Are you ready to plan your road trip to one of America’s most beautiful drives? The Blue Ridge Parkway is an iconic roadway in North America, and it should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Whether you’re unsure about whether or not you want to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’re getting ready to hit the road, or you’re somewhere in between, I’m going to help you plan every step of your Blue Ridge Parkway road trip.
In this ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway travel guide, I am going to share with you several insider tips, things you should know before you go, sample itineraries, and lists of all park amenities, nearby gas stations, overlooks, hiking trails, and nearby sights so that you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip Guide
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks so much for your support!
What is the Blue Ridge Parkway?
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a paved, 469-mile scenic road that connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
This NPS site is home to more than 200 scenic overlooks, over 100 hiking trails, 14 picnic areas, 8 campgrounds, and 26 tunnels (25 in North Carolina and 1 in Virginia).
Aside from meandering along the scenic road and stopping at the overlooks, outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, biking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing are all available on the parkway. So what are you waiting for? Come plan your road trip to one of America’s most beautiful drives – the Blue Ridge Parkway!
Gateways and Regions of the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Shenandoah National Park – Northern Gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Ridge Region – Milepost 0-106
- Plateau Region – Milepost 106-217
- Highlands Region – Milepost 217-340
- Pisgah Region – Milepost 340-469
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Southern Gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Fun Facts About the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway was initially known as the Appalachian Scenic Highway.
The Parkway has been the #1 most visited unit of the US National Park system for 70 of the past 74 years.
The Parkway is America’s longest linear park.
36% of all road tunnels found in National Parks across the United States are located on the parkway.
The Blue Ridge gets its name from the trees. Hydrocarbons released into the atmosphere by the forest give the mountains their distinctive color.
Construction of the parkway began in 1935. All but 7 miles of the road were completed by 1966. The parkway was fully completed in 1987 with the construction of the legendary Linn Cove Viaduct.
The deepest gorge in the eastern United States lies along the parkway – the Linville Gorge.
The largest house in America sits along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina is a staggering 175,000 square feet large, which is more than four acres of floor space. The 250-room home includes 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces.
The elevation change along this road is 5,404 feet, ranging from 649 feet at James River to 6,053 feet at Richard Balsam.
When road construction began in 1935, the parkway was the longest single-unit road ever designed.
The Blue Ridge Parkway provides habitat for over 50 threatened and endangered species, including the Southern Flying Squirrel.
Know Before You Go
The park is open year-round, but certain sections can be closed due to construction or weather. Always check road conditions and closure alerts before you go! Current statuses can be found on the park’s website.
Follow the parkway etiquette. Don’t drive this road if you’re in a hurry. Take the interstate highway if you want the fastest commute. Follow the posted speed limit signs, which range from 25 mph to 45 mph. If you get tailed, pull over at the next overlook or pull-off point.
Always know where you are by observing the mileposts. If the marker is on your left and the numbers are descending, you are traveling north on the parkway. If the marker is on your right and the numbers are ascending, you are traveling south on the parkway.
Observe wildlife from afar. Never approach them.
Don’t disturb any plants and vegetation. This includes not parking anywhere unpaved. Keep the spaces wild by driving your vehicle only on paved, established roads and designated scenic overlooks and pull-off points.
Follow Leave No Trace. Keep your pet on a 6-foot leash, and don’t litter. Protect the spaces!
There is no swimming allowed in any of the water sources, including lakes, rivers, and ponds.
Fishing is permitted with a state fishing license.
Drones are prohibited along the entire parkway and surrounding hiking trails, overlooks, and campgrounds.
Be prepared for sudden weather changes. Bring the ten essentials and a pair of sturdy hiking boots if you plan to hit the trails. Temperatures can rapidly change, especially at higher elevations. Pop-up thunderstorms and strong winds are also possible. Snow can begin as early as October near Mount Mitchell.
Cell phone reception is spotty along the entire parkway. Download the Blue Ridge Parkway travel planner app to have access to offline maps and information. Gaia GPS is also a helpful resource for offline maps, especially if you plan on hiking the trails.
List of All Amenities on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Many of these facilities and amenities along the parkway are open seasonally. If road construction is occurring at or near any of these facilities, access may not be possible. Facilities that are normally open year-round are the NC Museum of Minerals, the Folk Art Center, and the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center. In the winter months, sections of the parkway may be closed due to snow or ice.
For current operating hours, road conditions, and closure information, visit the NPS webpage.
Visitor Centers
- MM 5.8 – Humpback Rocks
- MM 63.6 – James River
- MM 85.6 – Peaks of Otter
- MM 169 – Rocky Knob
- MM 241.1 – Doughton Park
- MM 304.4 – Linn Cove
- MM 316.4 -Linville Falls
- MM 364.5 – Craggy Gardens
- MM 384.5 – Asheville
- MM 451.2 – Waterrock Knob
Restrooms
- MM 5.8 – Humpback Rocks
- MM 63.6 – James River
- MM 86 – Peaks of Otter
- MM 115- Explore Park
- MM 169 – Rocky Knob
- MM 213 – Blue Ridge Music Center
- MM 241.1 – Doughton Park
- MM 294.1 – Moses H. Cone
- MM 304.4 – Linn Cove Viaduct
- MM 316.4 – Linville Falls
- MM 330.9 – Museum of North Carolina Minerals
- MM 364.5 – Craggy Gardens
- MM 382.2 – Folk Art Center
- MM 384.5 – Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville
- MM 451.2 – Waterrock Knob
Picnic Areas
There are 14 picnic areas along the parkway with restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. Note that many overlooks also have picnic tables; they just might not have the extra amenities such as grills, fire rings, and restrooms. Please dispose of all of your trash in the litter bins scattered across the picnic areas and overlooks!
