Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip: 4 Days Exploring America's Favorite Drive
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- Опубліковано 11 чер 2024
- The Blue Ridge Parkway is pretty much the perfect American Road Trip. The parkway runs 469 miles from Cherokee, North Carolina to Waynesboro, Virginia. Along the way there is not a single stop sign or stoplight and you can cruise at 45 miles per hour the entire way. The parkway is full of pullouts for viewpoints, hikes, history and waterfalls, leading to many great adventures along the drive. We set out on a 4 day Blue Ridge Parkway road trip and had a blast experiencing this unique area. Here is how we spent 4 days driving the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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Other Great Videos on the parkway:
Magellen and Greyhound Video - • 7 Places to See on the...
America's Parks Video - • Four Fall Days on the ...
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:44 Day 1 (Cherokee, NC to Asheville, NC)
25:29 Day 2 (Asheville, NC to Blowing Rock, NC)
48:18 Day 3 (Blowing Rock, NC to Peaks of Otter, VA)
1:14:11 Day 4 (Peaks of Otter, VA to Waynesboro, VA)
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The best thing about your videos is the relationship with your dad. What an inspiration. Treasure every moment.
I think Josh did a particularly good job on this video. Excited for you all to see it!
Pops👋🏽I’m excited!
Love these movies.
excellent!!! Been watching these for 4 years and was glad to see this one come up. I always find something to surprise my wife when we go someplace! She loves Pie! Is it worth a detour of 200 miles on our way to Florida next month?
Agreed! Another GREAT job, Josh (and Pops)! My family and I have watched and enjoyed every video. Keep up the good work!
Eric in Japan
Tom Dooley- great song! Kingston Trio ! I have the same album !
Josh, You are so blessed to have had the privilege of doing all these adventures and doing them with your DAD !!!
"Pop's" is my inspiration. I am 65 years old and feeling down in the dumps several months ago when I saw my 1st video of y'all travelin' together. I was fascinated watching someone maybe close to my age enjoying life and while being careful - he still got out there and experienced nature. Maybe I can do it also! I've had a medical setback this summer but I am determined that my days of wandering the mountains is not over, thanks to your father. My biggest hump to get over now is being an older female, which presents some safety concerns I'm still working on but I'm going to get back to doing what I have loved all my life. BTW, one of my sons and my oldest grandson are both named Josh - pretty cool name.
@Sharon Allen Thank you so much for the kind words! I really didn't get into hiking seriously till I was 60. One of the things I enjoy about it is that I can still get good at something physical at my age (66). I find my stamina improving, and my time for recovery after a hike getting better. I do find that things like my recent bout with covid take me longer to recover from. But I just keep plugging away and it is coming back. Best wishes to you, Sharon, and you embark on your hiking!
As a person who spends his summers living in the mountains, I've met a lot of older solo travelers. I can tell you a general rule that I've observed over time, and that is that the longer the individual in question has been traveling, the less concerned they are about personal security. Most have a dog, but more for companionship than anything else.
Go ahead and address your security concerns if you'd like, after all just the anxiety of feeling actively insecure can ruin the experience. Eventually you'll find that you don't need it. Ultimately, the most freeing aspect of traveling is the surrender of control. The more that it's done the more the traveler understands that the control was always an illusion.
You missed a reply from your inspiration
yes, I am a 68-year-old retired guy I quite enjoyed this video. As an Australian, I love the country roads you guys have. I have been to the states three times
so far and what's not to love about your National Parks. I would like to do this drive and visit the Great Smokey Mountains, thanks for sharing this
The more you move, the easier it becomes.
Thank you for your video, since at age 74, the low vision, that I have had all of my life, no longer allows me to drive, and I get to see the beautiful sights thru your lens. When I was 49, I visited my Aunts in Ashville N.C., and they took myself, and my 10 years old daughter, to sliding rock. The water was so cold, in August, that I only went down once or twice, but my 10 years old daughter slid down numerous times.
God bless you..what a kind person you are.
I went there when I was 11. I wanted to go down sliding rock until I stuck my toe in the water. Can you say hypothermia? No way Jose. Too cold baby.
@@walterchestnut7316 I've had to baptize folks in the icy cold mountain waters of NC in the middle of hot summer! Not a fan of icy water even when its just to the waist!
