There's nothing like taking the scenic route to appreciate the abundance of natural beauty all around us. That's why the Blue Ridge Parkway holds a particularly special place in our hearts. This designated scenic drive meanders through the mountains and links Virginia's Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in North Carolina. Whether you complete just a portion of the drive or make the entire trip, you'll be spellbound by the beauty of this linear drive.

If you can't make the trip in the near future, the following beautiful photos of the Blue Ridge Parkway should tide you over until you can.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is America's longest linear park, running 469 miles between the states of Virginia and North Carolina.

The scenic beauty is unparalleled, and it's no mystery why this All-American drive is considered to be one of the most iconic road trips in the U.S.

Construction of the parkway began under Franklin D. Roosevelt's Administration in 1935, when it was referred to as the Appalachian Scenic Highway.

By June 30, 1936, the route was officially named the Blue Ridge Parkway and was to be overseen by the National Park Service.

Ever since its opening, the Blue Ridge Parkway has been among the most frequently-visited units of the National Park system.

The Northern End of the Blue Ridge Parkway starts in Rockfish Gap, Virginia, along Route 250 at the exact point where Skyline Drive ends.

The road winds its way southward, roughly following the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains until Swain County, North Carolina, near Route 441.

Driving the parkway in its entirety takes an average of ten and a half hours. And that's without stopping!

While it may not be the quickest way to get from Point A to Point B, you won't find a route more scenic.

Fortunately, the engineers of the drive anticipated that travelers would want to stop frequently to safely admire the scenery along the way.

You'll find hundreds of designated overlooks along the parkway. Each point also indicates the current elevation. For the complete Parkway Milepost Guide, you can click here.

Perhaps the most famous landmark is Mabry Mill in Floyd County, Virginia. Located at Milepost 176.1, this highly-photographed attraction includes a self-guided tour and gentle walking trails.

You can learn more about Mabry Mill by clicking here.

The highest elevation of the Blue Ridge Parkway is 6,053 feet at Richland Balsam in North Carolina. It's here that you can experience a rare Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest.

The average speed limit along the parkway is 45 MPH, although you'll want to drive carefully and admire the views along the way. Truly, there's something to admire at every turn!

Keep an eye out for the abundance of wildlife along the parkway. Deer, bears, and elk are among the 67 species of mammals who call this region home.

No matter the season, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers visitors endless mountain vistas, fascinating history lessons, and inspires gratitude for its sheer existence.

What are your thoughts on these gorgeous photos of the Blue Ridge Parkway? Did they remind you of previous trips? We'd love to hear all about your experience! For related content, you might be curious to check out these vintage photos of the construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway.