Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip: 4 Days Exploring America's Favorite Drive 

The best thing about your videos is the relationship with your dad. What an inspiration. Treasure every moment.

I think Josh did a particularly good job on this video. Excited for you all to see it!

Josh, You are so blessed to have had the privilege of doing all these adventures and doing them with your DAD !!!

"Pop's" is my inspiration. I am 65 years old and feeling down in the dumps several months ago when I saw my 1st video of y'all travelin' together. I was fascinated watching someone maybe close to my age enjoying life and while being careful - he still got out there and experienced nature. Maybe I can do it also! I've had a medical setback this summer but I am determined that my days of wandering the mountains is not over, thanks to your father. My biggest hump to get over now is being an older female, which presents some safety concerns I'm still working on but I'm going to get back to doing what I have loved all my life. BTW, one of my sons and my oldest grandson are both named Josh - pretty cool name.

Love the Kingston Trio and Tom Dooley was the first song of theirs I heard as a kid. My family gave me a book this past Christmas with the story of what happened. And I also love Yoohoos but throw my can or bottles away when finished. Many thanks to Pops for keeping NC clean. 😊

Thank you for your video, since at age 74, the low vision, that I have had all of my life, no longer allows me to drive, and I get to see the beautiful sights thru your lens. When I was 49, I visited my Aunts in Ashville N.C., and they took myself, and my 10 years old daughter, to sliding rock. The water was so cold, in August, that I only went down once or twice, but my 10 years old daughter slid down numerous times.

My mother, and I, watched and enjoyed this video tour. You made precious memories with your dad that you will never lose.

Loved this trip! I grew up in Asheville,NC and I'm 64. As soon as the parkway opened every year my Dad & Mom would load up the station wagon with a picnic basket & cooler and off we would go to the parkway for a day long trip almost every week or two. So many memories you have brought back to me. When my children were small, I repeated the same day long trips with my children. My love for camping was inspired from these trips and my husband & I bought a pop-up camper to take much longer trips with our children. I think back now, and think of my parents and "thank" them. And I thank-you also. This was lovely.

I want to thank you and your Dad for being my legs on this hike, as I am wheelchair bound and can't walk. Seeing the beautiful scenery and hearing your great descriptions are the next best thing. Looking forward to more videos.

My wife and I have had the pleasure of staying at The Pisgah Inn (6) times over the years, never once been disappointed. The staff, lodging and Dining are top shelf.The views are fantastic. Its definitely the place to stay at least one night when in Ashville.

Fireflies and Pop's sunset were awesome. The two of you make a great team for fun travel vlogs.

Ahh, so funny about the fireflies. I thought everyone grew up putting them in jars, and playing with them. I really had no idea, they weren't everywhere. Great video, thanks for sharing.

I'm 66 years old. My dad took us on 2 vacations through the Blue Ridge Parkway...once when I was six years old...the other when I was 11. My father loved to stop at just about every scenic outlook. So many of your stops brought back memories I have forgotten, I think what you and your dad are doing is awesome. Cherish this time with your dad and the memories you're creating Josh. It's so great to see a father and son having a good time together. My dad and I were just like you two. My dad passed in 2002. But, I still have the memories of the great times we had together. Thanks for reminding me of some of them.

Beautiful, love nature Josh you did a great job with your dad , where ever I travel I buy mugs and T-shirts one of my favorite to add to my collection truly love and appreciate it this video, blessings to you both

So glad you all came thru my region and YES tell pops not to “hang down his head” that I know the song Tom Dooley and it was taught to us in Elem school in this area. Still sing it today! So glad that you two are spending this time together with your videos. You have a fan here in Virginia.

I’ve wanted to walk the Blue Ridge Parkway, for a long time! Unfortunately, I’m disabled and am unable to get myself up hills. Oh! I’d love to get Apple Butter from any place along the trail! I’ve loved all your videos! Travel prayers,for you and Pops! ♥️🙏♥️

I love my state of North Carolina. Western North Carolina is so beautiful. A ton to see and explore. I wish ya'll could have went up to grandfather mountain and walked across the mile high swinging bridge. stunning views. Also wish ya'll could have went to linville gorge. The deepest gorge east of the Mississippi. Ya'll definitely should come back in the fall. The colors are amazing. The reds, oranges, yellows. Love the video.

