Our Favorite Drives
The Visitor Center will be located inside the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, starting October 1, 2011. While the Chamber of Commerce is no longer sharing space with us, we are still happy to feature some of their favorite drives below. Charles, Terri and Marcia run the Chamber offices, and Tracy, Joe, Ken and myself (Amanda) work here at the Visitor Center. We may add some more from the Museum staff this season, too. Here are our favorite drives!
Of course, the Blue Ridge Parkway is everyone's top pick. The vistas and highland meadows are beautiful in every season. And, everyone agrees that a trip to the High Country of North Carolina is not complete without a drive on the Parkway. It is represented in bright blue on all of the maps below. We all have other favorites, too.
Each map is a link to Google Maps. Just click on the image and you will be redirected to a page with that location marked. If you click on "Get Directions" you can use the location as your destination!
Marcia - Highway 194 between Valle Crucis and Banner Elk. This road twists 7.5 miles through the breathtaking area between these two small mountain towns. When in Valle Crucis, don't miss the Mast General Store, built in 1883. Banner Elk has some great choices for dining.
Joe - Highway 181 between Pineola and Morganton. This drive will take you through quite a change in elevation, and is approximately 30 miles if you go all the way to Morganton. You will see lots of tree farms and plant nurseries along the way, and pass through part of the Pisgah National Forest. If you happen to take this route, consider hiking to Upper Creek Falls.
Ken - Highway 221 from Blowing Rock to Grandfather Mountain. This portion of 221 is nicknamed "The Little Parkway" because it runs almost parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway. You will meet lots of winding curves and beautiful tree cover that dapples the road on this 14 mile drive.
Tracy - Howard's Creek Road and Tater Hill Road, just North of Boone. This is about an 8 mile drive as marked, following a beautiful valley. Howard's Creek road starts from Hwy 194. Turn right onto Tater Hill after about 6 miles. A left onto Hwy 421 will take you back to Boone.
Amanda - Shull's Mill Rd from Blowing Rock to Boone. The 7 miles will feel much longer because you have to take it slow. This area is largely residential, and you will pass by two popular resorts, Yonahlossee and Crestwood. The dense trees occasionally open to reveal breathtaking views.
Charles - Meat Camp Road from Meat Camp to Elk Knob State Natural Area. The drive is 4.5 miles, and absolutely beautiful. Don't hesitate to enjoy a hike when you get there!
Terri- Roby Greene Road and Castle Ford Road, West of Boone. About 6 miles, this drive follows part of the New River and will take you through picturesque farmland. From Old US 421, turn left onto Roby Greene Road. After about a mile, the pavement will end and you will continue your drive for about 3 miles. Turn left onto Castle Ford Road, a paved road with some nice views. About 2 more miles of travel will lead you to Hwy 194.
Maps used with permission of High Country Host. Maps not to scale.