- MM 8.5 – Humpback Rocks – 91 sites
- MM 63.6 – James River – 10 sites
- MM 86.0 – Peaks of Otter – 58 sites
- MM 154.5 – Smart View – 72 sites
- MM 169 – Rocky Knob – 26 sites
- MM 188 – Groundhog Mountain – 33 sites
- MM 217.5 – Cumberland Knob – 56 sites
- MM 241.1 – Doughton Park – 30 sites
- MM 271.9 – Jeffress Park – 30 sites
- MM 296.4 – Julian Price Park – 100 sites
- MM 316.5 – Linville River – 100 sites
- MM 339.5 – Crabtree Meadows – 82 sites
- MM 367.6 – Craggy Gardens – 86 sites
- MM 407.8 – Mount Pisgah – 50 sites
Campgrounds
The parkway has eight developed campgrounds, all of which are open seasonally from March through October, weather permitting. All campgrounds have potable water, comfort stations with flush toilets and sinks, and a dump station for RVs. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Reserve your campsite up to 6 months in advance at recreation.gov for a fee of $20/night.
- MM 60.8 in VA – Otter Creek – 68 sites
- MM 85.9 in VA – Peaks of Otter – 139 sites
- MM 167.1 in VA – Rocky Knob – 106 sites
- MM 239.2 in NC – Doughton Park – 108 sites
- MM 297.0 in NC – Julian Price – 190 sites
- MM 316.4 in NC – Linville Falls – 64 sites
- MM 339.5 in NC – Crabtree Falls – 81 sites
- MM 408.8 in NC – Mt Pisgah – 125 sites
The parkway has three backcountry campgrounds. Backcountry camping is permitted only at designated sites. You must have a permit to camp overnight on the parkway. Permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis from June through October. From November through May, permits are available at the District Office. For all rules and regulations regarding backcountry camping on the parkway, visit the NPS webpage.
- MM 167.1 – Rock Castle Gorge – 8 sites
- MM 244.7 – Basin Cove – 8 sites
- MM 296.9 – Johns River Road – 2 sites
Free camping is not allowed on the parkway. This includes parking on the side of the road, at an overlook, parking lot, or campground without a reservation or permit. You must have a permit to backcountry camp at a designated site or have a reservation to frontcountry camp at one of the official campgrounds.
For free camping options off the parkway, refer to apps and websites like Free Roam, freecampsites.net, and iOverlander. Refer to my free campsites guide for in-depth information on how to find free campsites in the USA!
Lodges
- MM 86 – Peaks of Otter
- MM 408 – Mt Pisgah
Restaurants
- MM 86 – Peaks of Otter
- MM 176 – Mabry Mill
- MM 241 – Bluffs Restaurant at Doughton Park
- MM 408 – Pisgah Inn
Gas Stations Off the Parkway
There is no gas available directly on the parkway, but there are many stations that are not too far off the route. Plan ahead so that you don’t run out of fuel!
Virginia
- MM 0 – less than 3 miles west on US 250
- MM 27.2 – 3 miles east on VA 56
- MM 45.6 – less than 5 miles west on US 60
- MM 63.7 – less than 1 mile south on US 501
- MM 90.9 – less than 5 miles north on VA 43
- MM 106 – less than 4 miles west, less than 2 miles east on US 460
- MM 112.2 – less than 3 miles east or west on VA 24
- MM 121.4 – less than 2 miles north or south on US 220
- MM 135.9 – less than 5 miles south on US 221
- MM 165.3 – less than 7 miles north on NC 8 to US 221 north or south
- MM 177.7 – less than 1 mile east on US 58
- MM 199.4 – less than 1 mile north on US 52
- MM 215.8 – less than 6 miles north on VA 89
North Carolina
- MM 229.7 – less than 4 miles north or south on US 21
- MM 248.1 – less than 6 miles north on NC 18 to NC 88 west
- MM 261.2 – less than 1 mile north on NC 16
- MM 291.8 – less than 1 mile south on US 321
- MM 312 – less than 2 miles north on NC 181
- MM 330.9 – less than 3 miles north on NC 226
- MM 344.1 – less than 10 miles north on NC 80
- MM 382.5 – less than 1 mile east or west on US 70
- MM 384.7 – less than 2 miles east or west on US 74A
- MM 388.8 – less than 1 mile south, less than 3 miles north on US 25
- MM 393.6 – less than 3 miles north or south on NC 191
- MM 411.8 – 10 miles north or 15 miles south on US 276
- MM 443.1 – 5 miles east or 6 miles west on US 74/23
- MM 455.7 – 4 miles north on US 19
- MM 469.1 – less than 1 mile south on US 441
Overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway
While some think that once you’ve seen a handful of the overlooks, you’ve seen them all, I couldn’t disagree more. I believe that each overlook offers a unique perspective. Each bend, curve, and twist in the road leads to a new and impressive vantage point of the surrounding peaks and valleys of the grandiose Appalachian Mountain range.
This intricate list of overlooks was provided by virtualblueridge.com.
So which overlooks should you stop at? The most noteworthy overlooks are in bold! Of course, these decisions were made based on my firsthand experience and personal opinions and that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should skip the non-highlighted ones. These overlooks could vary dramatically from season to season and year to year, so if you have the time, I’d encourage you to visit all of them! Even if it’s a quick drive-by. If you see something you like, get out and admire the views!
MM 0.2 – Afton Overlook
MM 1.5 – Rockfish Valley Parking Overlook
MM 2.9 – View Shenandoah Valley
MM 8.8 – Greenstone Overlook
MM 10.4 – Rock Point Overlook
MM 10.7 – Ravens Roost Overlook
MM 13.1 – Three Ridges Overlook
MM 17.6 – The Priest
MM 19.0 Twenty Minute Cliff
MM 19.9 – The Slacks Overlook
MM 22.1 – Bald Mountain Overlook
MM 23.0 – View Fork Mountain
MM 26.4 – Big Spy Mountain Overlook
MM 38.8 – Boston Knob Overlook
MM 42.2 – View Irish Creek Valley
MM 44.4 – White’s Gap Overlook
MM 44.9 – Chimney Rock Mountain Overlook
MM 45.7 – View Buena Vista
MM 49.3 – View House Mountain
MM 52.8 – Bluff Mountain Overlook
MM 53.6 – View Rice Mountain
MM 55.1 – White Oak Flats Overlook
MM 55.9 – Dancing Creek Overlook
MM 57.6 – Upper Otter Creek Overlook
MM 58.2 – Otter Creek Flats Overlook
MM 59.7 – Otter Creek Overlook
MM 60.4 – The Riffles Overlook
MM 61.4 – View Terrapin Hill
MM 62.5 – Lower Otter Creek Overlook
MM 63.1 – Otter Lake Overlook
MM 72.6 – View Terrapin Mountain
MM 75.3 – View Arnold Valley
MM 76.5 – Apple Orchard Mountain Overlook
MM 78.4 – Sunset Field Overlook
MM 79.7 – Onion Mountain Overlook
MM 79.9 – View Black Rock Hill
MM 81.9 – View Headforemost Mountain
MM 89.4 – Upper Goose Creek Valley Overlook
MM 90.0 – View Porter’s Mountain
MM 91.8 – Mills Gap Overlook
MM 92.1 – View Purgatory Mountain
MM 93.1 – Boblett’s Gap Overlook
MM 95.2 – Pine Tree Overlook
MM 95.3 – Harvey’s Knob Overlook
MM 95.9 – View Montvale
MM 96.2 – Iron Mine Hollow
MM 97.0 – View Taylor’s Mountain
MM 99.6 – The Great Valley Overlook
MM 100.9 – Quarry Overlook
MM 106.9 – N & W Railroad Overlook
MM 107.0 – View Coyner Mountain
MM 109.8 – Read Mountain Overlook
MM 110.6 – Stewart Knob Overlook
MM 112.9 – View Roanoke Basin
MM 123.2 – Buck Mountain Overlook
MM 126.2 – Masons Knob Overlook
MM 128.7 – Metz Run Overlook
MM 129.3 – View Pouges Mountain
MM 129.6 – Roanoke Valley Overlook
MM 129.9 – Lost Mountain Overlook
MM 132.9 – Slings Gap Overlook
MM 133.6 – View Bull Run Knob
MM 134.9 – View Poor Mountain
MM 139.0 – Cahas Knob Overlook
MM 143.9 – Devil’s Backbone Overlook
MM 144.8 – Pine Spur Overlook
MM 154.1 – Smart View Overlook
MM 157.6 – Shortts Knob Overlook
MM 168.0 – The Saddle Overlook
MM 168.8 – Rock Castle Gorge Overlook
MM 179.3 – Round Meadow Overlook
MM 189 – Groundhog Meadow Overlook
MM 189.1 – View Pilot Mountain
MM 190 – Puckett Cabin
MM 202.8 – Mt. Airy Granite Overlook
MM 203.9 – Piedmont Overlook
MM 218.6 – Fox Hunter’s Paradise
MM 230 – Little Glade Mill Pond
MM 232.5 – Stone Mountain Overlook
MM 233.7 – Bullhead Mountain Overlook
MM 235.0 – Mahogany Rock Overlook
MM 235.7 – Devil’s Garden Overlook
MM 236.9 – Air Bellows Overlook
MM 239 – Brinegar Cabin
MM 240 – Low Notch Overlook
MM 243.4 – View Bluff Mountain
MM 252.8 – Sheets Gap Overlook
MM 260.3 – Jumpin’ Off Rocks Overlook
MM 264.4 – The Lump Overlook
MM 266.8 – View Mt. Jefferson
MM 267.8 – Betsey’s Rock Falls Overlook
MM 270.2 – Lewis Fork Overlook
MM 272.5 – Tomkins Knob Overlook
MM 274.3 – Elk Mountain Overlook
MM 281.4 – Grandview Overlook
MM 289.5 – Raven Rocks Overlook
MM 289.8 – Yadkin Valley Overlook
MM 290.4 – Thunder Hill Overlook
MM 295.3 – Sim’s Creek Overlook
MM 295.9 – Sims Pond Overlook
MM 296.7 – Price Lake Overlook
MM 299.0 – Cold Prong Pond Overlook
MM 299.7 – View Calloway Peak
MM 300.6 – Green Mountain Overlook
MM 301.8 – Pilot Ridge Overlook
MM 302.1 – View Wilson Creek Valley
MM 302.8 – Rough Ridge Overlook
MM 303.6 – Wilson Creek Overlook
MM 303.9 – Yonahlossee Overlook
MM 305.2 – Beacon Heights Overlook
MM 306.6 – Grandfather Mountain Overlook
MM 310.0 – View Lost Cove Cliffs
MM 315.6 – Camp Creek Overlook
MM 318.4 – View North Toe River Valley
MM 323.0 – Bear Den Overlook
MM 325.9 – Heffner Gap Overlook
MM 327.3 – View North Cove Valley
MM 328.6 – The Loops Overlook
MM 329.8 – View Table Rock
MM 337.2 – Deer Lick Gap Overlook
MM 338.8 – Three Knob Overlook
MM 342.2 – Black Mountains Overlook
MM 345.3 – Singecat Ridge Overlook
MM 349.2 – Licklog Ridge Overlook
MM 349.9 – View Mt. Mitchell
MM 350.5 – Green Knob Overlook
MM 355.3 – Ridge Junction Overlook
MM 359.8 – Balsam Gap Overlook
MM 361.2 – View Glassmine Falls
MM 363.4 – View Graybeard Mountain
MM 364.1 – View Craggy Dome
MM 372.1 – View Lane Pinnacle
MM 373.8 – View Bull Creek Valley
MM 393.8 – French Broad Overlook
MM 396.4 – Walnut Cove Overlook
MM 397.3 – Sleepy Gap Parking Area
MM 398.3 – View Chestnut Cove
MM 399.7 – Bad Fork Valley Overlook
MM 401.1 – Wash Creek Valley Overlook
MM 401.7 – Beaver Dam Gap Overlook
MM 402.6 – View Stony Bald
MM 403.6 – Big Ridge Overlook
MM 404.2 – View Hominy Valley
MM 404.5 – Mills River Valley Overlook
MM 407.6 – Mount Pisgah Overlook
MM 409.3 – View Funnel Top
MM 411.0 – Cradle of Forestry Overlook
MM 411.9 – View Cold Mountain
MM 413.2 – Pounding Mill Overlook
MM 415.7 – View Cherry Cove
MM 416.3 – Log Hollow Overlook
MM 417.0 – View Looking Glass Rock
MM 418.3 – East Fork Overlook
MM 418.8 – Graveyard Fields
MM 419.4 – View John Rock
MM 421.7 – Fetterbush Overlook
MM 422.4 – View Devil’s Courthouse
MM 422.8 – View Mt. Hardy
MM 423.5 – Courthouse Valley Overlook
MM 424.4 – View Herrin Knob
MM 424.8 – Wolf Mountain Overlook
MM 425.4 – View Rough Butt Bald
MM 428.0 – Caney Fork Overlook
MM 428.5 – Beartrap Gap Overlook
MM 430.7 – Cowee Mountains Overlook
MM 431.0 – Haywood-Jackson Overlook
MM 431.4 – Richland Balsam Overlook
MM 432.7 – Lone Bald Overlook
MM 433.3 – Roy Taylor Forest Overlook
MM 435.3 – View Doubletop Mountain
MM 435.7 – Licklog Gap Overlook
MM 436.8 – Grassy Ridge Mine Overlook
MM 438.9 – View Steestachee Bald
MM 439.4 – Cove Field Ridge Overlook
MM 440.0 – View Village of Saunook
MM 440.9 – View Waynesville
MM 441.4 – Standing Rock Overlook
MM 442.2 – Balsam Gap Overlook
MM 444.6 – The Orchards Overlook
MM 445.2 – View Mt. Lynn Lowry
MM 446.0 – Woodfin Cascades Overlook
MM 452.1 – View Cranberry Ridge
MM 452.3 -Woolyback Overlook
MM 453.4 – View Hornbuckle Valley
MM 454.4 – Thunder Struck Ridge Overlook
MM 455.1 – Fed Cove Overlook
MM 457.9 – View Plott Balsam
MM 458.9 – Lickstone Ridge Overlook
MM 459.5 – Bunches Bald Overlook
4MM 60.8 – Jenkins Ridge Overlook
MM 461.9 – Big Witch Overlook
MM 463.9 – Thomas Divide Overlook
MM 467.4 – View Ballhoot Scar
MM 467.9 – View Raven Fork
MM 468.4 – View Oconaluftee River
Tunnels on the Blue Ridge Parkway
There are 26 tunnels along the parkway – 1 in Virginia and 25 in North Carolina. Below I’m listing each of the tunnels, along with the mile marker location, length, tunnel height at the edgeline, and tunnel height at the centerline, all of which are according to the official NPS webpage.
