With 16.7 million visitors annually, the Blue Ridge Parkway is not just a road; it’s an experience that showcases the best of North Carolina’s natural landscapes. As the most visited unit in the National Park System, this 469-mile scenic highway offers breathtaking views, diverse recreational activities, and a tranquil journey through the Appalachian Highlands.
You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and camping in a setting that is free from commercial traffic and billboards, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a multi-day adventure, the parkway promises an unforgettable journey with its stunning overlooks, hidden waterfalls, and charming mountain towns.
Discovering America’s Favorite Drive
As you embark on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’re not just driving a road, you’re experiencing America’s scenic beauty. The parkway is a masterpiece of landscape architecture and engineering, conceived during the Great Depression as a jobs program and a scenic motor route.
The Parkway’s Rich History
Construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began in 1935 and took 52 years to complete, with the final section, the Linn Cove Viaduct, finished in 1987. This engineering marvel connected Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, creating a 469-mile scenic drive.
The Blue Ridge Parkway was designed for leisure, with a maximum speed limit of 45 mph, encouraging you to slow down and enjoy the journey. Along the way, you’ll discover numerous overlooks, picnic areas, and trailheads that showcase the region’s diverse ecosystems and natural beauty.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Length | 469 miles |
| Maximum Speed Limit | 45 mph |
| Connecting Parks | Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
The parkway follows the Appalachian Mountain chain, offering access to some of the oldest mountains in the world. Each section of the parkway has its own character, with the North Carolina portion featuring more dramatic mountain vistas.
Iconic Overlooks and Viewpoints
As you explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll discover a series of spectacular viewpoints that are sure to leave you in awe. The road winds through the Southern Appalachians, contouring around 5,000- and 6,000-foot peaks, including the 6,683-foot Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain east of the Mississippi.
Scenic Vistas in North Carolina
The North Carolina section of the Blue Ridge Parkway features dramatic overlooks with many viewpoints above 5,000 feet in elevation. At Craggy Gardens (Milepost 364), you’ll enjoy panoramic views and witness spectacular rhododendron blooms in June.
- Looking Glass Rock Overlook (Milepost 417) offers an iconic view of a 500-foot granite face.
- Waterrock Knob (Milepost 451.2) provides 360-degree views from its visitor center.
- Cowee Mountains Overlook (Milepost 430) is a prime sunset spot with layers of blue-hued mountains.
These scenic vistas make the Ridge Parkway a memorable drive. Be sure to stop at Mount Mitchell State Park (accessible from Milepost 355) to stand atop the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.
Must-See Waterfalls Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
With its rich natural beauty, the Blue Ridge Parkway is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the eastern United States. The parkway offers easy access to numerous waterfalls, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
Cascading Beauty in the Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Parkway is dotted with waterfalls that are worth stopping for. At Milepost 316.3, you’ll find Linville Falls, one of North Carolina’s most photographed waterfalls, where the Linville River plunges into the rugged Linville Gorge.
Other notable waterfalls include Crabtree Falls at Milepost 339.5, a 70-foot cascade accessible via a moderate 3-mile round trip hike. You can also visit Second Falls at Graveyard Fields (Milepost 418.8), which features a popular swimming hole during summer months.
Some waterfalls require a short detour, such as Looking Glass Falls, located 10 miles from the parkway at Milepost 412. Others, like Skinny Dip Falls, are accessible after a half-mile hike from the Looking Glass Rock Overlook at Milepost 417.
Top Hiking Trails for All Skill Levels
Whether you’re a casual walker or an experienced hiker, the Blue Ridge Parkway has a trail that’s perfect for you. The parkway offers hiking opportunities for every fitness level, from wheelchair-accessible nature trails to challenging multi-day treks through remote wilderness areas.
From Easy Strolls to Challenging Mountain Treks
The diverse range of trails includes easy walks, moderate hikes, and more challenging treks. For families and casual hikers, the Craggy Gardens Trail (Milepost 364) provides a moderate 1.4-mile round trip walk through a rhododendron garden to a sheltered mountaintop picnic area with spectacular views.
More adventurous hikers can tackle the challenging Tanawha Trail (Milepost 304), which runs 13.5 miles along Grandfather Mountain with technical sections requiring rock scrambling and offering incredible vistas of the Linn Cove Viaduct. The Black Mountain Crest Trail (accessible from Milepost 355.4) allows experienced hikers to traverse multiple 6,000-foot peaks in a single day, including Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi.
- The Blue Ridge Parkway offers hiking opportunities for every fitness level.
- Craggy Gardens Trail provides a moderate 1.4-mile round trip walk.
- Tanawha Trail runs 13.5 miles along Grandfather Mountain.
- Black Mountain Crest Trail allows hikers to traverse multiple 6,000-foot peaks.
- Graveyard Fields offers a popular 3-mile loop trail through a high-elevation valley.