Thank you for this! I’m planning a Blue RIdge Parkway trip soon, and I’ll be starting in the south and travelling north, so I’m glad you went in that direction. And let Pops know that the first song I ever learned to play on the guitar was Tom Dooley.

😅people here are exquisitely pleasant good ol country welcoming ..a place I'd return readily....smiles everywhere you Go

By the way... excellent video! 4 of us from South Alabama packed up the Harley's and did that same route. Started at Cherokee in the south end and travelled the entire length, camping each night. 8 days, 2525 total miles, no interstates, no wives,....best time I've ever had in my entire life.

I remember singing Tom Dooley as a kid! I am now enlightened to the history of the song, thank you. Good for you Pops for picking up the Yoohoo can! I have done the same thing to keep a beautiful place clean. And congratulations to Pops for making it to the top of Chimney Rock!!!

I live in western NC. People mix up rhododendron and mountain laurel all the time here, even they are both everywhere in this area... Really love that you got to visit the Parkway and that you're sharing your experience.

Another great American Scenic roadway is the Natchez Trace. We drove from Natchez Mississippi to Nashville Tennessee. Beautiful!!!

We lived in Lynchburg for about 7 years. My husband asked me to marry him at the Canal Lock. This was like a trip down memory lane. The Peaks of Otter Lodge is beautiful. We never had the chance to stay there or eat there, but we were up and down the mountain several times. It was one of our favorite mountains to climb. Thanks for sharing!

I live in Virginia and so happy to see a video on the Blue Ridge Parkway.Its so much good stuff in Virginia to discover.I recommend Crab Tree Falls and Panther Falls too.Also the historical stops a must.

I really like Pop’s Tee shirt “Happy Trails “ Of course Roy Rogers Theme Song

I was fortunate to stay at Peaks of Otter about 40 years ago on a trip on the Parkway with my mom. Thanks for the reminder of a great trip.

Always great to see you and your adventurous Pops hanging out and exploring together.

WOW! This looks like an awesome trip, didn’t even know it was a thing til this video. You should drive the 101 in Oregon and Washington! Absolutely beautiful route

Pisgah Inn restaurant is great! Breakfast is especially amazing with a wide expanse of windows which give you views of the clouds nestled below the mountain tops. Campground across the street is also one of the few with showers. The Inn itself has great views out over the valleys!

Concord grapes and muscadines are varieties of fox grapes, or American "slip skin" wild grapes. Damson plums are purple skinned plums with yellow flesh. If you ever see wild red plum jam, buy a gallon. It's sweet and tart, and truly the best jam in existence.

Thank you so much vor this video. For me as an Austrian it is on my bucket list to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Very impressive, wonderful scenery. America is beautiful. I also find it very nice, how good your relationship to your father is.

Since I’m no longer able to travel I really enjoy these road trips with you and your Dad. Thank you for letting us go with you..

I have watched several of your videos today on some of my favorite places:Route 66;Alaska;Blue Ridge Parkway-I love Alaska, used to live there and I think you did a really good job of that video;I also worked as a public health nurse in BlueRidge Mt's when I was young-beautiful area wonderful peoople and the reason I have had a livelong love of bluegrass,Patty Loveless,Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs and now Chris and Morgane Stapleton. You did a really good job of this video makes me want to go back "home". I have subscribed because seeing your videos allows me to see these places that I love so much and or want to go to or return to . Thanks to you and dad!PS lived in Ca for many years but am now and will be for the future a Texan! Best,Bryn

I’m a member of and Trail maintenance volunteer for the Florida Trail Association in south Florida. Great winter hiking down here, cooler, not many bugs and lower humidity. I still push a mower and use a string trimmer along the trail at 70. Get ting out and moving while I still can is my philosophy on life. Next summer I’m going to check out the Parkway again.

Josh, I have really enjoyed watching your videos over the last few years and this one brought back good memories of my own Blue Ridge Parkway Road trip. It's a shame that you didn't get to eat lunch in Little Switzerland, because the restaurant is pretty good. For Linville Falls, I also recommend the Upper Falls Overlook. You get to see the "back side" of the view that you got as the water plunges between the rocks. Thanks to Pops I now have the famous folk song "Tom Dooley" stuck in my head. If you liked the Blue Ridge, then come on over to West Virginia some time. We have a brand new national park "New River Gorge National Park" with a wonderful bridge (I know how you like bridges!), whitewater rafting, and lots of hiking. The Monongahela National Forest has some excellent stops, beautiful waterfalls, and caves. And, we have lots of fireflies!

