This Scenic Drive Is The Most Beautiful In The South

Despite what our exposure to Windows screensavers may suggest, the beauty of the natural world doesn’t only exist in far-away places. Some of the world’s most gorgeous sights can be seen from the back seat of your car—right here in the Southern United States. Southern travelers know that half the fun of traveling somewhere new is the journey of getting there—which is why we’re always down for a road trip. (Especially when we’re properly prepared.)

There’s a reason so many country songs romanticize cruising along a backroad, and it’s because the South is blessed with every manner of stunning scenic byway imaginable—from the rolling mountains of West Virginia’s Seneca Skyway to the water-surrounded Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys.

Folks may talk about traveling on Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway out west, but we believe that the country’s most beautiful scenic drive happens to be right here in the South. Blue Ridge Parkway, which covers 469 picturesque miles through Virginia and North Carolina, is the undisputed most beautiful scenic drive in the South. Just ask our readers! They continue to vote Blue Ridge Parkway as their favorite scenic drive in our South’s Best poll year after year.

Where Is Blue Ridge Parkway?

Blue Ridge Parkway connects two of the South’s most beloved national parks: Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The highway carves 469 miles between Rockfish Gap, Virginia and Cherokee, North Carolina, passing right by popular mountain towns like Asheville and Blowing Rock in North Carolina and Roanoke in Virginia.

What Makes Blue Ridge Parkway So Beautiful?

This isn’t your average interstate highway. Blue Ridge Parkway cuts deep into mountainous terrain, winding its way through dense forests of deep green (and brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows in the fall). Along the way, you’ll be treated to all kinds of eye candy. From bucolic meadowlands to panoramic views of those signature blue-misted mountains, every turn reveals something equally breathtaking to snap a photo of.

If you set out on the route, drive slowly and be sure to build in plenty of time to pull over and admire Mother Nature’s handiwork. A hop, skip, and a jump from the main road will lead you to rushing waterfalls, shady picnic spots, and excellent hiking trails. The more you explore the parkway, the more beauty you’ll uncover.

Where To Stop On Blue Ridge Parkway

Part of what makes Blue Ridge such a desirable drive is how much it has to offer along the way. The fabulous scenery is just part of the equation. Mile markers increase from Virginia through North Carolina. Some to plan stops around include Mile 60, where you’ll find the Parkway’s lowest elevation at James River Gorge; Mile 178, where you can treat yourself to a luxurious night's stay at Primland Resort; and Mile 291, where you can peer over the famous 4,000-foot cliff at Blowing Rock. For a full list of pitstop recommendations, check out our Blue Ridge Parkway Guide.

The best thing about this drive? You can see the entire Parkway in just three days (assuming you drive an average of 45 miles per hour and build in time for stops). Blue Ridge Parkway is a bucket list trip that doesn’t have to wait for retirement or some far off day down the road. All you have to do is roll down the windows, turn up the music, and get going!