Elevated within the Appalachian region between Virginia and North Carolina, a gently bending road appears to remain in the past. There are scarcely any eateries, shops, large signs, or even residences along this path. Sparse hints of human presence include rustic stone milestone markers and plain signs indicating upcoming trails and viewpoints.
This is the Blue Ridge Parkway, a thoroughfare that serves purely for the joy of journeying through some of the East Coast’s most breathtaking mountainous scenery. Spanning 469 miles from one end to the other, it’s a splendidly wandering getaway from the frenzy of usual American highways.
In my youth among the hills of Amherst County, Virginia, the Parkway was virtually at my doorstep. It’s the location where my family would enjoy lazy Sunday excursions, picnics beside mountain streams during summer, and views of the fall foliage. Memories from my childhood encompass hiking near waterfalls, bear encounters within the woods, and clambering to the peaks of some of the highest elevations in the Appalachian Mountains. Even after worldwide travels, I still deem the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the world’s most splendid locales.
Strictly speaking, it’s possible to traverse the entire Parkway in one day, yet one could spend several weeks discovering the woods adjacent to the road. Many entry and exit points are accessible along the Parkway, allowing your journey to be as extensive or brief as desired. Here, we will explain how to navigate the entire Parkway in five days, though you can easily select a preferred stretch and concentrate solely on it.
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Duration of trip: The Blue Ridge Parkway extends 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting Shenandoah National Park with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Under favorable conditions, you could complete the journey non-stop in about 10 hours, but the essence of this trip is taking your time, so reserve at least a weekend for exploration.
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Ideal time to visit: The views of the Appalachian Mountains from the Parkway are captivating regardless of the season, but they are especially breathtaking during the autumn months when the foliage is at its peak. This is also the Parkway’s busiest period, thus you should anticipate more traffic, particularly on weekends. For winter visits, verify road conditions ahead of time due to potential snow and ice at increased elevations.
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Start and finish locations: The northern starting point of the Parkway is located at Rockfish Gap near Waynesboro, Virginia. It concludes in Cherokee, North Carolina. Numerous access points along the route are conveniently positioned near major highways.
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Useful information: The speed restriction on the Parkway does not surpass 45 mph and can further decrease to accommodate sharply curving bends and steep inclines. Plan to cover approximately 30 miles per hour excluding pauses. Be vigilant for fauna, cyclists, and rockfalls. For those inexperienced in mountain driving, be ready for steep slopes, narrow shoulders, and constrained sightlines. Above all, maintain focus on the road while driving and wait for overlooks to savor the scenery.
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Essentials to bring: If you are planning to enjoy the various hiking trails alongside the Parkway, ensure to wear suitable footwear and attire. The mountain climate often stays cooler than lower elevations, so pack in layers. Phone reception may be unreliable in more isolated sections, so carrying a paper map and having a basic route understanding is advisable. Begin with a full gas tank, snacks, and water, enabling you to remain on the Parkway until you are ready to exit.
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Advice for electric vehicle users: Drivers of electric vehicles will require additional planning to maintain charged vehicles. Charging stations are rarely found on the Parkway, so take note of their availability in adjacent towns. Dependence on cell service or GPS for immediate information is unwise, given its erratic nature in mountainous areas. The Parkway service offers a list of nearby electric vehicle charging stations here.
Day 1: Crozet / The Ridge Region
Vibes: Amicable small-town settings merging with expansive mountain landscapes.
Do: Crozet, situated near the Blue Ridge Parkway’s northern entrance, serves as a perfect kick-off for your adventure, offering locations to gas up and stock up on essentials before proceeding. It is approximately 10 minutes away from the Parkway and also lies between Charlottesville and Waynesboro. For a distinct hiking experience at the beginning, the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail is a 4273-ft-long passage under Afton Mountain.
Eat: Begin your day early, but not without a lavender latte and breakfast bagel from Mudhouse in downtown Crozet to energize for the drive. Consider Crozet Pizza for nighttime dining before departure, which boasts of being titled “best in the world” by National Geographic.
Stay: This picturesque region is mostly home to small inns and Airbnbs, yet a short drive into Charlottesville, Waynesboro, or Staunton will present more conventional hotels. Consider staying at the cozy Inn at Stinson Vineyards, offering a bed-and-breakfast atmosphere with striking vineyard views.
Additionally close by, the Afton Mountain Inn offers an intimate lodging experience within a farmhouse from the 19th century, featuring five rooms, a swimming pool, and a hot tub—all only minutes away from the Parkway.
The journey (120 miles, 3.5 hours): Once you enter the Parkway at Rockfish Gap, the initial portion of your trip will be centered on the Ridge Region, extending from this point to Roanoke. Just over five miles into the drive, pause at the Humpback Rocks visitor center and wander around the mountain farm, which provides a glimpse into Appalachian life during the 1890s. Here, you’ll find three distinct hiking paths, with difficulty ranging from easy to challenging.
