10 Scenic Detours To Take While The Blue Ridge Parkway Undergoes Critical Summer Repairs
Summer travelers heading for the Blue Ridge Parkway may encounter delays as crews continue wildfire mitigation work and long-term recovery projects tied to Hurricane Helene damage. The good news is that the Southern Appalachians are packed with scenic alternatives. Several nearby routes offer beautiful scenes without requiring major changes to a travel itinerary. These detours turn a temporary inconvenience into an excuse to discover roads that many visitors overlook.
Cherohala Skyway
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This 43-mile National Scenic Byway links Tellico Plains, Tennessee, with Robbinsville, North Carolina. The road climbs through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests and passes 15 overlooks along the way. Higher elevations offer broad mountain views that rival those of routes many times longer. Traffic tends to stay light, which gives drivers more room to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.
Foothills Parkway
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The Foothills Parkway has gradually opened in sections over the decades and remains one of the most rewarding drives near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located on the Tennessee side of the mountains, it delivers long-range views without the congestion often found elsewhere. The recently completed “Missing Link” connected previously separated sections of roadway.
Skyline Drive
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Blue Ridge Parkway fans often forget that the road has a northern sibling. Skyline Drive runs 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and continues the Parkway’s northern route. More than 70 overlooks line the route. Wildlife sightings are common, and black bears frequently appear in the distance. Drivers can spend an entire day moving between viewpoints.
Great River Road
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The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River through 10 states, and it’s one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest. While the full route covers more than 3,000 miles, many travelers choose to explore shorter sections. Along the way, you’ll pass river towns, limestone bluffs, wetlands, and historic landmarks. The scenery is very different from mountain highways, but the drive offers the same kind of relaxing, ever-changing views that make road trips memorable.
Newfound Gap Road
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Connecting Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with Cherokee, North Carolina, Newfound Gap Road cuts directly through the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Temperatures can vary noticeably between lower and higher sections. The route also passes through Newfound Gap, a historic mountain pass near the state line that attracts visitors year-round.
Moonshiner 28
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Drivers interested in a road with plenty of curves often seek out Moonshiner 28. The route passes remote sections of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Local tourism groups promote it as a historic transportation corridor once associated with Appalachian moonshine runners. Today, it attracts motorcyclists and road-trip enthusiasts.
Blue Valley Road
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A shorter detour can sometimes leave the strongest impression. Blue Valley Road near Highlands, North Carolina, follows a quieter route through the Nantahala National Forest. Waterfalls are scattered throughout the area. Traffic levels remain modest compared with better-known destinations.
Roan Mountain Area Roads
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The roads surrounding Roan Mountain weave through one of the most distinctive high-elevation regions in the Southern Appalachians. Travelers encounter open balds, forested slopes, and views that extend across multiple states on clear days. Seasonal wildflower displays attract photographers and hikers each year.
Nantahala Scenic Byway
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Western North Carolina offers another excellent substitute through the Nantahala Scenic Byway. This route follows portions of U.S. Highway 64 and nearby roads through mountain valleys and river corridors. Whitewater rafting centers, waterfalls, and forest scenery create plenty of reasons to pause during the drive. The route also connects several outdoor recreation hubs.
Tail Of The Dragon
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Famous for its 318 curves packed into 11 miles, this route attracts enthusiasts from across the country. The road is demanding, yet the surrounding mountain scenery remains part of the appeal. Many travelers pair it with nearby scenic byways such as the Cherohala Skyway.