Historic and Cultural Attractions
As you drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll discover a rich cultural heritage preserved in numerous historic sites and cultural attractions. The parkway is dotted with landmarks that showcase the region’s history, music, and crafts.
Appalachian Heritage
The Folk Art Center at Milepost 382 is a must-visit, featuring traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians. You can also experience the region’s musical traditions at the Blue Ridge Music Center at Milepost 213.
| Attraction | Milepost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Folk Art Center | 382 | Showcases traditional and contemporary crafts |
| Blue Ridge Music Center | 213 | Preserves and promotes the region’s musical heritage |
| Mabry Mill | 176 | Restored gristmill, sawmill, and blacksmith shop |
These attractions offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage, making your journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway a memorable experience.
Best Gateway Towns to Explore
Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway means encountering a variety of gateway towns, each with its own unique character. These towns offer a range of experiences, from vibrant cultural scenes to historic landmarks and natural attractions.
Charming Communities Near the Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway connects to numerous charming mountain towns that serve as perfect bases for exploring the scenic route. Asheville, North Carolina, is perhaps the most famous gateway city, known for its thriving arts scene and award-winning culinary landscape.
Other notable towns include Blowing Rock, nestled between Mileposts 291 and 294, which offers upscale shopping and dining along its charming Main Street. You’ll also find Boone, home to Appalachian State University, providing a youthful energy along with outdoor adventure opportunities.
Where to Stay Along the Parkway
From cozy bed and breakfasts to scenic campgrounds, the Blue Ridge Parkway region is dotted with diverse accommodations. Whether you’re looking for a rustic experience or luxury amenities, you’ll find a range of options to suit your needs.
Lodging Options from Rustic to Refined
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers diverse accommodation options directly on the route as well as in nearby communities. You can choose from rustic campgrounds to luxury mountain resorts. The Pisgah Inn (Milepost 408) is the only lodging facility directly on the parkway in North Carolina, perched at 5,000 feet with spectacular views from its rooms and restaurant.
For a more rustic experience, backcountry camping is permitted in designated areas of Pisgah National Forest adjacent to the parkway, though a free permit is required. Just off the parkway, you’ll find numerous bed and breakfasts in historic homes, like the Sourwood Inn near Asheville or the Gideon Ridge Inn in Blowing Rock, offering personalized service and gourmet breakfasts.
- The Blue Ridge Parkway offers diverse accommodation options directly on the route as well as in nearby communities, ranging from rustic campgrounds to luxury mountain resorts.
- The Pisgah Inn (Milepost 408) is the only lodging facility directly on the parkway in North Carolina, perched at 5,000 feet with spectacular views from its rooms and restaurant, making reservations essential up to six months in advance.
- Eight developed campgrounds are spaced along the parkway, including popular options like Mount Pisgah Campground (Milepost 408), Julian Price Park Campground (Milepost 297), and Linville Falls Campground (Milepost 316).
- For a more rustic experience, backcountry camping is permitted in designated areas of Pisgah National Forest adjacent to the parkway, though a free permit is required.
- Just off the parkway, you’ll find numerous bed and breakfasts in historic homes, like the Sourwood Inn near Asheville or the Gideon Ridge Inn in Blowing Rock, offering personalized service and gourmet breakfasts.
- Cabin rentals provide privacy and often spectacular views, with options ranging from rustic one-room structures to luxury multi-bedroom homes with hot tubs and gourmet kitchens.
- For those seeking full-service accommodations, resort options like the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville or the Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock offer amenities including spas, golf courses, and fine dining just a short drive from the parkway.
With so many options available, you can choose the perfect place to stay that fits your travel style and enhances your Blue Ridge Parkway experience.
Best Scenic Drives and Road Cycling Routes
Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway on two or four wheels offers an unforgettable experience. The parkway itself is the ultimate scenic drive, but several connecting routes and sections offer particularly spectacular experiences for both motorists and cyclists.
Scenic Highlights
Some of the most notable sections include the stretch from Asheville to Mount Mitchell, which takes you from the French Broad River valley up to the highest peak in the eastern United States. For road cyclists, the challenging ride from Craggy Gardens to Mount Mitchell involves climbing over 3,500 feet in elevation over 28 miles round-trip.
| Section | Mileposts | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Asheville to Mount Mitchell | 382-355 | Dramatic elevation changes and panoramic vistas |
| Craggy Gardens to Mount Mitchell | 364 | Spectacular mountain views |
| Pisgah Inn to Black Balsam | 408 | High-elevation romp with stunning views |
Planning Your Perfect Blue Ridge Parkway Adventure
To make the most of your Blue Ridge Parkway adventure, timing is everything. The parkway is beautiful year-round, with each season offering a unique experience.
Check the National Park Service website for seasonal closures. The Great Smoky Mountains area is stunning during fall foliage. Download offline maps due to spotty cell phone coverage. Enjoy your journey on this iconic route, exploring visitor centers and stopping at notable parkway milepost markers along the way.