Kids hahaha defend them to the END
Love the Kingston Trio and Tom Dooley was the first song of theirs I heard as a kid. My family gave me a book this past Christmas with the story of what happened. And I also love Yoohoos but throw my can or bottles away when finished. Many thanks to Pops for keeping NC clean. 😊
I want to thank you and your Dad for being my legs on this hike, as I am wheelchair bound and can't walk. Seeing the beautiful scenery and hearing your great descriptions are the next best thing. Looking forward to more videos.
Loved this trip! I grew up in Asheville,NC and I'm 64. As soon as the parkway opened every year my Dad & Mom would load up the station wagon with a picnic basket & cooler and off we would go to the parkway for a day long trip almost every week or two. So many memories you have brought back to me. When my children were small, I repeated the same day long trips with my children. My love for camping was inspired from these trips and my husband & I bought a pop-up camper to take much longer trips with our children. I think back now, and think of my parents and "thank" them. And I thank-you also. This was lovely.
Hi 👋 how are you doing?
My grandparents lived in Hendersonville, I spent almost every summer with them driving, riding motorcycles and/or hiking through Pisgah forest and the blueridge parkeway. Some of the best memories of my childehood. Like you I plan to take my kids there someday to hike and camp and enjoy the beauty of the mountains.
@@Godwinpounds4333 - Your kinda creepy asking people where they are texting from!
My mother, and I, watched and enjoyed this video tour. You made precious memories with your dad that you will never lose.
Fireflies and Pop's sunset were awesome. The two of you make a great team for fun travel vlogs.
We used to always catch lightning bugs( fireflies) in a jar as kids!
I'm 66 years old. My dad took us on 2 vacations through the Blue Ridge Parkway...once when I was six years old...the other when I was 11. My father loved to stop at just about every scenic outlook. So many of your stops brought back memories I have forgotten, I think what you and your dad are doing is awesome. Cherish this time with your dad and the memories you're creating Josh. It's so great to see a father and son having a good time together. My dad and I were just like you two. My dad passed in 2002. But, I still have the memories of the great times we had together. Thanks for reminding me of some of them.
My wife and I have had the pleasure of staying at The Pisgah Inn (6) times over the years, never once been disappointed. The staff, lodging and Dining are top shelf.The views are fantastic. Its definitely the place to stay at least one night when in Ashville.
Ahh, so funny about the fireflies. I thought everyone grew up putting them in jars, and playing with them. I really had no idea, they weren't everywhere. Great video, thanks for sharing.
Beautiful, love nature Josh you did a great job with your dad , where ever I travel I buy mugs and T-shirts one of my favorite to add to my collection truly love and appreciate it this video, blessings to you both
So glad you all came thru my region and YES tell pops not to “hang down his head” that I know the song Tom Dooley and it was taught to us in Elem school in this area. Still sing it today! So glad that you two are spending this time together with your videos. You have a fan here in Virginia.
I love my state of North Carolina. Western North Carolina is so beautiful. A ton to see and explore. I wish ya'll could have went up to grandfather mountain and walked across the mile high swinging bridge. stunning views. Also wish ya'll could have went to linville gorge. The deepest gorge east of the Mississippi. Ya'll definitely should come back in the fall. The colors are amazing. The reds, oranges, yellows. Love the video.
Aloha Markis B. My boyfriend and I will be heading to to Shenandoah National Park next week, 10/13, all the way from Honolulu, and then driving south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Do you think the fall colors will be present then? I hope so!!!
@@susanfusuma6472 Yes there will be fall colors in the higher elevations in Virginia and Especially here in Western North Carolina. We have the highest mountains east of the Mississippi. The colors starts in the highest elevations then work they way down to the lower elevations
YES - so disappointed you didn't do Grandfather Mountain it is AMAZING, glad you did do Linville Falls (I love them) but go back at night to look for the Brown Mountain lights. You all need to go back!!!!! (Those are probably my 3 favorite things on the whole Blue Ridge oh and eat breakfast at Famous Louise's Rock House Restaurant (you'll have decide which county you want to sit in :) ) - and biscuits are to die for!!!
@@susanfusuma6472 it should be absolutely stunning!!!!!!
