The Best Stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway | DAY #4 (of 4) | Milepost 334-469

[@lesliesmith7835]

Thank you Randy and Julie, I loved watching every minute of the Blue Ridge Parkway videos. They were all absolutely outstanding. God Bless you both... Robin :-)

[@AmericasParks]

Means a lot coming from you, Robin! Have a blessed Sunday!

[@DestinationEarth]

Another great videos. I loved your collecting of time lapses in this one. I just want to saw that it’s an inspiration to see that you and Julie still go out and adventure together. You always create time for each other, and I think a lot of people could learn from you in that respect. Looking forward to seeing where you go next!

[@AmericasParks]

That was really encouraging, Josh! It's kind of the third phase. Just the two of us, then always with the kids and now (with the children older), just the two of us again. We have always tried to keep our relationship strong which make these times alone all the more special.

[@AlanMETALMAN]

What a great 4 day trip and look at that sun peaking over the mountains at 0.32! Not many people living at Little Switzerland but it sure looked a nice stop off, with a real nice selection of food. I always love a waterfall and that one was stunning and the one with the stairs was real cool too. Nice sunset to finish on and sorry to contradict you but 'I have the greatest wife in the world' 😂 I hope you enjoyed your second honeymoon💕. Cheers Alan

[@AmericasParks]

Re: the wife comment... I would expect nothing less from you, Alan! :) Happy you have a blessed marriage!

[@juliesmith444]

The footage is amazing. I forgot how vibrant the colors were. The waterfalls and overlooks are things you can keep going back to .

[@AmericasParks]

Unforgettable adventure!

[@andyvawser4943]

We thoroughly enjoyed this series Randy! Brittany kept saying how the scenery makes her long for a visit to her native southland even more! You've definitely inspired us to drive this parkway someday in the future. And thank you to both you and Julie for being a great and Godly example of a vibrant marriage. Inspiration like that is vital in today's world.

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you, dear brother! Grateful you found the videos helpful and encouraging!

[@elizabethpreviti598]

Just found your channel & really enjoyed the BR parkway. We’re in Florida & heading north in a couple weeks. Hope the weather will be ok for us. We’re full time RVers in a 36’ Super C Towing a Jeep Wrangler. Looking for campgrounds too. Got to do some studying up on the area. We have to be in Maine by May 1 to camphost at a campground near Acadia. Thanks again for your inspiration 😊🙏🇺🇸

[@AmericasParks]

Have a wonderful trip up north! Loved the BRP and Acadia... one of my favorites! :)

[@Mikey-Likes-It_101]

Randy, What grand mountain views and colors, and you found a way to put that poor amphitheater to use! That Little Switzerland village looks like a place for some great food. Good tip to know about keeping track of the mileage on the parkway. My favorite was the mist on the mountains at the beginning of the video. THANK YOU FOR THE FOUR PART SERIES, . . . Mike

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Mike, thanks for the feedback! We are happy you enjoyed the series!

[@debbierogas9498]

Oh My Goodness! Traveling in 2023 to VA from Austin and have never made a trip like this. I am so excited to find your videos to help me plan our trip back home. I'm almost ready to go!... on paper...We have a slide in camper and pulling a jeep. I do hope to see more of your excursions. This was so informative..! I would love to know if y'all stayed in campgrounds or boondocked or in lodges. i am hoping I am making the right campground choices. Thank y'all and God Bless And yes we are senior citizens but young and able...:)

[@AmericasParks]

Great to hear of you zeal for life, Debbie! This was such an amazing drive. Check out the "description" section in any of these BRPW videos and you'll see our full 4-day itinerary. We normally camp, but to please my wife on this one we did hotels along the way (names/places in the itinerary too). Hope you have a great time and God bless!

[@reginachurch531]

Thanks for sharing. I happened to be in the Day 3-4 area on these same dates last year. Unfortunately, I feel you short changed the viewers (maybe yourselves) on Day 4. Not a mention of Mount Mitchell and even it’s park with a Balsam Fir trail that is the only habitat within the US (Canadian climate is the main habitat), Pisgah, Price Lake and campground, the beautiful visitor’s center outside of Asheville, Chimney Rock, etc I’m visiting again this upcoming weekend with hopes of getting a better jumpstart on the foliage coloration.

[@AmericasParks]

Hi Regina, yeah, tough to see everything. We only had 4 days and each day was packed from start to finish. Some omissions might have been due to time, others I probably just missed in the research. Made a note of your locations. Like you, would really enjoy getting back... and seeing what we missed on the first run. Last year's colors were great - hope you get some great views this year too! Enjoy!

[@MichaelYoungblood1]

Great conclusion to a great series. You captured some real nice footage on this section with the changing foliage and the mist in the mountains. Great job with narration, the both of you! This portion of the BRP is my favorite. 1a is Mt. Mitchell to Craggy Gardens and 1b is Mt. Pisgah to Waterrock Knob. I can’t pick, so they are both number 1. You picked some great stops. I agree that Crabtree Falls is the prettiest on the whole parkway and the Graveyard Fields, which wins for coolest name, is great spot as well. As with my other comments, here are some suggestions for your consideration if you return in the future. Mt. Mitchell State Park (highest point east of the Mississippi River) is a nice destination. Craggy Gardens and Craggy Pinnacle are both short hikes with excellent payoff in the form of views. Black Balsam Knob area is good. Awesome swimming hole at Skinny Dip Falls. If you walk to Waterrock Knob and then continue onto Browning Knob, there is an old plane wreck. Pisgah National Forest, near Brevard and which surrounds the BRP, had some great hikes, many waterfalls, river tubing, and of course Sliding Rock.

[@AmericasParks]

That was great stuff, Michael! Made a note of all your fine suggestions. Thanks so much!

[@carlarice7360]

Next trip you might stop be Moses Cone Major. Great trails and views. Around NO 290. I think.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much, Carla! Made a note of that one!

[@peterkanipe9281]

So this was the portion of the trip that's in my backyard and I'm thankful you enjoyed it. Not sure if you saw it from an overlook, but one of the more famous mountains is called Looking Glass Rock. I just took my twin boys on their first "big" hike there last weekend. The hike is near to my heart as it was the first "big" hike I ever went on when my Dad took me in 1985. I have a "locals" secret for ya too if you ever go on it. Right after the helipad about a couple of miles up the trail (yep, you read that right, there's an "H" painted into the granite on the rock), you will see a little clearing on the right where you can walk up a granite face. Walk up that, turn around and take a look at the view. It's actually better than the end of the hike, which is spectacular itself. If you ever do the parkway again, I would encourage you to explore the Mount Pisgah area a little more, that seemed to be your only "omission" so to speak in your series. George Vanderbilt used to own all the real estate between the Biltmore House and Mount Pisgah. When he donated the bulk of his property to the federal government, his prime concern was preservation and keeping his view of Mount Pisgah from the Estate. The hike up the mountain itself is great, there is a campground at the base, you have the Pisgah Inn right there if you'd like a meal, and you can also travel Highway 276 down the mountain to see some sites in Pisgah Forest. Along that road you can get to Sliding Rock (which I see you have visited), Looking Glass Falls (which are right off the road), the trailhead for the Looking Glass Rock hike I took, and a terrific campground on the Davidson River. You hit Brevard as you come out. Glad you had a great time, thanks for sharing.

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Peter, thanks for the kind words and suggestions! Made a note as we hope to return one of these days! Wonderful to hear bout your memories with your dad and how you are passing them on to your own children. Keep it up!

[@sueoetting2973]

I am lucky enough to live right off of mile marker 394 and get to go out to enjoy the view almost any time. I’m probably prejudiced but I think the NC part of the parkway is the most beautiful

[@AmericasParks]

You sure are blessed! Such a beautiful area!

[@chrisslater9081]

loved it,,,i lived in nc from 07 till 17 did every mile also but in segments over 3 yrs,,,im surprised you did not drive to the top of mt, mitchell ..highest peak east of the mississippi but i did love the videos...keep um comin

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, really pleased to hear that! Beautiful country!!

