The peak tourist season for the BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY is October, when the leaves of the deciduous trees which cover the landscape turn from bright yellow and gold through browns to vivid red. All year round, however, this magnificent, twisting mountain road - largely built in the 1930s by Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps volunteers - is a worthwhile vacation destination in itself, peppered with state-run campgrounds, short hiking trails and dramatic overlooks. When planning your itinerary, take note that though the Parkway is closed to commercial vehicles, and only particularly crowded near one or two hyped beauty spots, the constant curves make it difficult to average anything approaching the 45mph speed limit.

Blue Ridge Parkway

• Blue Ridge Parkway

Explore Blue Ridge Parkway

• Asheville and Black Mountain
• Boone
• South along the Parkway

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