If you’re planning a trip to Asheville, North Carolina, there’s one experience you absolutely can’t miss—the Blue Ridge Parkway. Known as America’s Favorite Drive, this scenic highway winds through the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers some of the most jaw-dropping views in the entire Southeast.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to drive it yourself to experience it the right way. With our Asheville Jeep Tours, we’ll take you off the beaten path and right to the best scenic stops—no map-reading or missed turns required.
Here are five unforgettable stops we love to explore along the Parkway. Buckle up!
- Craggy Gardens (Milepost 364)
If you’re visiting in late spring or early summer, you’re in for a real treat. Craggy Gardens bursts into color with thousands of blooming rhododendrons—a sight that looks like it’s straight out of a storybook.
This stop isn’t just for flower lovers. It also offers sweeping vistas, short hiking options, and some of the best photo ops in the entire Asheville area. Even on misty days, the moody mountain views are absolutely magical.
Pro Tip: Bring a light jacket. At over 5,000 feet elevation, it’s often cooler up here than in downtown Asheville.
- The Folk Art Center (Milepost 382)
Art meets nature at this hidden gem. The Folk Art Center is part museum, part gallery, and part artisan shop—dedicated to Southern Appalachian craft traditions.
It’s a wonderful cultural stop where you can admire handwoven baskets, pottery, quilts, woodwork, and more—all crafted by local artists. It’s also a great indoor option if the weather shifts during your tour.
Our guides love sharing a little local flavor here. It’s a reminder that the Parkway isn’t just about scenery—it’s about the people and stories that shape this mountain region.
- Mount Mitchell (Milepost 355)
How about bragging rights? Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, standing tall at 6,684 feet. On a clear day, you can see for up to 85 miles in every direction.
The drive up is beautiful, but when you go with us, you’ll hear the behind-the-scenes history—from early explorers to how this spot became a state park. We’ll even point out other peaks and landmarks in the distance.
Whether you walk to the summit observation tower or just admire it from the comfort of the Jeep, Mount Mitchell is a high-point (literally and figuratively) of any tour.
- Looking Glass Rock Overlook (Milepost ~417)
This overlook is famous for its stunning view of Looking Glass Rock, a massive granite formation that glows like a mirror after rain or snow—hence the name.
It’s one of those spots where you’ll want to pause, soak in the view, and snap at least a dozen photos. If you catch it in the morning light or during golden hour, the results are breathtaking.
This is also a favorite for fall foliage, with layers of orange, gold, and red rolling across the mountains like a quilt.
- Our Favorite Secret Spot (You’ll Have to Join the Tour!)
We can’t give everything away here. Part of the fun of a Jeep tour is discovering places you wouldn’t find on your own—quiet overlooks, lesser-known trails, and peaceful pull-offs that don’t make it into guidebooks.
Our guides are locals who know these roads like the back of their hands. They’ll take you to places that feel private and peaceful, where you can truly unplug and reconnect with nature.
Why Take a Jeep Tour?
Let’s be real: driving the Blue Ridge Parkway on your own can be tricky. It’s full of winding roads, steep grades, and a serious risk of missing the good stuff if you don’t know where to stop.
That’s why Asheville Play’s guided Jeep tours make all the difference. You ride in a comfortable, climate-controlled Jeep with big windows, knowledgeable guides, and plenty of time to take it all in. No stress, just scenery.
Ready to Ride?
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to see the mountains in a new way, our Asheville Tours and Excursions Jeep Tours are the perfect way to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Tours run daily.
Pickup from downtown Asheville.
Book online or call us to reserve your seat.