Agree, western NC is gorgeous.
Thanks Josh for the shoutout and posting a link in the description to my channel, I appreciate it. I enjoyed the video, great content as usual! Keep on sharing these awesome videos, I learn something new every time.
OMG so good! Really happy to spend time with this. Enjoyed it 100%!
By the way... excellent video!
4 of us from South Alabama packed up the Harley's and did that same route. Started at Cherokee in the south end and travelled the entire length, camping each night.
8 days, 2525 total miles, no interstates, no wives,....best time I've ever had in my entire life.
Thank you for this! I’m planning a Blue RIdge Parkway trip soon, and I’ll be starting in the south and travelling north, so I’m glad you went in that direction. And let Pops know that the first song I ever learned to play on the guitar was Tom Dooley.
It was among the first 3 or 4 I learned on the guitar as well.
When you get to the end of the Parkway, add on another adventure in Afton, VA. The Blue Ridge Tunnel. A magnificent show of hard labor by souls cutting through the mountain with picks for train passage and civil war equipment. Enjoy the hike and just think about the feat.
Josh, I have really enjoyed watching your videos over the last few years and this one brought back good memories of my own Blue Ridge Parkway Road trip. It's a shame that you didn't get to eat lunch in Little Switzerland, because the restaurant is pretty good. For Linville Falls, I also recommend the Upper Falls Overlook. You get to see the "back side" of the view that you got as the water plunges between the rocks. Thanks to Pops I now have the famous folk song "Tom Dooley" stuck in my head.
If you liked the Blue Ridge, then come on over to West Virginia some time. We have a brand new national park "New River Gorge National Park" with a wonderful bridge (I know how you like bridges!), whitewater rafting, and lots of hiking. The Monongahela National Forest has some excellent stops, beautiful waterfalls, and caves. And, we have lots of fireflies!
I was fortunate to stay at Peaks of Otter about 40 years ago on a trip on the Parkway with my mom. Thanks for the reminder of a great trip.
We lived in Lynchburg for about 7 years. My husband asked me to marry him at the Canal Lock. This was like a trip down memory lane. The Peaks of Otter Lodge is beautiful. We never had the chance to stay there or eat there, but we were up and down the mountain several times. It was one of our favorite mountains to climb. Thanks for sharing!
I live in western NC. People mix up rhododendron and mountain laurel all the time here, even they are both everywhere in this area... Really love that you got to visit the Parkway and that you're sharing your experience.
I am glad someone finally told me as I just kept calling them rhododendron haha
Mt Laural- state flower of PA
Life long Pennsylvanian, I had both rhododendrons and mountain Laurel in my yard. Up here mountain Laurel blooms later than rhododendrons.
Here in North GA these two are often mixed up, but they are always equally enjoyed!
Thanks for the great video!! Very enjoyable!! Great hiking Pops!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Always great to see you and your adventurous Pops hanging out and exploring together.
I’ve wanted to walk the Blue Ridge Parkway, for a long time! Unfortunately, I’m disabled and am unable to get myself up hills.
Oh! I’d love to get Apple Butter from any place along the trail!
I’ve loved all your videos!
Travel prayers,for you and Pops! ♥️🙏♥️
Absolutely LOVED this one, thanks so much for taking us on the journey with you! I come from the UK and as far as I know there's no such thing as firelies over here, so I'd have been hysterical with excitement if I saw what you guys saw at the end of the video...fabulous!
If you want to really experience fireflies, go to the Smokies for the synchronized fireflies. Seems like it happens at the end of May or first of June. You'll have to look it up to be sure but they are amazing. Take a flashlight with a red lense as white light disrupts the bugs 🐛
Thanks for sharing! This was great to watch. I had the same "problem" with food. I found the best thing to do was just to bring your own food and stop at one of the many picnic areas along the drive. I was able to stop at the Mabry Mill restaurant to eat lunch. Loving the series of trips with your dad.
I love pops getting a t-shirt. As I travel in my Wrangler, I get a shirt and Squatch gets a sticker to memorialize our trip.
