S’mores, ghost stories, and crisp fall air — in autumn, the land of the pines is a camping paradise. Discover six incredible spots to pitch a tent from mountains to coast.
blue ridge parkway
Storybook Stays in Hendersonville
A couple has transformed Brightwaters, a former resort tucked among the hardwoods of Henderson County, into a compound of cozy cabins where vacationers are writing a fresh chapter on Blue Ridge getaways.
Mother’s Daughter
Camping along the Blue Ridge Parkway brings together two generations of women to share memories and to learn more about each other than either ever knew.
Rooms with a View at the Pisgah Inn
From the storied Pisgah Inn, elevation 5,000 feet, you can see for miles around — and back through generations of mountain memories.
An Our State Playlist: Mountain Music
Our curated Spotify playlist features a selection of Appalachian folk music and bluegrass — the perfect soundtrack for a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, from Sparta to Cherokee.
From Elizabeth Hudson: Miles to Go
For our editor in chief, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a place to slow down and enjoy the ride.
The Bluffs Offers Second Helpings
For more than 60 years before it closed, the first restaurant on the Blue Ridge Parkway was a beloved stop for hungry motorists, weary hikers, and local families. Now, The Bluffs is dishing up fried chicken and cathead biscuits once again.
The Blue Ridge Parkway: A Monumental Drive
In the mid-1930s, President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched a massive program to cut a 469-mile road through the North Carolina and Virginia mountains. More than 80 years later, the Blue Ridge Parkway remains the most popular scenic byway in the country.
The Scenic Route
Six nature lovers set out on different life paths, but each route ultimately led to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
