Five Fun Things to Do Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway is a wonderfully scenic experience. With no street signs or billboards and a 35 mph speed limit, the Blue Ridge Parkway meanders through some of the country's most beautiful land (which happens to be situated in Virginia and North Carolina). You can drive for just one mile or all 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway - in either case, there are lots of fun things to do along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here are five fun things to do along the Blue Ridge Parkway that anyone can enjoy.

1. Stop at one of the overlooks: There are a countless number of viewpoints along the Blue Ridge Parkway where you can stop and enjoy the scenery. Some of these overlooks have picnic areas, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Don't miss the view from the Mount Mitchell Overlook (Milepost 349.9) - Mount Mitchell is the highest mountain in the eastern United States and the view from here is amazing!

2. Go for a hike: Some of the Blue Ridge Parkway viewpoints also have trailheads, giving easy access to some great hiking. Whether you're looking for a quick walk or a long day-hike along the Appalachian Trail, you'll definitely find it along the hiking trails of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

3. Tour the sites at Mabry's Mill: Located at Milepost 176.2 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mabry's Mill features a preserved mill and several exhibits of life in the 1900's. Mabry's Mill also has a restaurant and gift shop, one of the few such stops directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

4. Walk Across the Bridge at Grandfather Mountain: Although you have to pay to enter, Grandfather Mountain (Milepost 305.1) will not disappoint. The main feature is the Mile-High Swinging Bridge that connects two points of Grandfather Mountain. This park along the Blue Ridge Parkway also features great hiking (you can hike up to Grandfather Mountain from the parking area, which is relatively easy to do), a zoo-like area with bears and eagles, and a nature museum. This is a fun thing to do along the Blue Ridge Parkway that the whole family will definitely enjoy.

5. Take a walk along Linville Falls: With 350,000 visitors annually, Linville Falls (Milepost 316.4) is thought to be the most famous waterfall along the Blue Ridge Parkway. A beautiful, easy trail will lead you to the falls, which are surrounded by a rocky terrain and many plants and wildlife.