Blue Ridge Parkway
A 469-mile scenic drive through the Appalachian Highlands, offering unparalleled mountain vistas, hiking, and fall foliage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant fall foliage
Blue Ridge Parkway
Best Time
Vibrant fall foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 469-mile scenic drive through the Appalachian Highlands, offering unparalleled mountain vistas, hiking, and fall foliage.
"469 miles of the most stunning views of the Appalachian Mountain Range. What a dream come true! "
โฝ Fuel Up Before You Go
Gas stations are scarce on the Parkway. Fill your tank before you start your journey.
๐ฅพ Pack Hiking Essentials
Bring sturdy shoes, water, and snacks for the many overlooks and trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Linn Cove Viaduct
Milepost 304
An engineering marvel, this iconic, snake-like bridge offers breathtaking views of Grandfather Mountain.
Rough Ridge Overlook
Milepost 302.8
A short, rewarding hike leads to panoramic vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Perfect for sunrise or sunset.
Craggy Pinnacle
Milepost 364.1
A popular, relatively easy hike to a summit with 360-degree views, especially stunning during sunset.
Fryingpan Fire Tower
Milepost 409.6
Climb this historic tower for unparalleled 360-degree mountain views. A unique perspective!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for Parkway Closures
Embrace the Slow Pace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
โฝ Fuel Up Before You Go
Gas stations are scarce on the Parkway. Fill your tank before you start your journey.
๐ฅพ Pack Hiking Essentials
Bring sturdy shoes, water, and snacks for the many overlooks and trails.
๐ฑ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Download maps of the Parkway and surrounding areas beforehand.
๐ธ Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera! Sunrises and sunsets are particularly magical. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
โฝ Fuel Up Before You Go
Gas stations are scarce on the Parkway. Fill your tank before you start your journey.
๐ฅพ Pack Hiking Essentials
Bring sturdy shoes, water, and snacks for the many overlooks and trails.
๐ฑ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Download maps of the Parkway and surrounding areas beforehand.
๐ธ Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera! Sunrises and sunsets are particularly magical. +1
๐ Check Road Status
Always check the NPS website for closures due to weather or maintenance. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking scenic beauty and numerous overlooks of the Blue Ridge Parkway, calling it a 'dream come true' for road trips. The fall foliage is a major draw, with many highlighting the vibrant colors. However, some find the limited services and potential for closures due to weather to be inconvenient.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
๐ ๐บ๏ธ Getting There
The Blue Ridge Parkway can be accessed from numerous points off major highways like I-40, I-77, and US-52. Key access towns include Asheville, NC, and Roanoke, VA.
No, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a free scenic road managed by the National Park Service. There are no tolls to drive on the Parkway.
The Parkway is 469 miles long. Driving the entire length without significant stops can take 10-12 hours, but it's best enjoyed over several days.
For a shorter visit, consider accessing the Parkway near Asheville, NC, which offers access to popular spots like Craggy Gardens and Mount Mitchell.
No, there are very few services directly on the Parkway, including gas stations. It's crucial to fill up your tank before entering.
๐ซ ๐ซ Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a public scenic road.
The Parkway itself is generally open 24/7, but individual visitor centers and facilities have specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally. Always check the NPS website.
There are no entrance fees for the overlooks or most trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Access is free for all visitors.
Since the Parkway itself doesn't require tickets, this question likely refers to nearby attractions. For popular state parks or attractions near the Parkway, booking in advance, especially during peak season, is recommended.
As there are no tickets or fees to drive the Parkway, there are no refunds. It's important to check for closures before your trip.
๐ซ ๐ Onsite Experience
Iconic overlooks include Linn Cove Viaduct (Milepost 304), Rough Ridge (Milepost 302.8), and Craggy Pinnacle (Milepost 364.1). Many offer short walks to stunning views.
Short, rewarding hikes include the trails to Rough Ridge Overlook, Craggy Pinnacle, and Black Balsam Knob. The hike to a crashed airplane near Milepost 451 is also unique.
Services are limited. Some visitor centers have restrooms, and a few inns like Pisgah Inn offer dining. Pack plenty of your own food and water.
The speed limit is generally 45 mph, but often lower in sections. Drive cautiously and be aware of other vehicles and wildlife.
Yes, there are several campgrounds along the Parkway, but they are first-come, first-served and can fill up quickly. Reservations are not typically available.
๐ธ ๐ธ Photography Tips
Rough Ridge Overlook, Craggy Pinnacle, and Sam Knob are highly recommended for breathtaking sunrise and sunset shots.
Mid-October is generally peak season for fall colors, especially in the higher elevations. Check local foliage reports for the best timing.
The Linn Cove Viaduct offers a unique architectural subject, and the hike to a crashed airplane provides a historical and unusual photo op. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A tripod is essential for low-light sunrise/sunset shots.
Drone usage is restricted in National Parks. Check the specific NPS regulations for the Blue Ridge Parkway before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง Families with Kids
Visitor centers, like the Moses Cone Visitor Center (Milepost 294), often have educational exhibits and restrooms. The drive itself, with its numerous pull-offs, allows for frequent breaks. Make it an adventure by looking for wildlife or identifying different types of trees.
๐ Road Trippers
Remember to fill your gas tank before entering the Parkway, as stations are scarce. Download offline maps, as cell service is unreliable. Consider breaking up the drive by staying overnight in towns near the Parkway, such as Blowing Rock, NC, or Asheville, NC. This allows for more relaxed exploration and the chance to enjoy local amenities. Be prepared for slower speeds and frequent stops to soak in the views.
๐ธ Photographers
+2 Fall foliage season (mid-October) offers vibrant colors, while winter can provide dramatic, snow-dusted landscapes. +2Bring a variety of lenses, from wide-angle for sweeping vistas to telephoto for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is essential for low-light conditions. Be mindful of the weather, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. Drone photography is restricted, so check NPS guidelines.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Blue Ridge Parkway
Many visitors choose to drive sections of the Parkway, often focusing on specific regions like the areas around Asheville, NC, or Shenandoah National Park in VA. The Parkway is divided into sections, and closures can occur due to weather, especially snow and ice in winter, or after severe storms. Always check the official National Park Service (NPS) website for current road conditions before your trip to avoid unexpected detours.
Mileposts are crucial for navigation, running from 0 at the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to 469 at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. These markers help you locate specific overlooks, trailheads, and points of interest.
Chasing Fall Colors
+1To experience the best of the fall colors, aim for weekday visits if possible, as weekends can become very crowded. Early mornings offer a chance to see the foliage bathed in soft light and potentially avoid the largest crowds. Popular spots like Rough Ridge, Craggy Pinnacle, and the Linn Cove Viaduct are especially stunning during this season.
+2When planning your fall trip, be sure to check foliage reports from local tourism boards or the NPS. These reports can provide up-to-date information on where the colors are most vibrant. Remember that sections of the Parkway can close due to weather, so staying informed is essential for a successful fall color drive.
Hiking Adventures
For those seeking a bit more adventure, trails like the hike to Rough Ridge Overlook (Milepost 302.8) and Craggy Pinnacle (Milepost 364.1) are highly recommended. These trails are moderately easy and reward hikers with expansive mountain vistas.
+1 For a truly unique experience, consider the hike to a crashed airplane near Milepost 451, a poignant historical site. When hiking, always be prepared. Wear sturdy footwear, carry plenty of water, and be aware of changing weather conditions. Inform someone of your hiking plans, especially if venturing on longer or more remote trails. Popular trails can get busy, so starting early can offer a more peaceful experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit