The Under-The-Radar Scenic Drive In North Carolina That Showcases A Bridge, A Park, An Artist, and a Viaduct

Built in 1889, Little Parkway is a lovely, under-the-radar, scenic drive in North Carolina. What was once a toll road known as Yonahlosee Trail meandered along the steep side of the majestic Grandfather Mountain before the Blue Ridge Parkway was completed in 1987. It now rolls through Avery, Caldwell, and Watauga counties for 18.5 miles. Let's take a look at this picturesque road trip through charming towns, historic spaces, and relaxing countryside.

The byway begins at the intersection of U.S. 221 (Blowing Rock Highway) and N.C. Route 105 in Linville.

Follow U.S. 221 for

18.5 miles to Blowing Rock as it intersects with U.S. 321

Business (Main Street) where the trip ends.

The first stop is Grandfather Mountain sitting majestically between Linville

and Blowing Rock.

At 5,946 impressive feet, it is the highest peak on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Discover the thrill of the panoramic views on the Mile High Swinging Bridge.

The next major attraction along Little Parkway is the five-mile Linn Cove Viaduct which you can see from Grandfather Mountain looking lovely in the summertime.

When it was completed in 1983, the 1,243-foot-long structure was the world’s only bridge

built from the top down. A trail is available from the visitor center and information about the history of the bridge and other places to visit in the area.

As you get closer to Blowing Rock, look for a huge, colonial revival mansion called Westglow.

Built by renowned artist Elliott Daingerfield, it is now a luxury resort on a pretty, 42-acre estate with a state-of-the-art spa.

Catch a glimpse of one of Daingerfield's most breathtaking pieces “Madonna of the Hills” behind the historic altar at St. Mary of The Hills Episcopal Church in Blowing Rock.

And the church is also impressive to behold. The cornerstone was laid on Sept. 26, 1918, and the church was consecrated as St. Mary of the Hills (Stringfellow Memorial) on Aug. 7, 1921.

The masterpiece was painted between 1917 and 1918 and represents a High Country legend.

"On the summer solstice, the Lady Mary walks across the hills at dawn. If She walks in light, the fields will be blessed with a rich harvest; if She walks in the shadows, the year will be full of sadness."

Simply driving along Little Parkway brings vivid views which are especially stunning in autumn when the leaves are at their most colorful.

The next stop is the sprawling, 3,516-acre Moses H. Cone Memorial Park.

Here you'll find a gigantic mansion with Tiffany windows, a museum and craft center with places to picnic, hike, and enjoy endless vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

And Blowing Rock in winter is full of merriment, including the Blowing Rock Winterfest, featuring ice sculptures such as this one created by Nathan Blair Moran.

Discover the details on the Blue Ridge Parkway website.

For more information about this under-the-radar, scenic drive in North Carolina, visit the NC Scenic Byways Guidebook and turn to page 95.

While you're at it, find out more reasons to visit Blowing Rock. And consider extending your stay by renting a sweet, cozy cottage.