The Blue Ridge Parkway follows its namesake, the Blue Ridge Mountains for the majority of its 469 miles. The remaining southern section is dominated by the immense Black Mountains. The name, similar to the Black Hills in South Dakota, alludes to its slopes that are covered in dark fir and spruce trees. This mountain range dominates the parkway view for the last 115 miles. Here the highway weaves through the local groups of the Craggies, Pisgahs and the Balsams. Major points of interest along the way are noted by their corresponding mileposts. One of the popular southern stops, just south of Asheville, North Carolina, is the Pisgah Inn. Here at mile-marker 408, the inn and campground are a beehive of activity during peak season. One of the highest and coolest stops on the parkway, Mount Pisgah tops out at 5721 feet in elevation.
   This splendid twilight view is a great example of the skyline from the Pisgah Inn. This scene from the second floor captures the Pisgah National Forest and the surrounding Black Mountains. Mt. Pisgah was once part of the sprawling Biltmore Estate. Here, the first school of forestry held class, giving birth to the Pisgah National Forest.
   Along with the inn's marvelous views, casual dining, comfortable accommodations, nature trails and area crafts make for a wonderful parkway stop. Open from April through October, a reservation will ensure a stay at this popular site.

     Area Map