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Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > National Parks > Blue Ridge Parkway |
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199 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
Phone: 828-298-0398 or 828-271-4779
Fax: 828-271-4118
Open All Year
Overview. The Blue Ridge Parkway rides the crest of the Blue Ridge and the Black Mountains for 469 miles, connecting Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. From milepost 0 atop Afton Mountain near Waynesboro, VA, to its end near Cherokee, NC, the parkway allows visitors a leisurely and scenic drive on one of the most beautiful roads in the nation. Overlooks around every corner provide views of valleys and rolling ridges.
Each season reveals new beauty along the route, from the blooming rhododendron, mountain laurel, dogwood, and numerous wildflowers in spring, to the lush greenery of summer. Autumn is one of the most popular seasons for the parkway, as the trees take on a myriad of fall colors. In winter, snow often blankets the mountains, and leafless trees open up new vistas along the route. Wildlife abounds, but the black bear and white-tailed deer that call the mountains home are best seen at dawn or dusk.
What to see and do. Just about any type of recreation a vacationer could imagine is available along the parkway or nearby in state parks or communities. The parkway preserves sites of both historic and scenic significance. Mountain farms and cabins, a century-old gristmill, old canal locks, and many examples of mountain trail-making and fence-building should keep the history buff occupied.
If you like to hike, you can have your pick of short scenic jaunts from overlooks and pull outs to long portions of the Appalachian Trail. Many areas along the parkway offer opportunities to fish. Swimming is not permitted within parkway boundaries, but plenty of nearby mountain lakes and streams will allow you to take a dip. There are picnic grounds and many individual picnic sites located at overlooks along the route.
The North Carolina Minerals Museum and the Folk Art Center near Asheville, NC are located on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Also of note is the spectacular Linn Cove Viaduct, which seems to hug Grandfather Mountain. Completed in 1987, the Presidential Award-winning bridge was constructed to complement and not disturb the natural environment.
Allow at least two days to drive the entire route. The maximum speed limit is 45 miles per hour, and the posted speed is even lower in congested areas. Commercial vehicles are prohibited. Campgrounds, lodges, restaurants, and service areas are located along the parkway, or are available in communities and parks nearby. Twelve visitor centers, five in Virginia and seven in North Carolina, provide general park information and specific exhibits about the history of the area along their portion of the route. From June to October, special programs and demonstrations of mountain history, crafts, and music are scheduled all along the parkway.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is open year-round, but most services and visitor facilities are closed in winter. Portions of the parkway may be temporarily closed by inclement winter weather. If you plan to visit call 828-298-0398 for general information.
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Bird Watching |
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Climbing |
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Cross-country Skiing |
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Fishing |
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Food Service |
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Geological Sites |
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Gift Shop |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Historic Sites |
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Museum/Exhibits |
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Non-motor Boating |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Self-guided Tours |
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Visitor Center |
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Wildflower Viewing |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
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