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Section 4
Craggy Gardens is well known for its natural rhododendron gardens. Visit this section of the Parkway to see them blooming, usually in mid-June.
This is one of the highest average sections of the parkway, with much of it - from Mount Mitchell State Park to Craggy Gardens - traveling above 5000' in elevation. It traverses the southern Black Mountains and the Great Craggy Mountains around the rim of the Asheville Watershed. Several excellent, popular hiking trails grace the mountains along this section. Although this section of the parkway closes frequently during the winter, during the summer it makes an excellent refuge from the heat of the valleys below. Temperatures along this section rarely climb above 75 degrees. You'll find rare, high-elevation spruce-fir forests as well as northern hardwood forests on this section. Being close to Asheville, it is popular for short drives from the city and makes an excellent location to catch an after-dinner sunset from the mountains. This section also includes the section of Parkway from US 70, across US 74A and US 25, to NC 191, which travels around the Southern end of Asheville. This section is often referred to as the commuter section, as it provides a popular, stoplight-free commute between businesses and homes along these highways.
Craggy mountaintops and lush rhododendron gardens grace the tops of the Great Craggy Mountains. Spectacular views await along several hiking trails in the area. This is a popular retreat from the summer heat for those living in Asheville. Two Guided Hikes wind through the area.
Picnic area with Water and Restrooms at MP 367.6
Driving directions from Asheville on Google Maps
This art museum and gift shop is open year-round, except during severe winter weather. The parking area marks a popular access point for the Mountains to Sea Trail.
