8Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)

For those who love mountain views and peaceful drives, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must. Stretching 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, this scenic drive takes you through the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian range. The Parkway is especially beautiful in the fall when the trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Along the way, you can visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, hike the Appalachian Trail, and stop at overlooks with panoramic views of the mountains and valleys below.