I have watched several of your videos today on some of my favorite places:Route 66;Alaska;Blue Ridge Parkway-I love Alaska, used to live there and I think you did a really good job of that video;I also worked as a public health nurse in BlueRidge Mt's when I was young-beautiful area wonderful peoople and the reason I have had a livelong love of bluegrass,Patty Loveless,Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs and now Chris and Morgane Stapleton. You did a really good job of this video makes me want to go back "home". I have subscribed because seeing your videos allows me to see these places that I love so much and or want to go to or return to .
Thanks to you and dad!PS lived in Ca for many years but am now and will be for the future a Texan! Best,Bryn
So cool you were able to get there, I grew up around there but moved to San Diego 15 years ago!
Thanks for the trip! Beautiful! Your videos are so professionally done! Getting better all the time!
I live in Virginia and so happy to see a video on the Blue Ridge Parkway.Its so much good stuff in Virginia to discover.I recommend Crab Tree Falls and Panther Falls too.Also the historical stops a must.
Another Amherst and Nelson county resident! Huzzah!
That was an awesome video! My wife and I are stoked to go do this drive. Thank You.
Thank you for taking us on this journey. Felt like I was hiking with you guys
Thank you for taking us along on this beautiful journey!
Our pleasure!
Absolutely love this video! We just visited Natural Bridge State Park ourselves almost a week ago. When we went we actually saw two river otter playing around in the creek, catching fish and relaxing on one of the rocks. And it made me so happy to see you appreciate the fireflies, they are so beautiful at dusk.
If you ever go back to NC, I recommend visiting Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park. Out of all the waterfalls in NC I've seen so far, this is probably my favorite one. It's absolute stunning, especially after a good rain.
But thank you for all your videos; I've been binging them over the past month and it helps me get the feeling of being outdoors when I'm not always able to go myself. These videos are so beautiful and well-edited. I always feel at peace watching them. I can't wait to see more!
The cradle of forestry used to have a woodsman meet in the fall when I lived in the area. College students competed and it was a blast to see. This video was so good and kudos to your Pops for the hiking.
Since I’m no longer able to travel I really enjoy these road trips with you and your Dad. Thank you for letting us go with you..
I love y’all’s videos. I recommend them to all my family and friends planning a trip.
Way to go pops. Enjoy your video's and we watched PCH yesterday and we did the noth to south trip a few years back, loved it.
Keep up the Great work
That is awesome! So glad you got to experience that fantastic route
Love the Blue Ridge Parkway! Thanks for taking us on such a great adventure. And yes Tom Dooley was a favorite song of my parents.
📌Nice to see a bonding between a father and son doing a roadtrip. ❤️
A few weeks ago, we got up at 3:30 and drove up to Craggy Gardens to watch the sunrise at The Pinnacle. Amazing experience. Another popular activity we participate in is riding the motorcycle on the BRP and surrounding areas. Hiking in humid areas can be more comfortable in moisture wicking clothing.
What a stunning drive, beautiful overlooks and waterfalls, just everything. You're so lucky to be able to share these memories with your Dad.
Josh, you and your Pops make the greatest team! Thank you for this inspirational and fun video. I just turned 70 and my legs are strong. Think you just put a road trip in my not-too-distant future. PLEASE post more videos with you and your Pops hiking together. Simply wonderful! (I did love his comment about your sense of humor being exhausting 😂!)
You’re so lucky to have done this with your dad! Way to live life bro!
Thank you so much vor this video. For me as an Austrian it is on my bucket list to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Very impressive, wonderful scenery. America is beautiful. I also find it very nice, how good your relationship to your father is.
Take the drive during fall when the leaves are changing.
I remember singing Tom Dooley as a kid! I am now enlightened to the history of the song, thank you. Good for you Pops for picking up the Yoohoo can! I have done the same thing to keep a beautiful place clean. And congratulations to Pops for making it to the top of Chimney Rock!!!
Hello 👋how are you doing?
@@Godwinpounds4333 I am enjoying a cooler fall day
@@marlena3874 That’s good to know, it’s nice meeting with you here. Where are you texting from?