Mile Marker – Name – Length – Tunnel Height at Edgeline – Tunnel Height at Centerline
53.1 – Bluff Mountain – 630 feet – 13 feet 1 in – 18 feet 6 inches
333.1 – Little Switzerland – 575 feet – 14 feet 3 in – 19 feet 2 inches
336.8 – Wildacres – 350 feet – 13 feet 5 in – 19 feet 1 inch
344.5 – Twin Tunnel (North) – 350 feet – 13 feet 10 inches – 19 feet 0 inches
344.7 – Twin Tunnel (South) – 407 feet – 14 feet 6 in – 18 feet 11 inches
349.0 – Rough Ridge – 182 feet – 13 feet 8 inches – 18 feet 11 inches
364.4 – Craggy Pinnacle – 246 feet – 13 feet 0 inches – 18 feet 10 inches
365.5 – Craggy Flats – 403 feet – 14 feet 4 inches – 18 feet 7 inches
374.4 – Tanbark Ridge – 843 feet – 14 feet 3 inches -19 feet 1 inches
397.1 – Grassy Knob – 802 feet – 14 feet 3 inches – 18 feet 6 inches
399.1 – Pine Mountain – 1462 feet – 14 feet 3 inches – 18 feet 8 inches
400.9 – Ferrin Knob #1 – 605 feet – 13 feet 6 inches – 18 feet 8 inches
401.3 – Ferrin Knob #2 – 457 feet – 13 feet 9 inches – 18 feet 8 inches
401.5 – Ferrin Knob #3 – 402 feet – 13 feet 10 inches – 18 feet 10 inches
403.0 – Young Pisgah Ridge – 418 feet – 14 feet 2 inches – 18 feet 10 inches
404.0 – Fork Mountain – 392 feet -14 feet 2 inches – 18 feet 7 inches
406.9 – Little Pisgah Ridge – 583 feet – 13 feet 4 inches – 18 feet 9 inches
407.3 – Buck Spring – 468 feet – 13 feet 2 inches – 18 feet 5 inches
410.1 – Frying Pan – 582 feet – 13 feet 6 inches – 19 feet 0 inches
422.1 – Devil’s Courthouse – 721 feet – 14 feet 2 inches – 18 feet 8 inches
439.7 – Pinnacle Ridge – 859 feet – 13 feet 7 inches – 18 feet 7 inches
458.8 – Lickstone Ridge – 406 feet – 11 feet 8 inches – 17 feet 7 inches
459.3 – Bunches Bald – 290 feet – 12 feet 3 inches – 18 feet 0 inches
461.2 – Big Witch – 353 feet – 11 feet 7 inches – 18 feet 0 inches
465.6 – Rattlesnake Mountain – 415 feet – 14 feet 8 inches – 19 feet 3 inches
466.2 – Sherrill Cove – 590 feet – 13 feet 11 inches – 19 feet 1 inch
Hiking Trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway
To fully immerse yourself in the parkway, consider hiking one of the many trails that begin right off the road!
Thanks to the Blue Ridge Parkway organization for this detailed list of all hiking trails located off the drive! They’ve included the mile marker, trail name, length, and skill level.
If you’re short on time or curious about the most noteworthy hikes on this list, I’ve highlighted them in bold! These are based on firsthand experience, personal opinions, and detailed research. As mentioned above in the overlooks section, hike whichever trails pique your interest and that you have time for!
Virginia Trails By Milepost
Mileage is one-way from the trailhead unless the trail is a loop.