Continue your drive, taking breaks at any lookout points or paths that catch your interest—Greenstone Overlook (milepost 8), Yankee Horse Ridge (milepost 34), and Thunder Ridge (milepost 74) make for simple, yet rewarding visits. Upon reaching milepost 89, stop for a meal at the Peaks of Otter. At the Peaks of Otter Lodge, you can dine with views of Sharp Top Mountain, and either take a shuttle or tackle a demanding hike to almost reach the summit and appreciate vast views of the vicinity. Spend the afternoon immersing in the Peaks of Otter area—Johnson Farm, the Fallingwater Cascades Trail and Harkening Hill all offer excellent hiking experiences. Then, continue heading south in the direction of Roanoke (milepost 120).
Day 2: Roanoke / The Plateau Region
Atmosphere: An energetic mountain town, sloping fields, and Appalachian traditions.
Activities: Downtown Roanoke stands as one of the largest cities adjacent to the Parkway, merely a brief drive from numerous access routes. Its lively historic quarter possesses all the distinctive features of an attractive mid-sized Southern city: breweries, public art displays, museums, and stylish specialty shops. Delight in a stroll through the walkable downtown before preparing for a day of discovering the Parkway’s Plateau Region.
Dine: To experience Southern fare directly sourced from the Roanoke and New River Valleys, dine at River & Rail Restaurant. Before setting off the following morning, visit Bread Craft Bakery for a breakfast sandwich and/or sticky buns. Crystal Spring Grocery Co. offers a good array of ready-to-eat sandwiches, salads, and other snacks perfect for taking along on the journey.
Accommodations: Roanoke provides a typical assortment of lodging options, including budget-friendly chain hotels. For something with a unique flair, consider The Liberty Trust, a posh boutique establishment inside a renovated old bank building. The Tudor-style Hotel Roanoke offers another historic venue, although it is considerably more grand and part of the Historic Hotels of America. Both hotels are conveniently located in the urban center.
The journey (79 miles, 2.5 hours): Today, you will traverse the Plateau Region of the Parkway, extending from Roanoke to Galax, close to the Virginia-North Carolina boundary. Begin by entering the Parkway at milepost 120 and steering onto Mill Mountain Spur Road, where you can view the largest artificial free-standing star globally and admire views of the city beneath. Next, proceed south, pausing at Cahas Knob (milepost 139) and Devil’s Backbone (milepost 143) for even more stunning vistas.
Upon reaching milepost 176, pause at Mabry Mill and the Rocky Knob Visitor Center to relish your packed lunch before examining historical displays around the gristmill, sawmill, and blacksmith workshop. Continue traveling to the Blue Ridge Music Center (milepost 213), a venue for performing arts built to uphold and maintain the historic music native to the area. The exhibitions deeply explore American roots music, and often, local musicians will be playing here. Exit at milepost 199, concluding the day in Carroll County, an area celebrated for mountain views and bluegrass melodies.
Day 3: Galax / The Highlands Region
Atmosphere: Mountain tunes, quaint towns
Do: The heritage music route of Virginia, called the Crooked Road, traverses this locale – a must-visit for aficionados of bluegrass and American roots tunes. Galax boasts a quaint downtown featuring antique boutiques and eateries.
Eat: At Creek Bottom Brews in Galax, you’ll find local brews, brick-oven pizzas, and wings. Briar Patch Marketplace & Cafe combines a café with an antique emporium downtown. The Gap Deli is ideally placed for grabbing coffee, pastries, and sandwiches before you journey onward.
Stay: In Galax, Hillsville, and Fancy Gap, there are several budget-friendly chain hotels available, such as Hampton Inn and Comfort Inn. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the authentic mountain vibe by reserving a woodland cabin through Fiddler’s Roost or New River Trail Cabins.
The drive (94 miles, 3 hours): Prepare for a climb in altitude as you move into North Carolina, reaching the Parkway’s breathtaking Highlands Region. Start at the Fancy Gap entrance at milepost 199, heading south toward Cumberland Knob (milepost 217). Construction of the Parkway commenced here in 1935 under the New Deal initiative aimed at revitalizing the workforce post the Great Depression.
Characterized by open meadows and rolling landscapes, Doughton Park (mileposts 238-244) is ideal for observing wildlife such as deer, foxes, and raccoons. Historical exhibits can be viewed at Brinegar Cabin, and one can explore an ancient homestead and trek over 30 miles of trails in this vicinity. Close by, the Northwest Trading Post (milepost 258) is a prime stop for mementos and refreshments. Enjoy a picnic at E.B. Jeffress Park (milepost 272), followed by a brief hike to witness the Cascades waterfalls.
Proceed onward into the Grandfather Mountain corridor, pausing at Moses Cone Memorial Park, which is home to the Parkway Craft Center and a vast array of trails. Conclude your day in the Blowing Rock village (milepost 293).
Day 4: Blowing Rock / The Highlands and Pisgah Regions
Vibes: Elevated peaks, tunnels, and a picturesque gorge.