@@Godwinpounds4333 - Your creepy. Do you always ask people where they are “texting from.”
thanks to videos like these, it gets crowded as hell sometimes
The old log home blue ridge parkway, of the midwife Orlean Puckett is my great great Aunt , there is a book about her that is actually a good quick read. My husband and I I enjoy your channel, can feel your pop’s pain on these climbs. Lol we are both needing knee replacements. Poor ole pop’s. Great safe travels to you both, you are making such wonderful precious memories! ❤
I just have to say that Josh, I think you are one of the nicest people I have ever watched on UA-cam. I absolutely love your show and your sweet dad! The fact that you two are experiencing this part of your lives together absolutely warms my soul. I just finished watching this episode and it reminded me of what wonderful people you and your dad are! I am in the process of moving from California to Tennessee and Virginia looks an awful lot like Tennessee. I’m not sure if you have seen it yet but you definitely need to go through Leipers Fork, Tennessee. It’s about 45 minutes west of Nashville. Keep up the great videos and I wish I knew you so I could make a pie for you and your dad! I make the best apple pie you’ve ever had in your life! Guaranteed or your money back ha! Take care…
WOW! This looks like an awesome trip, didn’t even know it was a thing til this video. You should drive the 101 in Oregon and Washington! Absolutely beautiful route
Thanks for sharing your trip! I love the mountains of North Carolina. I enjoy your videos!
Definitely heard Tom Dooley! My Dad sang it when he was shaving! Lol
Oh my word, this is the most amazing video. I don't often watch an hour and a half long video but I am glued to this one like white on rice! What an amazing trip. Being from a southern state I've done pieces of this trip over time but not putting it all together like this. Gotta get the e-book and yep, it's fall so maybe I need to consider looking at this area again. Trouble is these mountains are hugely popular in the fall - for some of us it's the only fall color we get to see. Not crazy about crowds but I'm thinking I might enjoy this. Thanks for taking us along on your journey. ~Sherrie in South Carolina
Fantastic video man. I'm heading to the Blue Ridge Parkway next month and your vid had a ton of useful info for me.
Also as someone who lost his dad earlier in the year, it makes me happy to see you having these adventures with yours =)
Another great American Scenic roadway is the Natchez Trace. We drove from Natchez Mississippi to Nashville Tennessee. Beautiful!!!
My husband and I are DOOLEY'S LOL he told me to tell you he knows that song & likes it!
We live in upstate SC and we love going to the mountains! We've traveled the parkway but never all the way to Virginia. I appreciate this video!
Great job as always! Thanks for another awesome drive. Totally enjoyed it. Keep ‘em coming!
One of my favorites of your series'. We are doing this trip all next summer and it was great to see a lot of the stop options.
I’m a member of and Trail maintenance volunteer for the Florida Trail Association in south Florida. Great winter hiking down here, cooler, not many bugs and lower humidity. I still push a mower and use a string trimmer along the trail at 70. Get ting out and moving while I still can is my philosophy on life. Next summer I’m going to check out the Parkway again.
I haven't commented before,. The Blue Ridge Parkway sounds like my kind of drive...no stop lights or stop signs, and beautiful. Who hasn't heard the song Tom Dooley is what I'd like to know. If I ever do this drive, which is highly doubtful, I know to pack a cooler full of food. I know all of John Denver's songs. I love the music. Nice job for the both of you doing all that hiking. Wonderful video.
Great episode guys, dare we say ... legendary! 😊 So nice to meet your parents, Nick.
A few years ago we rode the parkway on motorcycles and this video brought back so many great memories. We did not get to stop at all of the shops and trails but this showed what we missed. Thank you, and Pops, for your great videos.
I was just watching this thinking this is worth a motorcycle trip lol. Is there plenty of camping spots along the way or did you use hotels?
Pisgah Inn restaurant is great! Breakfast is especially amazing with a wide expanse of windows which give you views of the clouds nestled below the mountain tops. Campground across the street is also one of the few with showers. The Inn itself has great views out over the valleys!
I just love your show. Years from now you and pops will look back at these memories fondly. Nothing like father and son memories. ❤
Man I missed your long videos. So calm, informative and entertaining. :) and as always soo unique views.
Another great video.., great job Josh!! I really enjoyed watching it all the way till the end because I live in North Carolina and I love the mountain views.
Great video man. Really love you’re style 😎🤘
Crabtree falls… now that’s beautiful! 😊
Awesome trip with Josh and Pop...thanks so much for taking time to make the trip so enjoyable for the viewers.