- Milepost 5.9 – Mountain Farm Trail (self-guiding, from Humpback Visitor Center to pioneer farmstead) Humpback Rocks info & map
Length: 0.25 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 6 – Appalachian Trail (Humpback Gap parking area to Humpback Mtn., elev. – 3650 feet)
Length: 2 Miles Skill Level: Strenuous - Milepost 8.4 – Catoctin Loop Trail (leg stretcher)
Length: 0.3 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 8.8 – Greenstone Trail (self-guiding; Greenstone geology formation; oak hickory forest)
Length: 0.2 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 17.6 – The Priest (view)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 18.5 – White Rock Falls Trail Connection (see note on White Rock Falls Trail, below)
Length: 2.9 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 20 – White Rock Falls Trail (follows stream to small falls)
Length: 0.9 Miles Skill Level: Moderate Access across the Parkway from Slacks Overlook (and just a bit North toward Milepost 19.8, nondescript trailhead with minimal signage) - Milepost 26.3 – Big Spy Mountain (view into Shenandoah Valley; good for stargazing)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 34.4 – Yankee Horse (to logging RR exhibit & small waterfall)
Length: 0.2 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 38.8 – Boston Knob (leg stretcher)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 47.5 – Indian Gap (to Indian Rocks; good seasonal rhododendron display)
Length: 0.3 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 55.2 – White Oak Flats (leg stretcher)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 60.8 – Otter Creek Trail (begin at Otter Creek Campground) James River & Otter Creek info & map
Length: 3.5 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 63.1 – Otter Lake Trail (around Otter Lake)
Length: 0.8 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 63.6 – James River Trail (Self-guiding to canal locks)
Length: 0.2 Miles Skill Level: Easy
Trail of Trees Trail (self-guiding to James River Overlook)
Length: 0.5 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 74.7 – Thunder Ridge Trail (leg stretcher loop to view of Arnold Valley)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 78.4 – Apple Orchard Falls Trail (Sunset Field Overlook to view of Apple Orchard Falls; National Recreation Trail)
Length: 1.2 Miles Skill Level: Strenuous - Milepost 79.7 – Onion Mountain Loop Trail (leg stretcher through Appalachian deciduous forest with rhododendron display)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 83.1 – Fallingwater Cascades Trail (National Recreation Trail; loop to view of cascades)
Length: 1.6 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 83.5 – Flat Top Trail (leads to highest of three prominent peaks in area) Peaks of Otter info & map
Length: 4.4 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
Cross Rock Trail (spur off Flat Top Trail; unique geological features)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 85.7 – Abbott Lake Trail (loop around Abbott Lake)
Length: 1.0 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 85.9 – Elk Run Trail (self-guiding loop nature trail from Peaks of Otter Visitor Center)
Length: 0.8 Miles Skill Level: Easy
Johnson Farm Loop Trail (loop to restored mountain farm)
Length: 2.1 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
Harkening Hill Trail (elevation -3300 feet; begin at Peaks of Otter Visitor Center)
Length: 3.3 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
Balance Rock (spur trail off Harkening Hill Trail; unique geological formations)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 86 – Sharp Top Trail (from camp store to summit of Sharp Top Mtn.; elevation – 3875 feet; 360 degree panoramic view)
Length: 1.5 Miles Skill Level: Strenuous - Milepost 91 – Appalachian Trail (VA 695 to Sharp Top Mtn. Overlook)
Length: 1.9 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 92.5 – Appalachian Trail (Sharp Top Mtn. Overlook to Harvey’s Knob Overlook)
Length: 2.9 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 95.4 – Appalachian Trail (Harvey’s Knob Overlook to Motvale Overlook)
Length: 0.6 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 95.9 – Appalachian Trail (Montvale Overlook to Taylor’s Mountain Overlook)
Length: 1 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 96 – Spec Mine Trail (USFS Trail begins near Montvale Overlook, to State Rt. 645 in Botetourt County)
Length: 2.8 Miles Skill Level: Strenuous - Milepost 97 – Appalachian Trail (Taylor’s Mtn. Overlook to Blackhorse Gap)
Length: 0.8 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 110.6 – Stewarts Knob Trail (view)
Length: 0.05 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 114.9 – Roanoke River Trail (self-guiding river loop) Roanoke Valley info & map
Length: 0.35 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 120.4 – Roanoke Mountain Summit Trail (view)
Length: 0.11 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 120.5 – Chestnut Ridge Trail (adjacent to Roanoke Mtn. campground)
Length: 1.75 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 121.4 – Roanoke Valley Horse Trail (begins US Hwy 220, parallels Parkway to Milepost 110.6)
Length: 18.5 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 123.2 – Buck Mountain Trail (to summit view)
Length: 0.53 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 154.5 – Smart View Loop Trail (around picnic area)
Length: 2.6 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 167.1 – Rock Castle Gorge Trail (loop from campground along ridge over Rocky Knob and into gorge for 7-mile return to campground)
Length: 10.8 Miles Skill Level: Strenuous
Hardwood Cove Self-Guiding Nature Trail (part of Rock Castle Loop)
Length: 0.8 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 169 – Black Ridge Trail (Rocky Knob Visitor Center to Black Ridge to Grassy Knoll and back) Rocky Knob info & map
Length: 3.1 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
Rocky Knob Picnic Loop Trail (leg stretcher around picnic area)
Length: 1.0 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 176.2 – Mountain Industry Trail (Mabry Mill)
Length: 0.5 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 179.2 – Round Meadow Creek Loop Trail (walk through a stream bottom forest)
Length: 0.5 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 213 – High Meadow Trail (leg stretcher) Blue Ridge Music Center info & map
Length: 1.35 Miles Skill Level: Easy
Fisher Peak Loop
Length: 2.25 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
North Carolina Trails By Milepost
Mileage is one-way from the trailhead unless the trail is a loop.