[@CrossoverGenius]

I was eagerly awaiting the finale of this series, both as an avid viewer of your channel AND someone planning a future trip to the blue ridge parkway. Thank you for always being so generous with your memories and knowledge about the national parks.

[@AmericasParks]

That was a beautiful comment, Kayla! Much appreciated and all the best to you!

[@AmericasParks]

@@robertbattikha547 Believe it's a different person than the one you are referring to, Bob.

[@VictoriaVlogz]

I am from North Carolina and I love driving the parkway every year. I just went last week and uploaded some content to my channel.

[@AmericasParks]

Such a special drive! Will stop by and take a look!

[@allenshelton3884]

Glad you enjoyed your trip on the parkway Randy! Next time you are in the area you gotta try the New River Gorge National Park. It is a beautiful spot in southern West Virginia.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much, Allen! Yes, that one is on the to-do list!

[@Chillaxing113]

Thank you both for this series. How blessed you were to be able to experience the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway.

[@AmericasParks]

Great to have you with us on the journey!

[@ryansoit4055]

Every day I think about the mountains where I used to live and and seeing the Blue Ridge mountains in KZbin videos videos makes me want to move back to the mountains

[@AmericasParks]

I hear you, Ryan! So impressive, remote and peaceful!

[@swisssights]

Beautiful video of little Switzerland! Greetings from "Big" Switzerland :-)

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, probably nothing like the real thing in your beautiful country, but still a nice little stop! Take care!

[@srandyt2]

I have drank a lot of coffee in that visitor center in Crabtree (originally named) Meadows. I hate it closed.

[@AmericasParks]

Such a great drive. Glad you have some good memories of the location!

[@ExplorationAppalachian]

Why was there a photo of Seneca Rocks at the end of this video? That’s no where near the Blue Ridge and in my home state here in West Virginia?

[@AmericasParks]

Good question. Since drones are illegal on the parkway and we rarely left the parkway, I used some stock drone footage from the area (so I thought until now) to supplement the video. Obviously that clip was improperly marked.

[@jameshouse1268]

My favorite tip from you came on this episode...”take your time”. Thanks for a beautiful, interesting series!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, James! That one doesn't come easy for me!

[@ryansoit4055]

I live 3 hours and 44 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway

[@AmericasParks]

That was a great drive! Highly recommended, especially in the fall!

[@alrichardson7027]

Hello America's Park's😊😊, I really enjoyed every segment of the Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway! Crabtree Falls is definitely my favorite waterfall along the parkway. OUTSTANDING video👍👍!! Looking forward to the next one. Btw, Dry Tortugas National Park, this June. Can't wait!

[@AmericasParks]

Hey, thanks for watching the entire series. Glad you enjoyed them! ...and Dry Tortugas, one of my favorites! Have a great trip!

[@jmash41]

Thank you Randy and Julie for sharing, yet another great America's Parks video adventure! Like the other comments, I too was waiting with anticipation to see all four parts of your trip. You're right, when you venture South of Asheville, NC the BRP is a much steeper drive. Between Graveyard Fields and Devil's Courthouse is an amazing area called the Shinning Rock Wilderness with hiking trails such as Black Balsam Knob. South of Waterrock Knob is the Oconaluftee Visitor Center where you can view elk. Happy 25th Anniversary! May Christ give y'all many more wonderful years together!

[@AmericasParks]

Really thankful for your kind words and encouraged you found value in watching the series! Appreciate the tip! Made a note if we ever get back. Take care and God bless!

[@JP-dz7zu]

Randy, I always watch your videos before going to a new National Park. Heading to Hawaii Volcanoes this summer and I noticed you haven’t been there yet. Would it be too much for you to get to Hawaii and make some videos before I go? Thanks in advance. :)

[@AmericasParks]

haha! Let me submit that one to my wife and see how it goes! lol! Actually, she just got a good laugh out of it as well. We wish you a great trip! Maybe I can learn from your video!

[@jamesholden820]

You missed Cumberland knob / fox hunters

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the heads-up, James! Couldn't see them all, but not sure I was even aware of these. Made a note!

