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This years Southern Blue Ridge
Parkway tour has been changed to take full
advantage of the fabulous city of Asheville
and to reduce the mileage on a couple of the
longer days. Your journey along the southern most section of the Blue Ridge Parkway weaves, rises and falls through dramatic natural beauty with unparalleled views. Your tour starts in the beautifully quaint town
 of Blowing Rock, NC. You will cycle through what is the most remote and rugged sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The natural beauty along this stretch is truly unsurpassed. After departing Blowing Rock we will stay along the parkway at remote lodges offering fine dining and spectacular views. Our stays at these lodges, Little Switzerland and Pisgah Inn, will allow plenty of opportunity for you to get to know your fellow participants and bask in the feeling of well deserved relaxation. After completing the cycling on this tour we shuttle
back to Asheville, NC where we will enjoy a night out on the town in celebration of your accomplishment.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Blowing Rock
After settling into your room at the
spectacular Chetola Resort we get together in the early afternoon for an informal greeting where we will go over the itinerary and
get to know each other. Afterwards we will
stroll to downtown Blowing Rock where we will dine at
one of the many fine local restaurants.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Blowing Rock to
Little Switzerland
After breakfast at our lovely
host inn we will set out on what is one of the
most scenic stretches along the Blue Ridge
Parkway. Today's route will take us across the
famous Linn Cove Viaduct, will include a wonderful hike up to
Linville Falls, and a tour of the Orchard at
Altapass. This evening we will stay at
the Switzerland Inn, with its fabulous views
and fine cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mileage: 47 Miles
Day 3 - Little
Switzerland to Asheville
Today we will climb to the top of Mount Mitchell, the tallest mountain east of the
Mississippi. At the top of the mountain you
will want to visit the natural history museum
to learn about the areas unique environment
and also take the short hike to the
observation tower where you will enjoy an
amazing view of distant mountain ranges. After
our descent of Mt. Mitchell we will cycle past
the rhododendron covered Craggy Gardens before
exiting the Parkway for a wonderful stay in
downtown Asheville. Tonight we will walk
around this beautiful city and dine at one of
its many fine restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mileage: 58 Miles (including 10 mile round
trip up to Mt. Mitchell)
Day 4 - Asheville to Mt.
Pisgah
Today we will cycle from the
heart of downtown Asheville to Mount Pisgah and the Mount Pisgah Inn, which offers up some incredible views and delicious food. Today's route
will take us past the World Famous Grove Park
Inn, down to the French Broad River and up the long climb
to the Pisgah Inn, our host for the
evening. A brief stop at the Folk Art Center will allow you an opportunity to admire and even purchase original pieces of art made by local artists.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mileage: 46 miles
Day 5 - 60 Beautiful Miles to the End
This is it, the final day, 62 rugged miles through some of the most beautiful scenery of the entire tour. After a bountiful breakfast we will cycle along the Pisgah ridge to the Great Balsam mountains, where we will pass over the highest point on the Parkway, and eventually finish with a 10 mile descent into the town of Cherokee near the Great Smoky Mountains. To celebrate everyone's accomplishment of finishing this challenging tour we will shuttle into the city of Asheville where we will enjoy a gourmet meal
and a night out on the town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mileage: 406.6 - 469 = 62.4 Miles
Day 6 - Shuttle Back to Blowing Rock
After breakfast we will leave the wonderful city of Asheville for the return shuttle back to Blowing Rock. The shuttle will take approximately 2 hours just enough time to reflect on your trip with your new found friends.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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