Thanks for the great video!! Very enjoyable!! Great hiking Pops!

Definitely heard Tom Dooley! My Dad sang it when he was shaving! Lol

The old log home blue ridge parkway, of the midwife Orlean Puckett is my great great Aunt , there is a book about her that is actually a good quick read. My husband and I I enjoy your channel, can feel your pop’s pain on these climbs. Lol we are both needing knee replacements. Poor ole pop’s. Great safe travels to you both, you are making such wonderful precious memories! ❤

Thanks Josh for the shoutout and posting a link in the description to my channel, I appreciate it. I enjoyed the video, great content as usual! Keep on sharing these awesome videos, I learn something new every time.

A few weeks ago, we got up at 3:30 and drove up to Craggy Gardens to watch the sunrise at The Pinnacle. Amazing experience. Another popular activity we participate in is riding the motorcycle on the BRP and surrounding areas. Hiking in humid areas can be more comfortable in moisture wicking clothing.

OMG so good! Really happy to spend time with this. Enjoyed it 100%!

I live in Sweden and I had learn to play Tom Dooley when i was in school

Thanks for sharing! This was great to watch. I had the same "problem" with food. I found the best thing to do was just to bring your own food and stop at one of the many picnic areas along the drive. I was able to stop at the Mabry Mill restaurant to eat lunch. Loving the series of trips with your dad.

Absolutely LOVED this one, thanks so much for taking us on the journey with you! I come from the UK and as far as I know there's no such thing as firelies over here, so I'd have been hysterical with excitement if I saw what you guys saw at the end of the video...fabulous!

I love pops getting a t-shirt. As I travel in my Wrangler, I get a shirt and Squatch gets a sticker to memorialize our trip.

I just love your show. Years from now you and pops will look back at these memories fondly. Nothing like father and son memories. ❤

My husband and I are DOOLEY'S LOL he told me to tell you he knows that song & likes it! We live in upstate SC and we love going to the mountains! We've traveled the parkway but never all the way to Virginia. I appreciate this video!

Absolutely love this video! We just visited Natural Bridge State Park ourselves almost a week ago. When we went we actually saw two river otter playing around in the creek, catching fish and relaxing on one of the rocks. And it made me so happy to see you appreciate the fireflies, they are so beautiful at dusk. If you ever go back to NC, I recommend visiting Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park. Out of all the waterfalls in NC I've seen so far, this is probably my favorite one. It's absolute stunning, especially after a good rain. But thank you for all your videos; I've been binging them over the past month and it helps me get the feeling of being outdoors when I'm not always able to go myself. These videos are so beautiful and well-edited. I always feel at peace watching them. I can't wait to see more!

Wife and I spend the entire month of October most years exploring the Parkway and Skyline Drive. We use both as a base route and explore outwards. There are festivals and other activities on weekends. Hiking and relaxing during the week. Always hit our favorites and lots of new finds. Leaving mid October this year.

So cool you were able to get there, I grew up around there but moved to San Diego 15 years ago!

Bicycles the whole way a group of my friends and my brother took a trip on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway! And we also did the skyline Drive all the way up near Washington DC on our bicycles camping out. It was tough because we were caring Gear but by the time we were done we were really, really excited and fulfilled. It was a gorgeous tripparkway is a gem. What a wonderful wonderful place.

Way to go pops. Enjoy your video's and we watched PCH yesterday and we did the noth to south trip a few years back, loved it. Keep up the Great work

I love y’all’s videos. I recommend them to all my family and friends planning a trip.

Thank you for taking us on this journey. Felt like I was hiking with you guys

I haven't commented before,. The Blue Ridge Parkway sounds like my kind of drive...no stop lights or stop signs, and beautiful. Who hasn't heard the song Tom Dooley is what I'd like to know. If I ever do this drive, which is highly doubtful, I know to pack a cooler full of food. I know all of John Denver's songs. I love the music. Nice job for the both of you doing all that hiking. Wonderful video.