[@timothyhamersky7834]

Awesome series; thanks so much for doing it! Trying to do the same thing this year

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the kind feedback, Tim! Hope the trip works for you and you're blessed with great weather and colors!

[@dermotscales5564]

Randy.... You are a very lucky man! You do have the greatest wife in the world! Happy Anniversary! Thank You for taking us on another wonderful journey.

[@AmericasParks]

Totally agree, blessed beyond what I deserve! :) Thanks for the kind words!

[@NationalParkWild]

Another beautiful video. Can’t wait for the next one!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Eric!

[@jonathanmozingo1]

We have enjoyed only part of this. It inspires you to go a little slower and soak up as much of the journey as possible.

[@AmericasParks]

Well said! Neat to hear you've been out there, Jonathan!

[@jonathantitus2629]

What a great "wrap-up" video. More natural beauty, almost poetic at times narrative, and your sense of love and sense of humor both come through. Thanks for conjuring memories and inspiring hopes for the future. Blessings to you and all your family.

[@AmericasParks]

That was beautifully said, Jonathan! Thank you!

[@buckeyeguy82]

Wow, some amazing views on this last part! Thanks for putting this up, can't wait to go & see the beauty for myself soon. God bless.

[@AmericasParks]

Hope it works out for you, Tim! Such an amazing drive!

[@CampTravelExplore]

Such a great series! Loved all of them!! I have all planning for our trip either this Oct or next! Thanks for such great work! Blessings, Tom & Cindy

[@AmericasParks]

Hey guys, appreciate the kind words! Been out of commission lately working on the crazy Part 107 drone license. Thankfully finished and can return to life as "normal." lol!

[@NickandRachel]

Really enjoyed the series! Julie did a really good job narrating! Really like the time lapse you did in this video. Thanks for taking us along with you!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much! All the best to you guys!

[@SergeCousineau]

Nice video Randy ! Well captured and edited once again my friend 👍 The falls was gorgeous! We never did the Blue Ridge Parkway but some of our friends did and loved it . Going there in autumn must be the best time with all the trees in colors 🍂 I haven’t seen the 3 episodes before this one so I will go and see them when I have a more time . Very busy now with some improvements around in our backyard of our house . Congratulations for your wedding anniversary ! 👩‍❤️‍👨 Have a great week and god bless you and your family my friend H&S 👩‍❤️‍👨🌈🇨🇦

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you, my friend! Hard to believe we're at 25 years. Seems like yesterday! Blessed beyond what I deserve! :)

[@SergeCousineau]

@@AmericasParks I am smiling 😆 well you made me laugh ...you can say that again ...time goes fast can’t believe we are celebrating 45 this summer on the 24 of July ...never taught I would past over the 42 years of my parents...death separated them 😢 I am very proud and happy of the road we went trough together! Take care both of you and god bless you ! 👩‍❤️‍👨

[@AmericasParks]

@@SergeCousineau 42 is an amazing number! You guys are doing something right! Sounds like your folks did as well! God bless!

[@SergeCousineau]

@@AmericasParks still feel like we were young like 25 😉👍 can’t believe we are getting close to 50😳

[@DnSAdventures]

Great series sir! Enjoyed all of them! Hope all is well! What was your FAVORITE stop along the way? :) - Shane

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Shane! Tough to say, maybe the Rough Ridge Hike. Take care!

[@elcoreelcore]

Amazing series!!!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much, Dawn!

[@prej1741]

Did u see any bears?

[@AmericasParks]

No, not on this trip.

[@OurNationalAdventure]

Great bits of wisdom along your journey. I like this portion of the drive. Beautiful countryside. Graveyard fields is different. Definitely always good to feel young. The waterfall looks like it was worth the steps.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the kind words! We really loved that drive!

[@adventuringoutdoorswitheric]

Beautiful Randy! I really liked the 2 waterfalls and the Devils Field!! Appreciate the time and effort it took to show us the entire drive! Thanks brother.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Eric! Love it out West, but this is some of the finest imho east of the Mississippi.

[@flytothetop11]

God bless 🙌

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks... same to you!

