Blue Ridge Parkway

The chute of Lower Linville Falls has cut a jagged path through dramatic, layered rock formations.

A low lying mist rises from the valley floor as the sun sinks over the ridge tops.

Sunrise comes to the Blue Ridge Parkway near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A hiker pauses on a rustic stone wall to admire a field of sun-kissed wildflowers and the rolling hills beyond.

A visitor to the Blue Ridge Parkway stands at the Great Valley Overlook to observe the entire valley spread out below.

The Blue Ridge Parkway protects and preserves historically and culturally significant buildings for visitors to learn and appreciate early pioneer living.

Surrounded by mountains and forests, beautiful Lake Lure stretches to the horizon in this late winter/early spring photo taken from the top of Chimney Rock.

A half hour walk through Pisgah Forest will take you to this delicate waterfall over layers of rocks. Intrepid hikers can easily walk behind the falls.

Bright water pours over dark rock amidst the greenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

An aerial view of the viaduct found along the Blue Ridge Parkway reveals a masterpiece of engineering.

Brilliant reds and yellows are juxtaposed against deep blues and greens on the slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through a sea of color produced by the change of seasons.

Linville Falls viewed from an overlook.

Trees reflect in the Linville River looking from the bridge.

The manor houses a park service information station and the Parkway Craft Center.

The grounds at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park including rolling hills and vistas such as this.

The countryside surrounding Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is quietly beautiful.

Fall colors and a stone bridge make beautiful scenery near Julian Price Memorial Park.

The parkway moves through Tanbark Ridge Tunnel through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Folk Art Center is a cultural outpost along the parkway.

With many reflecting ponds, Mabry Mill portrays a peaceful atmosphere in which to relax.

High above the forested valley, Ravens Roost on the Blue Ridge Parkway allows the visitor to see for miles. A pool of water remains on the rock from intermittent summer thunderstorms.

Deep green forested hills fade into the misty distance, in this view looking west from Ravens Roost overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

A thunderstorm sends a curtain of rain down on the mountain, while in Elkton, Virginia, it is sunny and warm.

Mabry Mill reflects in a still pond on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The lovely zebra swallowtail butterfly flies to land on the orange blooms of butterfly weed on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Jake Cress' 18th-century style miniature furniture pieces will please young and old alike.

Distant mountains form a backdrop to a pastoral scene along the parkway.

Haze in the distance masks a thunderstorm on a muggy June afternoon.

The churning tan waters of the Roanoke River carved the gorge created that passes under the Blue Ridge Parkway.

A swallowtail butterfly shows off its striking colors on a butterfly bush on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Arrays of gentle, foggy mountains fill the horizon looking west from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Looking Glass Rock casts a shadow across Pisgah National Forest, which is beginning to change color its fall foliage season.

The Linn Cove Viaduct, which was based on European designs, spans the Wilson Creek gorge. Tree branches are bare of leaves, and gray rocks jut out out from the brown forest.

A view of Overlook Mill in the Pisgah National Forest shows faint traces of fall.

A view of Cold Mountain shows the first parts of fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Bare and twisted branches create a grim foreground to a view of the Linn Cove Viaduct under gray skies, where it crosses Wilson Creek.

Linville Falls spills down through rugged gray cliffs and winter-bare forests as seen from Chimney View on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.

The sun sets on Southern Virginia University, casting a soft light on the buildings.

The Appalachian State University Student Union stands resolutely in the sunlight.

A red-flowered bush stands next to gray rocks beneath an overcast sky on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parkway itself is visible in the far distance.

Linville Caverns provide astonishing underground views.

Mount Mitchell State Park offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Various types of plants grow around a river in the North Carolina Arboretum.

Water-smoothed stones jut into a shallow river as it moseys thru the shaded mountain timberland, providing an unblemished playground for two young travelers.

From Chimney View, the narrow chute of Lower Linville Falls is visible to the left.

The hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains change gradually to gold in autumn.

You'll find both traditional and truly unique pieces when you visit Jake Cress' gallery in his historic house in Fincastle, VA.

The reds and golds of autumn are displayed in vibrant colors along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Visitors enjoy entertainment along Blue Ridge at this fall concert.

From Erwin View, Linville Falls is a small white ribbon flowing through the canyon and the forest.

A boat moves across the smooth water, trailing a small wake. Mountains slope gently down behind the tree lined edges of the lake. A single golf ball waits on the green for the player to return and continue the game.

Much of the Smith Mountain Lake complex facilities can be seen in this birds-eye view during a boat show. Two piers full of boats and two pools are surrounded by lots of pavilions and tents that are part of the boat show.

Blending into the background, these quaint stone bridges lend a charming atmosphere to this section of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

A visitor to the lake catches some air while wake-boarding.

A grey stonework bridge spans the Linville River.

Grandfather Mountain is amid the Blue Ridge mountain range.

Chimney Rock State Park provides a perfect view of Devil's Head.

A memorial sign stands next to the Blue Ridge Parkway, surrounded by dwindling fall foliage on a grey day.

Set into the side of the stone is the elevator to the top of Chimney Rock.

Cold Mountain rises above the multi-colored beginnings of autumn in North Carolina.

Historical demonstrations give visitors a chance to experience earlier mountain ways.

Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Cascades create a sparkling fall of water among the green of the leaves.

A group stands by the sign commerating the Blue Ridge Parkway as an All-American Road.

The wide variety of soap available at the Soap Shed is sure to please.

The original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, NC, has welcomed customers since 1883.

You'll find both traditional and truly unique pieces when you visit Jake Cress' gallery in his historic house in Fincastle, VA.

A stiff breeze stretches out the flag on top of Chimney Rock.

State-of-the-art tunnel-building techniques were used during construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Linn Cove Viaduct winds around rock and snow.

Looking Glass Rock gets its name from the shine it has when it is wet.

The historical Mabry's Mill stands by a cool pool and is surrounded by a green forest.

Abbott Lake is one of the many lakes that lie along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Hickory Nut Falls is just one of the lovely waterfalls that can be found along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The mountain mists are what give this area its name.

Sharp Top Mountain Peak provides a sweeping view, overlooking the Peaks of Otter lodge and Abbott Lake.

Red and gold leaves combined provide a rich color amongst the fall foliage.

Blue skies streaked with clouds beckon visitors closer to the Rocky Knob Visitor Center.