The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic road that travels 469 miles through the states of North Carolina and Virginia. The speed limit is 45 mph, and the route is known for its microclimates, wildlife, and stunning views. The drive time is at least 12 hours without stops, but it is recommended to spend 3-7 days exploring the area. The best time to visit is late spring to mid-fall, especially in May and June when wildflowers are in bloom, and in mid-September to mid-October when the fall foliage is at its peak.
The route begins just southeast of Waynesboro, Virginia, and ends at the banks of the Oconaluftee River, five miles north of Cherokee in North Carolina. Along the way, there are hundreds of viewpoints and trails, as well as small towns, tunnels, overlooks, campgrounds, and historic sites. Asheville, North Carolina, and Roanoke, Virginia, are two attractive midsize cities along the route.
Day 1: Arrive in Charlottesville, Virginia, and explore Thomas Jefferson's Monticello or the University of Virginia grounds.
Day 2: Drive from Charlottesville to Floyd, Virginia, stopping at the Appalachian Trail (Milepost 6) or the Tye River access point (Milepost 28.9) for anglers. Visit Layne's Country Store in Glasgow (Milepost 61.4) for a Virginia ham sandwich and local produce, and then head to Natural Bridge, a tall limestone arch. Spend the afternoon in Roanoke and have supper at the River and Rail Restaurant. On Friday nights, drive to the Floyd Country Store for live bluegrass music and dancing.
Day 3: In the morning, visit Mabry Mill (Milepost 176), a restored 1905 millhouse, and have breakfast at the on-site restaurant. Then, check into Primland, a luxury mountain resort offering tree-climbing, sporting clays, archery, and stargazing.
Day 4: Head to Milepost 213 near Galax to visit the Blue Ridge Music Center, a museum dedicated to mountain music. Stop by Meadow Creek, a small dairy in the area, to purchase organic cheese at Chapters Bookshop & Wine Cellar in Galax. Drive to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, and visit Moses Cone Manor (Milepost 294.1), a grand colonial revival mansion with a craft center and gallery. Stay at the Blowing Rock Brewing Company Ale House & Inn for the night.
Day 5: Hike Grandfather Mountain near Blowing Rock, and cross the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Have lunch at Old Hampton Store & Barbecue in Linville, and then drive to Linville Falls (Milepost 316.4) to see the twin waterfalls. Hike the Craggy Pinnacle Trail at Craggy Gardens (Milepost 364) for 360-degree views of the mountains and valleys. End your trip in Asheville, North Carolina, and explore the city's culinary and craft beer scene, art galleries, and the Biltmore Estate. Stay at the Foundry Hotel or Grand Bohemian Asheville.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Length | 469 miles |
Speed Limit | 45 mph |
Time to Drive | 10-15 hours without stops |
Time to Explore | 3-7 days |
Visitor Centers | 15 (6 in Virginia, 9 in North Carolina) |
Campgrounds | 8 official campgrounds |
Overlooks | 200 (68 in Virginia, 132 in North Carolina) |
What You'll Learn
- The Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles long and takes 12-15 hours to drive without stopping
- The speed limit is 45 mph and it's recommended to take 3-7 days to explore it
- The parkway is the most visited single unit in the US National Parks System
- The route passes through Asheville, Blowing Rock and Roanoke
- The parkway is known for its microclimates, with temperatures varying by up to 30 degrees in a few minutes
The Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles long and takes 12-15 hours to drive without stopping
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic route that winds through the states of North Carolina and Virginia. It is a popular road trip destination, offering fabulous views, small towns, tunnels, overlooks, campgrounds, cabins, restaurants, waterfalls, mountains, lakes, and rivers. The speed limit on the parkway is typically 45 miles per hour, and it is designed for leisurely driving and enjoying the surrounding grandeur.
The Blue Ridge Parkway takes approximately 12 to 15 hours to drive without stopping. However, it is worth noting that this is a very scenic route with numerous attractions along the way. To truly experience the parkway and explore its offerings, it is recommended to spend at least two to three days driving and exploring. This allows for a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to visit some of the popular landmarks and attractions.
The parkway passes through Asheville, Blowing Rock, and Roanoke, offering various landmarks and scenic viewpoints. Some notable stops along the way include Grandfather Mountain, Linn Cove Viaduct, Otter Lake Overlook, and Mabry Mill. The parkway also offers hundreds of trails for hiking enthusiasts, ranging from easy to strenuous hikes.