Thanks for the trip! Beautiful! Your videos are so professionally done! Getting better all the time!

I just have to say that Josh, I think you are one of the nicest people I have ever watched on RU-vid. I absolutely love your show and your sweet dad! The fact that you two are experiencing this part of your lives together absolutely warms my soul. I just finished watching this episode and it reminded me of what wonderful people you and your dad are! I am in the process of moving from California to Tennessee and Virginia looks an awful lot like Tennessee. I’m not sure if you have seen it yet but you definitely need to go through Leipers Fork, Tennessee. It’s about 45 minutes west of Nashville. Keep up the great videos and I wish I knew you so I could make a pie for you and your dad! I make the best apple pie you’ve ever had in your life! Guaranteed or your money back ha! Take care…

Kudos to Pops! I loved the fireflies ending. I live in rural Georgia in the middle of 300 acres of forest and we just saw the first fireflies of the season off of our front porch balcony yesterday evening. When I was growing up my brothers and sisters and I would catch fireflies in the evenings and put them into jars. We would poke holes in the lids of the jar and then we would fall asleep at night with the jar of fireflies sitting on our nightstand lighting up our bedroom. I still get excited seeing the first fireflies of the season, it brings back fun childhood memories.

Daily I am wearing a hat that says, "AMERICA'S FAVORITE DRIVE", "Blue Ridge Parkway" or I have on one of the other hats from Mt. Mitchell, Mt. Pisgah. Josh you and your dad did a great chronicle on this Road, and it's experiences to be had. Time to take it all in, is never enough. The areas near the whole of the parkway all offer outstanding "FINDS", be it small towns, diners, shoppes, State Parks, National Forests, Farmers Markets, there is usually always something to see that you never knew existed until you discover it. A few tips from a Very Seasoned BRP traveler and dweller in and around those mountains. Plan ahead for your excursions, Load a Couple coolers with beverages and the other with Picnic Stuffs. As stated by Josh "We hated to leave the parkway". There are thousands of spots that would make great lunch or snacking areas. If Staying at a Hotel, then the night before grab some Subway Sandwichs (Gas stations have Packets of Mayo and Mustard) and put them in the fridge over night and when you begin your day on the Parkway, you have lunch covered. I travel with my coffee pot and choice coffee, it is a necessity for me. Don't rush yourself to keep to a schedule except for lodging reservations, there is no time table to the parkway. Every hour is different on the BRP, and they seem to pass so quickly. Double Back to areas you later realized you should have stopped to see. After sunset and overnight the parkway is so much different. Foxes, Lynx, Owl's,and more emerge and lay claim. Picnic areas after dark are very active as they are open areas in the wilderness. Watch out for Snakes near sunny rocks.

Thank you for taking us along on this beautiful journey!

I'm stoked you got to see so many things. Its easy to tell you guys have hit a bunch of spots and know how to make the most of your time. I used to live in that area and was just there hiking Sharp Top Mountain at Peaks of Otter. That area gives up amazing fall color for a few weeks every year....see that if you can. Fun fact 24 of 25 tunnels on the pkwy are in NC....only 1 in Va.

Went to a gathering of the clans and Highland games on Grandfather Mt. Rock music played on bagpipes.

I am 57 and I remember Tom Dully I even sang a line or 2 to my hubby, then I pulled it up on RU-vid for him!

What a stunning drive, beautiful overlooks and waterfalls, just everything. You're so lucky to be able to share these memories with your Dad.

One of my favorites of your series'. We are doing this trip all next summer and it was great to see a lot of the stop options.

Josh, you and your Pops make the greatest team! Thank you for this inspirational and fun video. I just turned 70 and my legs are strong. Think you just put a road trip in my not-too-distant future. PLEASE post more videos with you and your Pops hiking together. Simply wonderful! (I did love his comment about your sense of humor being exhausting 😂!)

You’re so lucky to have done this with your dad! Way to live life bro!

A few years ago we rode the parkway on motorcycles and this video brought back so many great memories. We did not get to stop at all of the shops and trails but this showed what we missed. Thank you, and Pops, for your great videos.

Would love to see yall do a HWY 12 Outer Banks, NC road trip. It's so such a great road with amazing stops and nostalgia. And yes, I listen to Doc Watson's version of Tom Dooley all the time. Hate that you couldn't see Grandfather Mountain or Blowing Rock. Both are two of my favorite places

The cradle of forestry used to have a woodsman meet in the fall when I lived in the area. College students competed and it was a blast to see. This video was so good and kudos to your Pops for the hiking.

📌Nice to see a bonding between a father and son doing a roadtrip. ❤️

Great trip with loads of good hints - 2 suggestions - Biltmore House & gardens & Luray Caverns, I would suggest are must-sees - Luray is one of the largest public show caves in US, very dramatic. I went along the BRP in the mid-80's from Cherokee, & I guess if you've never been to an Indian Village it could be worth seeing, should be educational for kids, but it was a long time since I was there (wasn't the friendliest of places.) Shame they've let so many trees grow up to block the views from so many overlooks - & I suppose it was on account of C19 that cafes were closed. We took picnics as there were fewer places to eat than now, it seems! Must have been a treat coming from California to see waterfalls, with real water?!! Keep safe & Good For Pops - I think that final trial was a 2-poler.

Oh my word, this is the most amazing video. I don't often watch an hour and a half long video but I am glued to this one like white on rice! What an amazing trip. Being from a southern state I've done pieces of this trip over time but not putting it all together like this. Gotta get the e-book and yep, it's fall so maybe I need to consider looking at this area again. Trouble is these mountains are hugely popular in the fall - for some of us it's the only fall color we get to see. Not crazy about crowds but I'm thinking I might enjoy this. Thanks for taking us along on your journey. ~Sherrie in South Carolina

Love the Blue Ridge Parkway! Thanks for taking us on such a great adventure. And yes Tom Dooley was a favorite song of my parents.

I've lived near Lake Lure for 40 years... Easter morning sunrise service on Chimney Rock is life changing...

You did an amazingly good job of hitting the best highlights on the Parkway in the amount of time you had. I live in western NC and have hiked, camped in and lived near the BR Parkway for the last 50 years. I've been to all of the places between Cherokee and Blowing Rock that you showed in your video. Very good editing and camera work.

Great job as always! Thanks for another awesome drive. Totally enjoyed it. Keep ‘em coming!

Tom Dooley! My 5th grade teacher taught us that song in the 60's! So many beautiful things to see in this video, but the fireflies are even more nostalgic than Tom Dooley... In the 1960's they killed off most of the ones with DDT and other herbicide spraying where I was from in Duluth, MN, we spent every evening outside running the homestead chasing and catching fireflies! Beautiful ending.

Tom Dooley IS a well known old folk song. When I was learning to play guitar, it was one of the beginner standards.

Fantastic video man. I'm heading to the Blue Ridge Parkway next month and your vid had a ton of useful info for me. Also as someone who lost his dad earlier in the year, it makes me happy to see you having these adventures with yours =)

Another great video.., great job Josh!! I really enjoyed watching it all the way till the end because I live in North Carolina and I love the mountain views.

On 4 different occasions I have travelled on the BRP. First time from the north end in Virginia. This drive only peaked my interest, leading to my desire to return and see more. Some years later I return, (April) only to find out we could not enter the Parkway, "Closed due to snow in the mountains". Followed local roads, lower elevation, to Linville Falls. Few years later, I return on a motorcycle, hoping to drive north from Ashville. Road work in progress, laying loose stone and tar. Motorcycles prohibited. My ultimate goal was to ride to Lincove viaduct. The following day, is our last chance. As we ride to enter the Parkway AGAIN.....................Yep, you got it. THAT section is ALSO under repair. No motorcycles, allowed.........UGGGG. Thank you for your great video. I loved it!

I live right near the BRP, and just bought a new Goldwing for my wife and I. Riding the BRP is on our list for next spring. There are just so many riding opportunities here in northeastern Tennessee!! I've been in 49 of our 50 states, and northeastern Tennessee is the finest riding I've found yet! I only have Alaska left to traverse. Not sure I'll ever make it, but I've been to all 48 of the contiguous United States, and to Hawaii. Your video is BEAUTIFUL as it highlights the wonders of the BRP! Watching it makes me even more excited for our trip on our motorcycle. I've driven on it in a car, but that was many years ago. Thank you so much for this great video! I'm so glad that I saw this, and I'm also blessed to live right nearby it as well!!

