Atop the picturesque Grandfather Mountain sits one of the Tar Heel State's most popular landmarks — a 228-ft. suspension bridge that connects two peaks and sways a mile above sea level. Each year thousands of tourists cross the bridge, known as the Mile High Swinging Bridge.
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Not only is the Mile High Bridge an incredible sight to see, it's also been dubbed America's largest suspension footbridge.
Anyone who's ever explored the Blue Ridge Parkway will advise you to stop (as often as you can) to smell the roses. "Smelling the roses" in this case is, of course, a metaphor for stopping to gaze out over the mesmerizing views of our gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. And you should. And while you're making a point to stop at each and every North Carolina overlook along the parkway, don't pass up a certain small sign that points to a "parking area." This is the guide you need to take you on a whimsical adventure down a set of stairs to the Chestoa View Overlook. This is one of those views that will take just a little bit of effort but trust us it is so worth it in the end.
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It's located about four miles south of Linville and at mile marker 320. Google Maps calls it the Chestoa View Parking Area. Pull off. (Trust us.)
If you are familiar with the Blue Ridge Parkway then you know that some of the "Overlooks" don't have any view at all. A lot of these places will have a small trail leading anywhere from a multi-day backpacking trip, to a simple walk through the woods. The Chestoa View Trail is a very short walk from the parking lot down to an unforgettable panorama of the mountains.
There's a short trail here, the Chestoa View Trail, that leads to a very enchanting overlook. It's a round, stone overlook that looks more like it belongs on a castle rather than on a mountainside overlooking a rugged terrain.
AllTrails marks the trail at just under half a mile each way. And it's one of the prettiest trails on the entire parkway. But, there are some steps so if you have mobility concerns you may want to skip this one.
What you'll find at the end of the trail is a fantastic vantage point. It's a spot to see more than you'd ever expect. And you'll do it all from your very own castle balcony, placed firmly on the hillside.
We don't completely want to spoil the view you'll find here, we'll show this photo. But we can also say even this spectacular image doesn't measure up to the real thing.
The scenery is tough to beat. The clouds play shadows on the rolling green mountains and we found that the small effort it takes to walk down to the castle balcony is rewarded with a feast for your eyes.
The next time you find yourself on the Parkway, be sure to stop at mile marker 320 to check out the enchanting trail and the magical castle-balcony overlook at the Chestoa View Parking Area.
One more peek at these North Carolina overlook photos makes me want to hop in the car and explore this area all over again. It truly is a magical place and a must-stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
You're sure to make this a favorite North Carolina overlook once you visit. To learn more about this hike make sure you visit our friends over at AllTrails and download the map for the Chestoa View Overlook. Cell phone reception is very spotty in the mountains so it is always helpful to have it while you are traveling on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can also learn more by watching this short video from Adventuring in the Moment when we visited this enchanting spot.
Another fantastic stop we would suggest along the Blue Ridge Parkway is Devil's Courthouse, make sure you check it out.
From the early days when the Tuscarora Indians settled the region to now, Tarboro is an interesting, historic small town that every North Carolinian should visit at least once. The town was chartered on Nov. 30, 1760, and officially became the county seat of Edgecombe County in 1764. It was a thriving riverport until the Civil War started, and then by 1861, 60% of the county's population — over 10,000 people — was enslaved. After the war, many newly freed people crossed over the Tar River and founded Freedom Hill, which became Princeville in 1885, the first town in the U.S. incorporated by African Americans. In 1977, the National Park Service recognized the Tarboro Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, spanning 45 blocks and including more than 300 structures. Let's take a look at one of the best historic towns in North Carolina.
The elegant, green roof on this Modern Colonial Revival building is a welcoming sight. This is the third county courthouse, built in 1964-65 by Taylor and Crabtree of Nashville, Tennessee. The first courthouse was constructed in 1739 before the county was created.
The 45-block Tarboro Historic District was recognized by the National Park Service in 1977 including historic churches, homes, and other structures. You can still see the original 19th-century storefronts along Tarboro's Main Street.
People refer to this as the gateway to the Tarboro Historic District. The 1760 Tarboro Town Common is a fan-favorite with its impressive oak-shaded lawn and war memorials
This valuable machine sits at the west end of the town common and was moved from Norfleet Plantation in the early 20th century, where livestock was used to turn cotton into bales and crush fruit.
Before we go any further, coffee is required along with a freshly baked muffin or yummy cinnamon roll. This historic building is also on the Walking Trail of Historic Tarboro.
Another home on the walking tour is this Greek Revival house built around 1832, which boasts a grand entrance with sidelights, its original cupola, and seven fireplaces. This home is located at 1004 Main St.
This sprawling mansion built by Thomas Blount in 1808, was once the center of an enormous plantation. It is now a museum, art gallery, and home of the Tarboro Arts Council. The award-winning Blount-Bridgers Arboretum is maintained by the Garden Committee.
Construction on the historic, Gothic Revival church building, designed by William Percival and built by Thomas Coats, started in 1858 and was completed in 1867. The original furnishings in the chancel that remain include the altar, the Deacon's Chair, the Bishop’s Chair, and the Acolyte Stalls. Today it is led by the Rev. Dee Shaffer.
Are you ready to visit one of the best historic towns in North Carolina? The education is endless about historic Tarboro. If you go, please tell us about your experience in the comments below.
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