When planning a trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway, it is important to consider the time of year. Late spring through mid-fall is considered the best time to visit, as it offers wildflowers, rhododendrons in bloom, and fall foliage. The temperatures along the parkway tend to be cooler than the lower elevations, providing a pleasant escape from summer heat. However, winter snow and icy conditions may cause sections of the parkway to close, and facilities may be limited during this season.
Additionally, it is important to allow for extra time when driving due to potential slow traffic, especially during busy periods and weekends. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a popular destination, and traffic can add a significant amount of time to the overall drive. It is also worth noting that the parkway is prone to fog and wild animal crossings, so it is best to drive during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the views.
In conclusion, while it is possible to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in a single long day, it is highly recommended to allocate at least two to three days for the trip. This allows for a more enjoyable and relaxed experience, with time to explore the diverse attractions and natural wonders along the way.
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The speed limit is 45 mph and it's recommended to take 3-7 days to explore it
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic road that travels through the states of North Carolina and Virginia. The speed limit is 45 mph, and it is recommended to take 3 to 7 days to explore it. The parkway passes through the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains. The route begins just southeast of Waynesboro, Virginia, and ends at the banks of the Oconaluftee River, five miles north of Cherokee in North Carolina.
The parkway offers fabulous views and includes small towns, tunnels, overlooks, campgrounds, cabins, bed-and-breakfasts, hotels, restaurants, visitor centers, parking areas, picnic areas, wineries, hiking trails, waterfalls, mountains, lakes, and rivers. The speed limit is 45 mph, and the parkway was designed for leisurely motoring, so it is best to take your time and enjoy the scenery.
One option for exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway is to take a multi-day drive. This will allow you to cover more ground and see more of the parkway's attractions. A 3-day itinerary can cover the entire parkway, but it will be a rushed trip. A more relaxed itinerary would be a 5-day trip, which would allow for more time to explore the attractions and enjoy the scenery. A 7-day trip would provide even more time to explore and would be ideal for those who want to take a leisurely pace.
Another option for exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway is to take a day trip to a favorite area. This option is good for those who want to take their time and fully experience a particular area of the parkway. Some popular areas to explore include the Ridge (MP 0 to 106), Plateau (MP 106 to 217), Highlands (MP 217 to 340), and Pisgah (MP 340 to 469).
The Blue Ridge Parkway has something to offer for everyone, from those who want to take a leisurely drive and enjoy the scenery to those who want to hike and explore the many trails and attractions. The speed limit of 45 mph allows visitors to take their time and soak in the natural beauty of the area. So, whether you have 3 days or 7 days to explore, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-see destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
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The parkway is the most visited single unit in the US National Parks System
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic road that travels through the states of North Carolina and Virginia. It is the most visited single unit in the US National Parks System, with 15.7 million visits in 2022. The parkway is a slow-paced and relaxing drive, showcasing the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, a physiographic province of the Appalachian Highlands. The speed limit is 45 miles per hour, and the parkway is designed for leisurely motoring, so visitors can take their time and enjoy the grandeur of the region.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is the longest linear park in the US and has been the most visited unit of the National Park System almost every year since 1946. The land on either side of the road is owned and maintained by the National Park Service, and there is no fee for using the parkway. The roadway is not maintained in the winter, and sections that pass over high elevations and tunnels are often closed during this time. The parkway runs through 29 counties, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a diverse range of attractions, including small towns, tunnels, overlooks, campgrounds, cabins, hotels, restaurants, visitor centres, parking areas, picnic areas, wineries, hiking trails, waterfalls, mountains, lakes, and rivers. It is an undivided two-lane expressway for most of its route, with frequent pull-offs, rest areas, and scenic overlooks. Major towns and cities along the way include Waynesboro, Roanoke, and Galax in Virginia, and Boone and Asheville in North Carolina.
Driving straight through the Blue Ridge Parkway without stopping would take about 10 to 12 hours, but 3 to 7 days are needed to explore it properly. A 5-day road trip allows for a thorough exploration of the parkway, with a different area to visit each day. Day 1 could be spent in Blowing Rock, a scenic small town offering a rock formation called The Blowing Rock, an art and history museum, and the Tweetsie Railroad Theme Park. Day 2 could be dedicated to Grandfather Mountain, an International Biosphere Reserve, and the Linn Cove Viaduct, a concrete bridge snaking around Grandfather Mountain. On Day 3, one could explore Asheville, including the Folk Art Center and Craggy Gardens, before heading to Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak on the East Coast. Day 4 could involve a trip to Virginia, with stops at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Puckett Cabin, and Mabry Mill, before ending the day in Roanoke. The final day could include a visit to Peaks of Otter, Natural Bridge, and the town of Glasgow, before reaching the northern terminus of the parkway.