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

So many miles! Gorgeous drive. Nicely narrated. 👍💪

[@AmericasParks]

Much appreciated! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

[@potatothorn]

sad to see this series end/ some great waterfalls/ odd to see an old visitor center in a Park ,they usually remove or rebuild something like that... love the hike thru the graveyard area and looks like a fun sunset party too.. thanks so much for taking us along

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Thorn, really encouraged you enjoyed the series! Maybe a future trip for you and Roxanna one of these days? Thank you and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

[@Hefmier]

Just finished watching the 4th part of this series, and really enjoyed it. I have done the portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Southern Terminus to Lincove Viaduct, as well as a small portion in Virginia. Would love to get back to see more and maybe return to where I have already been, to spend more time. The side trip that I made to Mt. Mitchell was fabulous and was surprised that you did not go there. A great series, altogether. Greetings from Washington state!! :)

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the very kind words and story of your personal experience! Made a note regarding Mount Mitchell if we ever get back. Thanks again and have a great week!

[@R72vegas]

Enjoyed watching this video 🍿 God bless Brother 🙏

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Randy!

[@jymnmeier3527]

Absolutely loved this one :) Crab Tree Fall looked amazing, Little Switzerland looks like a must stop and I have to say I was digging Graveyard Fields especially with the dark spooky skies. My friend, who just got a hob along the Parkway, just posted that they had hired a new Superintendent. The first female Superintendent of the park. Hopefully with the NP infrastructure bill passed a year or so ago the Parkway will get some love :) Speaking of love, much love to you and Julie

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Jymn! Hope you and the family are enjoying your weekend!

[@kaylasmith1515]

What amazing views! Such pretty waterfalls and unique historic sites like Little Switzerland. Glad you had a wonderful trip together.

[@AmericasParks]

Day 4 was wonderful!

[@chrisross3631]

5:51 I highly recommend you do Craggy Pinnacle Hike next time. We did this a week ago at sunrise, and had the whole place to ourselves. We could see 75 miles in all directions. It lives up to its "Craggy" name, and would be stunning when the Rhododendrons are in bloom!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the tip, Chris! Made a note if we get back. Glad to hear you had a nice trip!

[@darlenestout7548]

Congratulations and happy Anniversary what a very sweet couple. God bless I enjoy your videos

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you very much, Darlene!

[@justinhaberthy1360]

Day 4 was arguably the best, at least from the video perspective. Awesome sights, I now need to do this road trip with my family. My grandpa always wanted to go, definitely hope to go with him some day, one of the “cornerstone” people in my life. If it wasn’t for my grandparents, I probably would’ve never been intrigued by the National Parks in the first place. I’m grateful. Have an awesome weekend 👍🏼

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the great feedback, Dustin! How wonderful would that be to take your grandfather on a trip like this! I'm sure it would bring much joy to his heart!

[@MarkH163]

Beautiful scenery! Congratulations on your 25th anniversary!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Mark!

[@haileysmith3029]

Love this video! Might be my favorite of the Blue Ridge Parkway vlogs!

[@AmericasParks]

Happy to hear that!

[@danaharris5654]

Randy I really enjoyed this mini series of the parkway! Thanks for sharing.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the kind feedback, Dana!

[@pfsrwp]

Enjoyed the entire trip. Thanks for taking us along.

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate that, Rusty!

[@franrautiola2619]

That was a great series, our favorite part is in the higher elevations of the Parkway, be lookng for your next video

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Fran! Hope to take you out West this Saturday!

[@DFerg-gn8lu]

Thanks for sharing your anniversary with us! Fantastic scenery.

[@AmericasParks]

Our pleasure! Appreciate the kind words!

[@prej1741]

Aw the ending was really sweet Happy Anniversary ❤️❤️

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you very much! :)

[@angelawatkins2637]

Happy Anniversary! It was a great series to watch, I enjoyed it!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much, Angela!

[@Icebrg313]

Another great video! Thanks!

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate that!

[@brookeshaffer4377]

So inspiring and stunning🌻🌸🌷🌹

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much, Brooke!

[@angieba6600]

👍😍

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for watching!

[@farmer1541]

Good job!

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you very much!