Great episode guys, dare we say ... legendary! 😊 So nice to meet your parents, Nick.

Man I missed your long videos. So calm, informative and entertaining. :) and as always soo unique views.

thanks to videos like these, it gets crowded as hell sometimes

Crabtree falls… now that’s beautiful! 😊

Awesome trip with Josh and Pop...thanks so much for taking time to make the trip so enjoyable for the viewers.

Beautiful area! Thanks for sharing.

So much fun, Josh, to watch you & your Dad on these adventures. These are forever, all of your shared experiences. My partner & I have been on the BRP twice, on trips to see my Mom in SC, but have yet to travel its full length. But we will! Esp. since watching this! Your Dad is awesome! I’m 62 and recently retired, so, well, as long as I guard my health it’s onward & upward! Just like you two! Thank you for the renewed inspiration! Miss my Dad, who died suddenly way back in 1984, at 50, but he rides on my shoulders on each of our road trips, whispers in my ear, and lives in my heart! Thank you again for the magic you create! BP

Great video! Now, for your information. Tom Dooley is a popular tune to play for students who’s just started out playing the guitar. A really challenging two chord song!😊 I’ve taught it to many beginner level students!

Absolutely beautiful! Love that area - stunning. Go Pops Go going up to that rock viewpoint!

Loving the content you’ve been pumping out. I follow both your channels. Glad you did some Florida/Miami stuff. Would love to see you do Vancouver and Montreal.

As a native NC born and bred and also 66 yrs young I can identify with Pops. I have a similar build and respect "the Man" for toughing out the hikes and proving himself and representing the "olds brotherhood". There is nothing like the Parkway to experience with family, God bless you both!

Beautiful views of the Appalachian Mountains ! Your dad is using wisdom by pacing himself. Better safe than sorry.

Y'all did an excellent job with this video! I hope you'll return for the fall colors sometime. Looks like you had a great trip. I enjoyed visiting many of my favorite memorable locations with you virtually, as I no longer live in NC, but grew up and went to college along the Parkway and have so many memories and favorite spots along it. Wish you had gotten to go up Grandfather Mountain. Also wish you'd not missed Mt. Pisgah and and the Frying Pan Mountain fire lookout tower. Moses Cone is excellent for more exploring and also has a great fire tower lookout, but that's one of the longest hikes in that area, as opposed to Frying Pan, which is relatively short and easy. So glad you got to see the cascades and enjoyed them as much as I have. I think a lot of people miss/skip them, but they are one of my personal favorite spots. Also glad you got to do Craggy Pinnacle and wish you'd had time to do Courthouse Rock. For future reference, Moore Cove Falls is just around the corner from Looking Glass Falls and is one of my favorites. Short hike and you can walk behind the falls! Also love Douglas Falls near Mt. Mitchell. Also, commented this elsewhere, but the redeeming feature of The Lump is visiting it at night. One of the best stargazing spots on the BRP, but yeah, not much to see during the day. =) I definitely took the fireflies / lightening bugs for granted growing up, but living in Colorado now and visiting WNC recently, I had the realization of how much I missed them and just how cool they are! Glad you enjoyed them! All around, glad you got to do this trip and share it with us! You definitely did it justice and I absolutely hope you'll consider and find an opportunity to visit again and see more / a different season. The Orchard at Altapass is even better during apple picking season and the fall colors are amazing, but also, the views are even more expansive all around when the leaves are off the trees, and when it's not closed, late winter / early spring can offer some super cool ice formations on the rocks along the way. Oh, also, I know Dooley! I learned it in my Appalachian Folk Literature and Culture class in college, though, haha, but it's a good one! Thanks again for this excellent video!

I love a the fog, unless I’m driving. I love that you and your father share these adventures. Priceless memories.

Love Chimney Rock. Been there many times. It's only about an hours drive from home in SC. Have hiked to the falls twice.

Pops, I've heard of "Tom Dooley"! A few years ago, Neil Young & Crazy Horse released a song on the album "Americana" called "Tom Dula" who was the inspiration for "Tom Dooley". ps What a great video!!