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Outdoor Project

The ultimate adventure guide

Photo Date: 
11/04/2017
The view of Looking Glass Rock from the Blue Ridge Parkway is just one of many spots to take in all the beauty of autumn in the Appalachians.
Kristi Parsons
Photo Date: 
04/19/2018
An autumn view from the Craggy Gardens Pinnacle on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Kristi Parsons
Photo Date: 
04/19/2018
Spending the day adventuring on the Blue Ridge Parkway? Grab lunch at the Pisgah Inn and take a moment to watch the storms roll in.
Jesse Weber
Photo Date: 
10/27/2017
The Mount Pisgah Campground is an excellent place to set up a base camp if you plan on exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway for a few days.
Jesse Weber
Photo Date: 
10/27/2017
The view from the Frying Pan Lookout Tower.
Jesse Weber
Photo Date: 
10/27/2017
Southward view of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Looking Glass Rock from the Frying Pan Lookout Tower.
Jesse Weber
Photo Date: 
10/11/2017
The Linn Cove Viaduct is an excellent spot to take in the Blue Ridge Mountains in autumn.
Zackary Bradley
Photo Date: 
03/21/2017
Graveyard Fields is the perfect spot for exploring with the family, or even your favorite canine!
J Smilanic
Photo Date: 
02/08/2017
Looking Glass Rock as seen from the parkway near mile marker 415.
J Smilanic
Photo Date: 
10/29/2017
Beautiful autumn colors on the parkway near mile marker 385.
J Smilanic
Photo Date: 
11/11/2017
Sunset from Craggy Pinnacle on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Jordan Lugibihl
Photo Date: 
12/04/2016
View from one of the campsites on Table Rock overlooking the Linville Gorge.
Jordan Lugibihl
Photo Date: 
12/04/2016
View of the Linville Gorge area from Table Rock.
Jesse Weber
Photo Date: 
10/11/2017
Autumn colors spreading across the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Jesse Weber
Photo Date: 
11/14/2016
Foothills Parkway is a scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The new section of the parkway, near Townsend, is scheduled to be open by the end of the 2018.
Kevin Murray
Photo Date: 
11/15/2014
Lounging on one of the balds in the Smoky Mountains.
Daniel Sherman
Photo Date: 
10/18/2012
Mouse Creek Falls is located on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Daniel Sherman
Photo Date: 
10/18/2012
Sunset from Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Daniel Sherman
Photo Date: 
10/18/2012
The Middle Prong Trail in the Tremont section of the Smokies is a fantastic fall adventure spot for families and more.
Daniel Sherman
Photo Date: 
10/18/2013
Cable Mill in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Daniel Sherman
Photo Date: 
10/18/2013
Viewpoint from Newfound Gap, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Kristi Parsons
Photo Date: 
09/10/2017
Looking to hang out and sleep above the clouds? The LeConte Lodge is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Kristi Parsons
Photo Date: 
05/06/2017
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known as the salamander capital of the world, making the Smoky Mountain story, "Salamander Ball," a perfect campfire story!
Kevin Murray
Photo Date: 
05/07/2016
Dawn from the Mount Sterling fire tower.
Roam the hills of Grayson Highlands with the ponies!
The Grayson Highlands section of the AT and Appalachians is one of the most unique areas that you'll find. Mix it with the colors of autumn and you may not want to go home.
The Mingus Mill was built in 1886 and is still a working mill today. Stop in from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. any day of the week to get a full Appalachian autumn experience.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the top drives in the country for leaf-peeping, but a cruise down the Smokies Newfound Gap will leave you in awe as well.
And that's why we call them the Blue Ridge Mountains. This image was taken from a section of the Appalachian Trail near Clingmans Dome.
Craggy Gardens is a must-stop spot during autumn in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Visit the North Carolina side of the Smokies and Gooseberry Knob at The Swag to soak up this view. You can stay at The Swag or dine there or hike there via trails in the Great Smoky Mountains.
The view from Gooseberry Knob at The Swag on the North Carolina side of the Smokies is like no other. Join The Swag on Wednesdays for a gourmet picnic lunch served right on the bald as you soak up the scenery.
Hop a ride in Damascus, Virginia to White Top, and leaf-peep as you cruise the Virginia Creeper Trail for 17 miles back into town.
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a bucket-list must year round, but it needs to be pushed to the top spot during the autumn months.
As you cruise the Virginia Creeper Trail, take time to stop off along the way and explore. Don't forget cash to grab snacks, drinks or even lunch along the way.
One weekend: the Appalachian Trail, the ponies of Grayson Highlands, a cozy trail town, and a 17-mile downhill bike ride...Can it really get much better than that?
Take the family for a stroll under a canopy filled with the colors of autumn on a weekend getaway in the Smokies.
Meigs Falls in the Smokies can be seen while driving Little River Road in the park.
The Cataloochee Divide Trail is absolutely stunning in her shades of yellow when autumn rolls into town.
The Smoky Mountains at their finest.
The view from Hemphill Bald is unforgettable during leaf-peeping season in North Carolina. Hike to the bald from The Swag, stay at the Cataloochee Ranch, or hike to the bald via trails in the Smokies.
Cataloochee in the Smokies isn't only a prime spot for taking in autumn, it is also filled with history. The area was once a thriving Appalachian community as well as a Cherokee hunting ground.
Even if you roll into town before the colors are popping, you'll feel the crispness of autumn in the mountains and walk away from your weekend relaxed and reenergized.
Zackary Bradley
Photo Date: 
05/15/2017
One of the bulls that are allowed to roam free on the outskirts of the Grayson Highlands.
Zackary Bradley
Photo Date: 
05/15/2017
A hiker heading uphill to a lookout while hiking from Grayson Highlands to the summit of Mount Rogers.
With Grayson Highlands State Park's never-ending views and ponies roaming the hills, it's almost as if a little slice of heaven has been placed right on the Appalachian Trail.

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