On day 46 of “The Ultimate USA Road Trip” we drive from Robbinsville to Asheville, on the southern part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most beautiful scenic roads the United States has to offer. The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches, winds, climbs, and descends some 470 miles through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, creating a beautiful connection between two of America's most renowned national parks: Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and the Virginia Shenandoah National Park. The mountainous region that the Blue Ridge Parkway traverses is rich in history, from adventurous settlers like Daniel Boone and escalating tensions between Native Americans and colonialists to the bloody battles of the Civil War. We will drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in a few days. Make sure you bring enough food and drinks for a picnic along the way

The Blue Ridge Parkway was built in 1935 by Franklin D. Roosevelt, but most of it was not completed until 1966. It is the longest linear park in the US and runs through four US national forests: Jefferson, George Washington, Nantahala and Pisgah. There are more than 200 scenic viewpoints along its entire length, where you can enjoy beautiful views. Each offers breathtaking panoramas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, charming mountain towns, fertile valleys, beautiful arrays of wildflowers, and colorful displays of fall colors. It is almost impossible to visit all viewpoints, so we have marked the most beautiful ones with a Route Point, the others are marked with a Via Point, the points contain a photo as a reference to determine whether you want to stop.

The first stop is in Cherokee where we visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Experience the 12,000 year old Cherokee story here. If your idea of a museum involves dusty displays maintained by a bland curator, get ready to rediscover what a museum can be. Inspired by the beauty and ingenuity of the Cherokee people, this is an unparalleled cultural and historical tour, one fused with interactive video, intriguing displays and a full sensory experience. Step through our doors and discover up close the inventiveness, resilience and will to survive of the Cherokee people. Be guided on a moving journey that illustrates who the people of Cherokee really are, where they came from and why they are still here. Keep a handkerchief handy; Cherokee history is serious business.

As we leave Cherokee the Blue Ridge Parkway begins, so enjoying the beautiful winding mountain road can begin. There is still the option to visit the Wheels through Time Motorcycle Museum. This unique museum in Maggie Valley is home to a remarkable (and surprising) huge collection of rare vintage American motorcycles and cars. For this visit you have to leave the route for a while, but it is definitely worth it.

There are a number of viewpoints along the Blue Ridge Parkway that have been named the most beautiful and you should definitely schedule them as a stop to take photos, these are;

Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and Park Store, this is not technically a lookout point but it offers great views of the Great Balsams, the Great Smokies, Cowees, Nantahala, Blue Ridge, Newfound, Black and Craggy Mountains. Enjoy the view and take beautiful pictures.

Richard Balsam Overlook, this is the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 1854 meters (6053 ft). The views are breathtaking of three of the Southern Appalachian's distinct Blue Ridge mountain ranges: Cowee, Nantahala, and Plott Balsams. There is also a trail that takes walkers through a spruce and pine forest.

Cowee Mountains Overlook, is one of the overlooks with a great view of the Smokey Mountains. It is one of the highest overlooks on the Parkway, Cowee Mountains Overlook measuring 6,000 feet above sea level. Cowee Mountains Overlook is especially good for morning photography, when the sun is still behind the viewing area.

Graveyard Fields, the name refers to the collection of tree stumps in the area, which resembled tombstones. In the 1920s, the stumps themselves were burned in a massive forest fire. Graveyard Fields is a wonderful place to forage for wild blueberries and spot wildlife such as black bears and bald eagles. There are also several hiking trails and waterfalls.

Looking Glass Rock Overlook is a geological formation formed from molten rock that slowly cools below the Earth's surface and causes the layer of rock above to bulge. This particular formation is especially fascinating because it becomes reflective and shiny when wet. Close to Looking Glass Rock is Skinny Dip Falls, a pretty lake fed by a waterfall.

Beaver Dam Gap Overlook. This lookout has a lush, medium-elevation forest and accesses a trail overlooking mountain ridges across the Parkway. The long Mountains-to-Sea Trail has entrances at this overlook, and the trail is also part of the Shut-In Trail. The Blue Ridge Parkway has many short, curved tunnels that are poorly lit and can be slippery, so caution is advised.

Enjoy the first part of the drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Asheville, where we spend the night and enjoy the beauty that this city has to offer. Stay overnight in one of the many hotels, explore the city with its rich architectural heritage (mix of Art Deco, Beaux Arts and Neoclassical styles), shop in the local shops, visit art galleries, eat in distinctive restaurants and enjoy the exciting nightlife, with live performances.