- Milepost 217.5 – Cumberland Knob Trail (ideal lazy-day walk) Cumberland Knob info & map
Length: 0.5 Miles Skill Level: Easy
Gully Creek Trail (rewarding loop that meanders by stream)
Length: 2 Miles Skill Level: Strenuous - Milepost 218.6 – Fox Hunters Paradise Trail (view)
Length: 0.2 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 230.1 – Little Glade Millpond (easy loop stroll around pond)
Length: 0.4 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 238.5 – Cedar Ridge Trail (great for day hike; vistas and forests) Doughton Park info & map
Length: 4.2 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
Bluff Mountain Trail (parallels Parkway to Milepost 244.7)
Length: 7.5 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 241 – Fodder Stack Trail (great variety of plants)
Length: 2.89 Miles Skill Level: Strenuous - Milepost 243.7 – Grassy Gap Fire Road (wide enough for side-by-side hiking)
Length: 6.5 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
Basin Creek Trail (access from backcountry campground)
Length: 3.3 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 244.7 – Flat Rock Ridge Trail (forest path with vistas)
Length: 5.0 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 260.3 – Jumpingoff Rocks Trail (forest path to vista)
Length: 1.0 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 264.4 – The Lump Trail (to hilltop view)
Length: 0.3 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 271.9 – Cascades Trail (self-guiding loop to view of falls)
Length: 0.5 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 272.5 – Tompkins Knob Trail (to Jesse Brown Cabin)
Length: 0.6 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 294 – Rich Mountain Carriage, Horse, & Hiking Trail Moses Cone Memorial Park info & map
Length: 3 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
Flat Top Mountain Carriage, Horse & Hiking Trail
Length: 3 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
Watkins Carriage, Horse & Hiking Trail
Length: 3.3 Miles Skill Level: Easy/Moderate
Black Bottom Carriage, Horse, & Hiking Trail
Length: 0.5 Miles Skill Level: Easy
Bass Lake Carriage, Horse & Hiking Trail
Length: 1.7 Miles Skill Level: Easy
Deer Park Carriage, Horse, & Hiking Trail
Length: 0.8 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
Maze Carriage Horse & Hiking Trail
Length: 2.3 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
Duncan Carriage, Horse, & Hiking Trail
Length: 2.5 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
Rock Creek Bridge Carriage, Horse, & Hiking Trail
Length: 1.0 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 294.1 – Figure 8 Trail (short, self-guiding loop nature trail)
Length: 0.7 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 294.6 – Trout Lake Hiking & Horse Trail (loop)
Length: 1.0 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 295.9 – Green Knob Trail (to Green Knob) Julian Price Park info & map
Length: 2.3 Miles Skill Level: Moderate/Strenuous - Milepost 296.4 – Boone Fork Trail (stream, forest, and meadows)
Length: 4.9 Miles Skill Level: Moderate/Strenuous - Milepost 297 – Price Lake Loop Trail (loop around Price Lake)
Length: 2.3 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 302.8 – Rough Ridge Trail (part of Tanawha Trail)
Length: 0.8 Miles to boardwalk Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 304.4 – Linn Cove Viaduct Access Trail
Length: 0.16 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 305.2 – Beacon Heights Trail (10 minutes to view)
Length: 0.22 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
Tanawha Trail (diverse biological and geological features) Tanawha Trail info & map
Length: 13.5 Miles Skill Level: Easy/Moderate - Milepost 308.2 – Flat Rock Trail (self-guiding loop)
Length: 0.63 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 315.5 – Camp Creek Trail (leg stretcher through laurel and rhododendron)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 316.4 – Linville Falls Trail (view of upper Falls) Linville Falls info & map
Length: 0.8 Miles Skill Level: Moderate
Linville Gorge Trail (view of lower Falls)
Length: 0.5 Miles Skill Level: Strenuous - Duggers Creek Trail (loop to view of Duggers Falls)
Length: 0.25 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 316.5 – Linville River Bridge Trail (leg stretcher to view of unusual bridge)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 320.8 – Chestoa View Trail (30-minute loop to vista)
Length: 0.63 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 339.5 – Crabtree Falls Loop Trail (loop to view of Falls, accessed directly from the Blue Ridge Parkway) Crabtree Falls map & info
Length: 2.5 Miles Skill Level: Strenuous - Milepost 344.1 – Woods Mountain Trail (USFS)
Length: 2.0 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 350.4 – Lost Cove Ridge Trail (USFS)
Length: 0.6 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 351.9 – Deep Gap Trail (USFS)
Length: 0.2 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 355 – Bald Knob Ridge Trail (USFS)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 355 – Big Butt Trail (trail continues on USFS lands)
Length: 0.2 Miles Skill Level: Strenuous - Milepost 361.2 – Glassmine Falls (view of Falls)
Length: 0.05 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 361.2 – Craggy Pinnacle Trail (to panoramic view)
Length: 0.73 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 364.2 – Craggy Gardens Trail (first portion is self-guiding nature trail) Craggy Gardens info & map
Length: 0.84 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 374.4 – Rattlesnake Lodge Trail (woodland walk)
Length: 0.5 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 382 – Mountain-to-Sea Trail/MST (from Folk Art Center to Milepost 365, spring wildflowers and views, parallels parkway, many accesses)