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The route passes through Asheville, Blowing Rock and Roanoke
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile route that weaves through the Blue Ridge Mountains, a physiographic province of the Appalachian Highlands range. The route takes travellers through small towns, tunnels, overlooks, campgrounds, cabins, and historic sites. The speed limit is typically 45 miles per hour, and the parkway was designed for leisurely motoring, so it's best to take your time and enjoy the scenery.
The route passes through Asheville, Blowing Rock, and Roanoke, offering fabulous views and plenty of opportunities for exploration. Here's a more detailed look at each location:
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a vibrant city located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It serves as a convenient entry point to the Blue Ridge Parkway, with several access points to the parkway nearby. The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville is a great resource for visitors, providing exhibits, information, maps, and gifts. Asheville is also known for its laid-back vibe and craft beer scene. The historic Biltmore Estate is a popular attraction, showcasing America's largest private residence.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Blowing Rock is a scenic small town located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is named after an unusual rock formation, The Blowing Rock, which juts out over 1,500 feet above the Johns River Gorge. The town offers sweeping panoramic views from its scenic overlook and observation tower. Blowing Rock is also home to the Art & History Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of the Appalachians. The town has a population of 1,500, which swells to 10,000 during the summer tourist season.
Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke is the main city along the Blue Ridge Parkway, located at Milepost 120. It has a population of 300,000 and is known for its charming mountain setting. One of its notable features is the Mill Mountain Star, the world's largest freestanding illuminated man-made star, which shines over the city. Roanoke offers easy access to the parkway, with an entrance located about five miles from the city centre. The Roanoke Mountain scenic loop is a popular attraction, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding valley.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a popular destination, known as "America's Favourite Drive". It offers breathtaking scenery, including mountain ridges, valleys, forests, meadows, and vibrant fall foliage. The parkway is also home to diverse wildlife, including deer, black bears, elk, wild turkeys, and various bird species. With so much to see and explore, travellers typically take three to seven days to fully experience the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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The parkway is known for its microclimates, with temperatures varying by up to 30 degrees in a few minutes
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile route that takes at least 12 hours to drive non-stop. It is known for its diverse landscapes, from mountain ranges to valleys, and its microclimates. The unique topography of the mountains creates a large number of microclimates, resulting in varying temperatures and weather conditions.
The climate on the parkway can change drastically over a short distance due to differences in elevation and topography. This can result in temperature variations of up to 30 degrees in a matter of minutes. Summer temperatures can reach the 90s, while winter sees extended periods of snow and single-digit temperatures. The lower elevations can experience temperatures in the low 90s, while the higher elevations are typically in the 70s, and the highest elevations remain cool even in summer due to misty conditions.
The weather conditions on the parkway are also extreme and fast-changing. Rain and fog occur throughout the year, and rainfall is constant in the summer, with daily thunderstorms. Fog can vary from a wispy mist to a thick, heavy haze that makes the higher peaks appear like islands in a sea of clouds.
The Blue Ridge Parkway passes through temperate rainforests, so summer is characterised by constant rain and thunderstorms. The higher elevations, such as Grandfather Mountain, showcase this variation, with black bears and eagles often sighted in these areas.
The parkway is also known for its small towns, tunnels, overlooks, waterfalls, lakes, and rivers. It offers hiking trails, camping grounds, and various attractions, making it the most visited single unit in the US National Parks System. The speed limit is typically 45 miles per hour, and it is recommended to take your time and enjoy the scenery.
To experience the parkway, it is suggested to plan for three to seven days. This allows for exploration and enjoying the various attractions along the route.
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Frequently asked questions
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile route that can be driven in a day, but it is not recommended. To truly experience the route, it is best to take at least 2-3 days to explore the many overlooks, trails, and historic structures along the way. Some travellers suggest 5 days is the ideal amount of time to fully experience the route.
What is the best time of year to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Where should I start and end my trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway?
What are some highlights and things to do along the Blue Ridge Parkway?