I'm stoked you got to see so many things.
Its easy to tell you guys have hit a bunch of spots and know how to make the most of your time. I used to live in that area and was just there hiking Sharp Top Mountain at Peaks of Otter. That area gives up amazing fall color for a few weeks every year....see that if you can.
Fun fact 24 of 25 tunnels on the pkwy are in NC....only 1 in Va.
I live right near the BRP, and just bought a new Goldwing for my wife and I. Riding the BRP is on our list for next spring. There are just so many riding opportunities here in northeastern Tennessee!! I've been in 49 of our 50 states, and northeastern Tennessee is the finest riding I've found yet! I only have Alaska left to traverse. Not sure I'll ever make it, but I've been to all 48 of the contiguous United States, and to Hawaii. Your video is BEAUTIFUL as it highlights the wonders of the BRP! Watching it makes me even more excited for our trip on our motorcycle. I've driven on it in a car, but that was many years ago.
Thank you so much for this great video! I'm so glad that I saw this, and I'm also blessed to live right nearby it as well!!
I live in Sweden and I had learn to play Tom Dooley when i was in school
You did an amazingly good job of hitting the best highlights on the Parkway in the amount of time you had. I live in western NC and have hiked, camped in and lived near the BR Parkway for the last 50 years. I've been to all of the places between Cherokee and Blowing Rock that you showed in your video. Very good editing and camera work.
Beautiful area! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
This was a great video! Very well done. Thoroughly enjoyed it. You are so blessed to have your pops able to do this with you. Making sweet memories.
Kudos to Pops! I loved the fireflies ending. I live in rural Georgia in the middle of 300 acres of forest and we just saw the first fireflies of the season off of our front porch balcony yesterday evening. When I was growing up my brothers and sisters and I would catch fireflies in the evenings and put them into jars. We would poke holes in the lids of the jar and then we would fall asleep at night with the jar of fireflies sitting on our nightstand lighting up our bedroom. I still get excited seeing the first fireflies of the season, it brings back fun childhood memories.
Wife and I spend the entire month of October most years exploring the Parkway and Skyline Drive. We use both as a base route and explore outwards. There are festivals and other activities on weekends. Hiking and relaxing during the week. Always hit our favorites and lots of new finds. Leaving mid October this year.
skyline drive is awesome
Did I miss it? Did they not go on Skyline Drive? It’s one the best parts of the park.
Loving the content you’ve been pumping out. I follow both your channels. Glad you did some Florida/Miami stuff. Would love to see you do Vancouver and Montreal.
I love a the fog, unless I’m driving. I love that you and your father share these adventures. Priceless memories.
Beautiful views of the Appalachian Mountains !
Your dad is using wisdom by pacing himself. Better safe than sorry.
Would love to see yall do a HWY 12 Outer Banks, NC road trip. It's so such a great road with amazing stops and nostalgia. And yes, I listen to Doc Watson's version of Tom Dooley all the time. Hate that you couldn't see Grandfather Mountain or Blowing Rock. Both are two of my favorite places
They went to blowing rock but it was fogged over.
Great trip with loads of good hints - 2 suggestions - Biltmore House & gardens & Luray Caverns, I would suggest are must-sees - Luray is one of the largest public show caves in US, very dramatic. I went along the BRP in the mid-80's from Cherokee, & I guess if you've never been to an Indian Village it could be worth seeing, should be educational for kids, but it was a long time since I was there (wasn't the friendliest of places.) Shame they've let so many trees grow up to block the views from so many overlooks - & I suppose it was on account of C19 that cafes were closed. We took picnics as there were fewer places to eat than now, it seems! Must have been a treat coming from California to see waterfalls, with real water?!! Keep safe & Good For Pops - I think that final trial was a 2-poler.
HAHA sad but true about the waterfalls
😅people here are exquisitely pleasant good ol country welcoming ..a place I'd return readily....smiles everywhere you Go
One of our favorite drives! Pop's is really a trooper!
Absolutely beautiful! Love that area - stunning. Go Pops Go going up to that rock viewpoint!
Thanks for watching it!
