Blue Ridge Parkway: How to visit and what you can do
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic route that runs 469 miles through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties. The journey starts in Waynesboro, Va., and ends in Cherokee, NC, connecting two national parks: The Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The parkway is divided into four regions: Ridge, Plateau, Highlands and Pisgah. The Ridge and Plateau regions are located in Virginia, and Highlands and Pisgah regions are in North Carolina.
How far is it from the Triangle?
The fastest route from the Triangle drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway takes you north west, to Afton, Va., It is about 2 hours and 45 minutes along Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 421.
The cities of Asheville and Boone in western North Carolina, offer access to the parkway and plenty of ways to spend a day, a weekend or longer.
Boone is about a three-hour drive from Raleigh, while the drive to Asheville takes almost four hours.
What’s the best thing to see in fall, winter, spring, summer?
During the winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to the Blue Ridge Parkway area for some of the most popular peaks east of the Mississippi.
Fall is arguably the best time to visit the parkway. By mid-October, fall foliage is ablaze in oranges, yellows and reds. The parkway's peaks and valleys offer scenic views of the vibrant plant life and creatures native to the area.
Summer is the ideal time to go on a journey with unlimited attractions and activities across North Carolina and Virginia. The best thing to do during the hot summer months is to check out the many waterfalls and swimming holes along the parkway. Sliding Rock, located in Brevard, NC, is one of the most popular spots along with the Sunburst swimming hole and Secret Falls. Hiking, rafting and fishing are some of the other activities offered along the parkway. There is no lack of entertainment during the summer months.
As spring flowers start to bloom, they pop up along the parkway. Most of the flowers reach peak bloom between April and early July. Some are common along the trails and roads while others appear in open fields and forests. This would also be a great time to check out the mining sites along the parkway like Gem Mountain, located in Spurce Pine, NC. There are many caverns along the way perfect for those who enjoy science and exploring NC's natural formations.
What are some places to stop for photos? What are some accessible trails?
The Blue Ridge Parkway highlights some must-see attractions like Linville Gorge, the deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon, and some of the highest waterfalls in the eastern U.S. Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain have some of the best views year-round and are definitely a perfect place for photos.
The parkway offers a wide range of attractions and trails for all ages and mobility levels. There are many paved trails and attractions like waterfalls throughout the parkway that are accessible for people in wheelchairs or have limited mobility. Most of the facilities and picnic areas are wheelchair accessible. The Blue Ridge Parkway website offers a list of many trails that are wheelchair accessible.
What towns are along the way for an overnight?
While Asheville and Boone, NC, and Roanoke, Va., are the largest of the parkway towns, there are plenty of places to rest your head, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury. The website includes an interactive parkway map that gives you the option to filter for lodging along the parkway.
Some notable tourist towns that have many options for lodging include:
- Roanoke, VA
- Asheville, NC
- Boone, NC
- Blowing Rock, NC
- Lynchburg, VA
- Cherokee, NC
What are some recommended restaurants, breweries, wineries?
Be sure to stop for local food and drink as you make your way along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The mountainous region is known for wine and cider, and farm-to-table restaurant options allow you to taste what is in season.
Ridge Region (Milepost 0 to 106)
- 12 Ridges Tasting Room and Vineyard
- Blue Ridge Bucha
- Devine Cafe and Wine Shop
- Olde Liberty Station Restaurant
- Stable Craft Brewing and Cidery
Plateau Region (Milepost 106 to 217)
- Cocoa Mia of Floyd
- Dogtown Roadhouse
- Mabry Mill Restaurant
- Red Rooster Coffee
- Villa Appalaccia Winery
Highlands Region (Milepost 217 to 340)
- Gamekeeper Restaurant
- Grandfather Vineyard & Winery
- Linville Falls Winery
- Lost Province Brewing Company
- Old North State Winery
- Peppers Restaurant
- Shelton Vineyard & Harvest Grill
- Switzerland Cafe
- The Pedalin’ Pig
- Thistle Meadow Winery
- Williamson Mead and Brewing
Pisgah Region (Milepost 340 to 469)
- Biltmore Estate
- Pisgah View Ranch
- The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant
