Late Summer is a magnificent time of year to enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway. In fact, you could string together a trip through the mountains, soak in their beauty and rich history, and also find time to meander into your favorite Mast General Store at many stops along the Parkway.

Not far from Original Store and Annex in Valle Crucis as well as the Boone Store, hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway and head north to Julian Price Memorial Park (milepost 297) at the foot of Grandfather Mountain. With plenty of trails to hike and endless spots for setting up camp or enjoy a picnic, Julian Price Memorial Park is a favorite spot for every member of the family. Basking in the sunset over Price Lake is a free gift of nature that will warm your memories long after summer has ended. Price Lake is also the only place on the Parkway where paddling is permissible, so bring your canoe and enjoy the afternoon because, as they say, “You can’t take it with you.”

Don't miss the Linn Cove Viaduct, only seven miles north of Price Lake. This feat of engineering offers unforgettable views of the southeastern ridge of Grandfather Mountain and was the final addition to the completion of “America’s Favorite Drive” in 1987.

"The Linn Cove Viaduct was the final addition to the completion of 'America’s Favorite Drive' in 1987."

From Downtown Asheville, you can take Town Mountain Road right up the Parkway, crossing over the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and head north to the Craggy Pinnacle Trail at milepost 364.1. This short hike offers a stunning panoramic view of endless slopes and peaks, offering breath-taking views of the North Fork Reservoir and surrounding mountains. Continue on several miles to Mount Mitchell (milepost 350) where you'll plant your feet on the highest point east of the Mississippi. Huzzah!

Enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway Loop Tour that begins on Main Street while visiting Downtown Hendersonville. This loop winds up to the Pisgah National Forest, on to the Parkway, and takes you right on up to the Pisgah Inn at milepost 408.6, boasting sweeping fall views at 5,000 feet. Stop inside the inn for mountain handicrafts and fuel up your tank with a delicious plate of mountain trout or country ham.

When traveling through Waynesville, an excellent Parkway trail worth exploring is located at Graveyard Fields (milepost 418.8). Graveyard Fields got its name when a "tremendous wind blow" uprooted the Spruce Forest more than 500 years ago. This field-like area offers gentle hiking with grand views and a main trail that leads to two of the three major waterfalls on the Yellowstone Prong.

As you make your excursion, you’ll find Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, Downtown Boone, Asheville, Hendersonville, and Waynesville to help outfit and stock your needs for your Blue Ridge Parkway adventure. We look forward to helping you get started, point you in the right direction, or offer your family a reprieve after a long day’s journey.