MAP OUT YOUR TRIP COVERING WATAUGA, AVERY AND ASHE COUNTIES
There’s roughly a 50-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway that runs through the High Country. A drive along America’s favorite roadway is a scenic wonderland. No stoplights, no trucks, no commercial buildings, just beautiful scenery. Read about some of the favorite stops on page 48.
The speed limit is 45 MPH and there’s a different view around every curve.
Travel the High Country’s Designated Scenic Roadways HWY 194 VALLE CRUCIS LOOP 17 miles through Watauga & Avery Counties Begin driving where Hwys 421 and 194 converge in Vilas. Follow Hwy 194 into Valle Crucis and out of the valley. You will come to a triple S curve, in front of the Sweet Retreat B&B. Continue through Matney and eventually, you’ll arrive in Banner Elk, home of Lees-McRae College. Then, continue your drive along the winding road to Elk Park - site of the 60-foot Elk Park Waterfall. 20
VISITOR’S GUIDE SUMMER 2022
HWY 221 FROM BLOWING ROCK TO LINVILLE 18 miles through Watauga & Avery Counties Take Hwy 221 south from Blowing Rock; you’ll pass a Parkway turnoff and a quaint park. Later, you’ll pass under a huge rock that
