileposts 400 to 430 because that was closest to us. Cut to ten years later. I am planning a road trip on the BRP, but I want to see parts of it that Ive never seen. I decided to start at milepost 0 in Virginia and drive most of the parkway. While the Virginia portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway isnt as well traveled as the NC portion, it is just as beautiful.

Otter Creek Milepost 62

Otter Creek is a manmade waterfall at Milepost 62. That being said, it is worth a stop. Walk down some stone stairs to the base of the small waterfall and you will find a flat area suitable for sitting and eating a meal. When we visited in the fall, the colors were beautiful.

Thunder Ridge Overlook Milepost 74.7

When I was making our itinerary for this trip, I knew I wanted to stop at Thunder Ridge Overlook. You have to turn off the parkway and head to a small parking lot. From the parking lot, it is a five minute walk down a wood path to a spectacular overlook. Be sure to make a stop here if you are nearby!

Roanoke River Overlook Milepost 114.9

The Roanoke River Overlook has a large parking lot and a short hiking trail that gives you a view of the dam. This is a great spot to stop for lunch or stretch your legs. If you have a drone, you can get some amazing shots of the dam.

Planning a Trip to the Parkway

I used several resources to find these spots and plan my route. Once was the Blue Ridge Parkway app. I was impressed by how much information the app had and it was integral to planning my trip. Click here to check out this app.

Another great resource is the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation website. You can check out webinars, get maps, and stay abreast of weather closures through this site.

The Parkway is an excellent choice for a relaxing road trip. The most popular times on the BRP are spring and fall, so plan accordingly. During high season there is a lot of traffic and getting from point A to point B can be slow going. But if you drive the Virginia portion, you wont encounter as much traffic.

Check out the best waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway: https://adventuresinjennyland.com/best-waterfall-on-the-blue-ridge-parkway/

The post Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia – MP 0 to 176 first appeared on Adventures in Jennyland.

The post Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia – MP 0 to 176 appeared first on Adventures in Jennyland.