6) Blowing Rock
This cliff, also in the Blue Ridge Parkway, has one of the best views around. If you like heights and seeing your whole world laid out before you, this spot is for you. The rocky outcrop has been nicknamed the “Crown of the Blue Ridge” and is a staggering 4,000 feet above sea level. The entire surrounding town is named after this rock and is just a tiny village, but welcoming to visitors. The legend of the blue rock surrounds the location in mystery, and started with the Native Americans. The story goes that a pair of star crossed lovers met here and that the man threw himself off of the rock when they could not be together. But the woman wept there so often that a gust of wind blew strongly and landed him back in her arms – some say that the wind can be so strong there that in winter, snow falls upside down. Sound intriguing? It adds a whole extra dimension to the amazing view and setting.