Do: Wander Blowing Rock’s storybook-like downtown, said to inspire the bestseller series by author Jan Karon. The charming Main Street area offers a plethora of boutiques, antique stores, and cafes. Edgewood Cottage exhibits local High Country artistry, while the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum offers in-depth insight into the region. Just minutes from downtown, you can visit the Blowing Rock, a stunning rock outcrop providing breathtaking vistas.
Eat: At the Brookside of Blowing Rock’s town center, the Speckled Trout delves into Appalachian culinary traditions. For your morning brew and pastries, Bald Guy Brew and Camp Coffee Roasters are commendable options. Stock up on travel munchies and picnic essentials at Blowing Rock Market.
Stay: If luxury is what you seek, Chetola Resort offers an elegant mountain lodge experience, while Gideon Ridge Inn presents a cozy bed and breakfast with a notable dining establishment. For something central, the Inn at Ragged Gardens resides in an early-20th-century manor located in the village’s heart.
The drive (89 miles, 3 hours): Travel through the Highlands before reaching the Pisgah Region, culminating your drive in Asheville. Near milepost 304, you’ll reach the well-known Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering feat clinging to Grandfather Mountain’s face – a frequently photographed landmark on the Parkway. A bridge museum and visitor center can be found at the viaduct’s southern end.
Consider a detour at milepost 305 to explore Grandfather Mountain, a private enterprise noted for its mile-high swinging bridge and animal sanctuaries. Returning to the Parkway, Linville Falls (milepost 316) features pathways leading to the triplet waterfalls over a steep ravine, dubbed the Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians. Post-hike, stop by the visitor center and unwind nearby with a picnic – but bear in mind, it’s a favored destination on the Parkway, prone to crowds.
As you progress, the terrain becomes more rugged, with an increase in tunnels as you approach the Pisgah Region, around Crabtree Falls (milepost 340), offering a challenging but fulfilling trek. At milepost 355, Mount Mitchell State Park showcases the Eastern US’s tallest summit at 6684 feet, with an accessible road leading near to an observation deck at the top.
Onsite, there’s a Natural History Museum, along with a souvenir shop and dining option. If energy or daylight allows, pause at Craggy Gardens (milepost 364) for mesmerizing views, especially beautiful in early summertime when rhododendrons are blossoming. Conclude the journey by driving into Asheville (milepost 382), marking the Blue Ridge Parkway’s official headquarters.
Día 5: Asheville / La Región de Pisgah
Ambiente: Cerveza, arte popular y alturas vertiginosas.
Hacer: No te costará encontrar actividades en Asheville, como visitar la Biltmore Estate, microcervecerías y numerosos galerías de arte. Al entrar al Parkway, el Centro de Arte Popular (poste de milla 382) alberga el Southern Highland Craft Guild. Exhibiciones, demostraciones y una tienda dedicada a promover a los artistas de la región son sus características. El Jardín Botánico de Asheville y el Arboreto de Carolina del Norte también son paradas notables para quienes aman la naturaleza. Visita el Distrito de Artes del Río para explorar los estudios en funciones de cientos de artistas.
Comer: Si buscas cocina inspirada en temporadas y productos locales, Asheville ofrece varios lugares aclamados dirigidos por chefs galardonados – Rhubarb, The Market Place y Chai Pani son algunos ejemplos. Se dice que 12 Bones Smokehouse es la elección de los Obama para la barbacoa cuando están en la ciudad. O saborea la animada escena cervecera local con tu comida en Sierra Nevada, Burial Beer Co. o Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium.
Alojarse: No faltan hoteles de diseño en Asheville y sus alrededores. Siguiendo la temática de nuestro recorrido por el Parkway, dirígete a Autocamp Asheville, que ofrece glamping en Airstreams, cabañas y tiendas. Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins es una colección de estructuras en forma de A justo al lado del French Broad River Greenway. Y el Omni Grove Park Inn es un resort lujoso y extenso cerca del Parkway que ha estado recibiendo alpinistas por más de un siglo.
El trayecto (140 km, 3 horas): Para tu última jornada de conducción, dirígete hacia el suroeste desde Asheville hasta Cherokee, camino a las Montañas Grandes Humeantes. A la altura del poste de milla 408, llegarás al Monte Pisgah. Detente aquí para disfrutar de las espectaculares vistas desde los senderos de caminata y almorzar en el Pisgah Inn, luego sigue conduciendo a través de algunas de las elevaciones más altas del Parkway, superando consistentemente más de 1500m.
Haz una parada en Graveyard Fields (poste de milla 418) para admirar la vista desde el mirador, o recorre el sendero circular de tres km hacia Yellowstone Falls. Richland Balsam Overlook (poste de milla 431) ostenta la mayor elevación en el Parkway a 1844 metros. Finalmente, Waterrock Knob (poste de milla 451) ofrece panoramas de todas las principales cadenas montañosas del Sur, incluidas las Smokies, las Balsams y las Craggies. Concluye tu travesía en Cherokee, Carolina del Norte, donde el Parkway cede paso al Parque Nacional de las Grandes Montañas Humeantes.