Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
- Laura
- 3 hours ago
- 6 min read
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The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile (755km) scenic highway that begins in Rockfish Gap, Virginia and ends in Cherokee, North Carolina. The drive is meant to be taken slowly. A Blue Ridge Parkway road trip meanders through the gaps and hollows of the Appalachian Mountains, highland homesteads, and small town America. Our guide contains all the information you will need to enjoy the trip.
Constructed during the Great Depression, the Blue Ridge Parkway was built to connect Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Since its completion, it has been one of the most visited portions of the National Park System. The park is sometimes called, “America’s Favorite Drive.”
The Parkway is well known for its overlooks, hiking, and cultural exhibits on rural southern life. A Blue Ridge Parkway road trip winds through rolling hills, mountains, family farms, wineries, and historic sites. Along the route, see the highest peak in the eastern US (Mount Mitchell), the oldest river (New river), the deepest gorge (Linville), and the highest waterfall (Whitewater).
WHERE IS THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
Located in the eastern United States, the Blue Ridge Parkway dissects the states of Virginia and North Carolina. The parkway was built in the Blue Ridge Mountains (part of the Appalachian Mountain range).
DRIVING THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
The Blue Ridge Parkway is best driven at a relaxing pace. The speed limit is 45 mph. The route gives road-trippers the opportunity to experience the Appalachian’s rugged mountain terrain, high-country farms, and diverse ecosystems up close.
Plan to stop frequently to take advantage of the drive’s overlooks, hiking trails, and heritage sites. Along the parkway there are few guardrails or lines painted on the roads (to keep the route’s natural setting). The road is well signed.
The majority of the parkway is a two-lane tarred road. Cars and RVs are allowed on the parkway, but no commercial vehicles. A system of mile posts helps visitors navigate the byway. There are no gas stations along the route. The parkway runs parallels to some small towns. Drivers exit occasionally for fuel and food.
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY TOURS
Part of the charm of driving the parkway is discovering the towns and attractions along its path. Pair a half-day of driving with a Blue Ridge Parkway tour of sites along the route:
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY HOTELS
The parkway is home to eight different campgrounds that are open during the warmer seasons (roughly May to October). Two Blue Ridge Parkway hotels are located within the National Park:
Peaks of Otter Lodge (milepost 86, VA) – resort located on Abbott Lake with stunning mountain views
The Pisgah Inn (milepost 408.6, NC) – inn located near Asheville high in mountains
Other popular locations for overnight stays include Roanoke (VG), Asheville (NC), and Blowing Rock (NC). There are several well-known resorts bordering the scenic byway. Consider these hotels near the Blue Ridge Parkway:
Massanutten Resort (VG)
Primland Resort (VG)
Chetola Resort (NC)
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY WEATHER
The weather in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina is pleasant year round. In the warmer months (July and August) temperatures often average in the high 70’s & 80’s (F). In the colder months temperatures can dip below freezing with occasional snow. It is often cooler, foggier, and rainier in the mountains than in the valleys below.
BEST TIME TO DRIVE THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
The most popular times to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway are during the months of July and August, on weekends, and at peak foliage. At these times, traffic can get heavy (bumper to bumper). Also, be aware, during the colder months the parkway may close due to inclement weather.
We think the best time to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway is in the months of May, June, and September when the weather is pleasant, but crowds are not at peak level.
NORTH CAROLINA TOURS & EXCURSIONS
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY MAP
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY ROAD TRIP DETAILS
Fees: It is free to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Operating Hours: The parkway is open 7 days a week; 24 hours a day. During the winter some sections of the parkway may close in bad weather. In the winter months visitor centers, campgrounds, and attractions may have shortened hours and/or close.
Speed Limit: The speed limit along the parkway is 45 mph (72km/h). The parkway has many overlooks with traffic pulling in and out, wildlife crossings, and winding curves. Drive slowly.
Navigation: Miles along the parkway are marked with stone posts, called mile posts. Outlooks, attractions, hiking trails, and services are found using the mile marker system.
Cell Service: Cell service is spotty. Download maps to use off line, or pick up paper maps at a Visitor Center.
Duration of Drive: Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway from end to end without stopping would take around 11 hours. Most visitors drive the parkway over a 2-4 day period.
Restrooms and Services: Look for restrooms and small gift shops at the 8 visitor centers along the route.
Gas: There are no gas stations along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Picnic Grounds: Picnic grounds are located at many popular stops along the parkway.
FIND A BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY VISITOR CENTER
Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Centers hum with activity. Speak with a ranger and find maps, park guides, exhibits, and information on events at these centers. All visitor centers have rest rooms. Some have gift shops and cafes.
Virginia Visitor Centers: Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, James River, and Humpback Rocks Visitor Center
North Carolina Visitor Centers: Waterrock Know Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, Craggy gardens Visitor Center, Museum of North Carolina Minerals, Linville Falls Visitor Center, and Moses Cone Manor House
VIRGINIA TOURS & EXCURSIONS
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY OVERLOOKS
There are over 270 scenic overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway. These parking areas are designed to allow motorists to pull off of the highway and enjoy the view, to picnic, and connect with hiking trails.
There are many beautiful overlooks along the route; a few of our favorites are: Humpback Gap (Milepost 6), Chimney Rock Mountain Overlook (Milepost 44.9), Linn Cove Viaduct (Milepost 304), Craggy Pinnacle (Milepost 364) Cowee Mountain Overlook (Milepost 430.7), Richland Balsom Overlook (Milepost 431.4).
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY STOPS
There are so many worthwhile Blue Ridge Parkway stops to make along the 469-mile route. Here we have highlighted a number of stops that will give you a good overall sense of what the parkway has to offer. The stops include outdoor wonders, heritage sites, and other points of interest.
Humpback Rocks Visitor Center (Milepost 5.8) Historic cabins, picnic grounds, and hiking trails
James River Visitor Center (Milepost 63.6) Pedestrian bridge across the river, picnic grounds
Peaks of Otter Visitor Center (Milepost 85.6) Hiking trails around a lake, restaurants, gift shop, & lodge
Rocky Knob Visitor Center (Milepost 169) Scenic vistas, picnic grounds, and hiking trails
Mabry Mill Cultural Center (Milepost 176.2) Picturesque old mill with cultural demos, music, hiking, & shops
Brinegar Cabin (Milepost 238.5) Historic log home and cultural demonstrations
Moses Cone Manor House (Milepost 294) Tour a neocolonial manor home and grounds
Linn Cove Visitor Center (Milepost 304.4) “S” shaped famous bridge on BRP (engineering wonder)
Grandfather State Park (Milepost 305) One of BRP highest mountains and Mile High Swinging Bridge
Craggy Gardens Visitor Center (Milepost 364.5) Windswept garden on mountain top and picnicking
Folk Art Center (Milepost 382.2) Museum and art from Southern Highland Craft Guild
Pisgah Inn & Restaurant (Milepost 408.8) Rustin mountain inn and restaurant at 5,000 feet
It’s time to put the chairs in the wagon, Laura and Randy
For more information on travel to the southern USA, read our Working Joe Travel blog posts on:
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