Y'all did an excellent job with this video! I hope you'll return for the fall colors sometime. Looks like you had a great trip. I enjoyed visiting many of my favorite memorable locations with you virtually, as I no longer live in NC, but grew up and went to college along the Parkway and have so many memories and favorite spots along it.
Wish you had gotten to go up Grandfather Mountain. Also wish you'd not missed Mt. Pisgah and and the Frying Pan Mountain fire lookout tower. Moses Cone is excellent for more exploring and also has a great fire tower lookout, but that's one of the longest hikes in that area, as opposed to Frying Pan, which is relatively short and easy.
So glad you got to see the cascades and enjoyed them as much as I have. I think a lot of people miss/skip them, but they are one of my personal favorite spots. Also glad you got to do Craggy Pinnacle and wish you'd had time to do Courthouse Rock.
For future reference, Moore Cove Falls is just around the corner from Looking Glass Falls and is one of my favorites. Short hike and you can walk behind the falls! Also love Douglas Falls near Mt. Mitchell. Also, commented this elsewhere, but the redeeming feature of The Lump is visiting it at night. One of the best stargazing spots on the BRP, but yeah, not much to see during the day. =)
I definitely took the fireflies / lightening bugs for granted growing up, but living in Colorado now and visiting WNC recently, I had the realization of how much I missed them and just how cool they are! Glad you enjoyed them!
All around, glad you got to do this trip and share it with us! You definitely did it justice and I absolutely hope you'll consider and find an opportunity to visit again and see more / a different season. The Orchard at Altapass is even better during apple picking season and the fall colors are amazing, but also, the views are even more expansive all around when the leaves are off the trees, and when it's not closed, late winter / early spring can offer some super cool ice formations on the rocks along the way.
Oh, also, I know Dooley! I learned it in my Appalachian Folk Literature and Culture class in college, though, haha, but it's a good one! Thanks again for this excellent video!
Thank you gentlemen, I really enjoyed this. I live in Florida but I am from Warrenton, VA. I used to go home every chance I got and Mom & Dad would take on drives anywhere I wanted to go...which was always to the mountains. It's my biggest wish that I can make this trip myself before this life ends. Many happy memories and I think it's beautiful.
As a native NC born and bred and also 66 yrs young I can identify with Pops. I have a similar build and respect "the Man" for toughing out the hikes and proving himself and representing the "olds brotherhood". There is nothing like the Parkway to experience with family, God bless you both!
This is a beautiful video with the most interesting narration! Loved the end with your firefly excitement. I spent my childhood catching fireflies in a jar and sleeping with them in the dark. I still get excited when I see them. I live at the base of skyline drive. This video is in my favorites for sure!!
Josh! I've been watching your channel for a while now. I've been here for your Alaska trip, your Route 66 trip, your Grand Canyon Rim to Rim, etc. I'm so glad you made it close to my neck of the woods. I'm from Brevard, the town that you were very close to when you were at Looking Glass Falls. I've been up and down the Blue Ridge Parkway many of times, and I've been to many of the places you visited along this trip. It's definitely cool to see your perspective of the area that I call home. Especially since I've spent some time playing in the other areas you've explored. I'm glad you and Pops had fun and I'm glad you got to experience our lightning bugs.
So much fun, Josh, to watch you & your Dad on these adventures. These are forever, all of your shared experiences. My partner & I have been on the BRP twice, on trips to see my Mom in SC, but have yet to travel its full length. But we will! Esp. since watching this! Your Dad is awesome! I’m 62 and recently retired, so, well, as long as I guard my health it’s onward & upward! Just like you two! Thank you for the renewed inspiration! Miss my Dad, who died suddenly way back in 1984, at 50, but he rides on my shoulders on each of our road trips, whispers in my ear, and lives in my heart! Thank you again for the magic you create!
BP
Three cheers and two thumbs up for Pops!
I really like Pop’s Tee shirt “Happy Trails “ Of course Roy Rogers Theme Song
Well done recognizing that reference!
I am 57 and I remember Tom Dully I even sang a line or 2 to my hubby, then I pulled it up on UA-cam for him!
This video has a piece of my heart, since I have fond memories of this area as a child. Im a Californian now, but have plans to head back here again.
If this is your everyday job, I am so jealous! What an awesome way to spend each day - exploring lots of North Carolina destinations.