Blue Ridge Parkway: driving the scenic: follow this romantic ribbon of roadway as it curls through the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina

Travel America, May-June, 2004 by Jim Kerr

Located a dozen miles south of Blowing Rock and a mile west of the parkway off Route 221, the ancient mountain features environmental habitats for bears, river otters, cougars, eagles, and deer. Its famous mile-high, swinging bridge is a thrill to cross, and its nature museum has exhibits and films on endangered species, priceless gems, weather, wildflowers, and birds. You can laze away a sunny afternoon at a picnic table or tackle some of the mountain's hiking trails.

Above all, Grandfather Mountain is a bastion of natural beauty, offering awesome views from a 5,000-foot peak. One of the most environmentally significant mountains in the world, it has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve, with 47 rare and endangered species of plant life.

Contact: Grandfather Mountain, (800) 468-7325; www.grandfather.com. Entry fee for adults is $12 and $6 for children ages 4 to 12.