Length: 7.5 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 393.7 – Shut-In Trail/MST Trail (Bent Creek-Walnut Cove)
Length: 3.1 Miles Skill Level: Strenuous - Milepost 397.3 – Grassy Knob Trail (steep trail to USFS area)
Length: 0.9 Miles Skill Level: Strenuous
Shut-In Trail/MST Trail (Sleepy Gap-Chestnut Cove)
Length: 0.7 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 398.3 – Shut-In Trail/MST Trail (Chestnut Cove-Bent Creek Gap)
Length: 2.8 Miles Skill Level: Strenuous - Milepost 400.3 – Shut-In Trail/MST Trail (Bent Creek Gap-Beaver Dam Gap)
Length: 1.9 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 401.7 – Shut-In Trail/MST Trail (Beaver Dam Gap-Stoney Bald)
Length: 0.9 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 402.6 – Shut-In Trail/MST Trail (Stoney Bald-Big Ridge)
Length: 1.2 Miles Skill Level: Strenuous - Milepost 403.6 – Shut-In Trail/MST Trail (Big Ridge-Mills River Valley)
Length: 1.2 Miles Skill Level: Moderate/Strenuous - Milepost 404.5 – Shut-In Trail/MST Trail (Mills River Valley-Elk Pasture Gap)
Length: 1.2 Miles Skill Level: Moderate/Strenuous - Milepost 405.5 – Shut-In Trail/MST Trail (Elk Pasture Gap-Mt. Pisgah)
Length: 1.7 Miles Skill Level: Strenuous - Milepost 407.6 – Mt. Pisgah Trail (summit view) Mt. Pisgah area info & map
Length: 1.26 Miles Skill Level: Moderate/Strenuous
Buck Springs Trail (Pisgah Lodge to view) - Milepost 408.5 – Frying Pan Mountain Trail (starting at Mt. Pisgah Campground)
Length: 1.65 Miles Skill Level: Moderate/Strenuous - Milepost 409.6 – Frying Pan Mountain Trail (starting at FS 450)
Length: .75 Miles Skill Level: Moderate (park at the signpost for Forest Service Road 450 – don’t block the gate- and hike up the gravel road to the tower) - Milepost 417 – East Fork Trail (USFS, access to Shining Rock Trail System)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Easy/Moderate - Milepost 418.8 – Graveyard Fields Loop Trail (loop by a stream)
Length: 2.29 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 419.4 – John Rock Trail (leg stretcher to view)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 422.4 – Devil’s Courthouse Trail (panoramic summit view)
Length: 0.42 Miles Skill Level: Moderate/Strenuous - Milepost 427.6 – Bear Pen Gap Trail (access to Mountains-to-Sea Trail)
Length: 0.22 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 431 – Richland Balsam Trail (self-guiding loop through spruce-fir forest)
Length: 1.47 Miles Skill Level: Moderate - Milepost 433.8 – Roy Taylor Overlook Trail (paved trail to overlook)
Length: 0.1 Miles Skill Level: Easy - Milepost 451.2 – Waterrock Knob Trail (summit view)
Length: 0.6 Miles Skill Level: Moderate/Strenuous
Best Detours Off the Blue Ridge Parkway
While driving and exploring the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is more than enough as a standalone road trip, and you’ll receive more than your fair share of scenic views and hikes, there are many detours that shouldn’t be missed. So if time allows in your schedule, these are some great detours to take that are right off the Blue Ridge Parkway!
Shenandoah National Park – 0 Miles Off the Parkway
Shenandoah National Park is the northern gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Since Shenandoah National Park and its famous park road, Skyline Drive, are less than a mile from the parkway entrance, this park is ideal to add to the beginning or end of your road trip, depending on which direction you’re going.
Best Things To Do in Shenandoah National Park
- Hike. Some of my favorite trails are Dark Hollow Falls, Rose River Falls, Stony Man, and Blackrock Summit.
- Camp. Loft Mountain is just 25 miles north of the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you need a spot to camp before or after completing the drive, Loft Mountain is the perfect option.
- Cruise Skyline Drive. Skyline Drive is the 105-mile road that slices through Shenandoah National Park. The drive itself is very scenic, and there are many overlooks, hiking trails, lodging, campgrounds, and picnic areas along the route.
Natural Bridge – 15 Miles Off the Parkway
Around mile marker 61.6, you’ll see a sign directing you to Natural Bridge. Be prepared to add at least an hour or two to your route to take this detour. It’s worth it though!
Stone Mountain State Park – 9 Miles Off the Parkway
Around mile marker 230, you’ll exit and drive 9 miles to the park entrance. This North Carolina park is known for its 600-foot granite dome, 200-foot waterfall, and 16 miles of hiking trails.
Linville Caverns – 4 Miles Off the Parkway
At mile marker 317.4, head south for about 4 miles to see North Carolina’s only show caverns! You’ll get to experience the famous “total darkness,” and witness the underground stream, Bottomless Pool, and amazing underground formations.
Mount Mitchell State Park – About 4 Miles Off the Parkway
Technically, you never exit the Blue Ridge Parkway to visit this state park, but it does include a 4-mile drive to the summit of Mount Mitchell off mile marker 355.4. At this North Carolina state park, you can drive to the summit of the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi, gaze at the scenery from the observation deck, and go hiking or backpacking along the array of trails.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – 0 Miles Off the Parkway
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the southern gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway, so it is the perfect addition to your road trip. Either begin with a trip to the Smokies or cap off your drive with a visit to this beautiful park.
Best Things To Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Hike. Some of my favorite trails are Chimney Tops, Rainbow Falls, Alum Cave, Mt. Leconte, and Abrams Falls. Stop by Clingman’s Dome – the highest point in the Smokies – if you have the time!
- Camp. Backcountry and frontcountry camping options are available at the park. Smokemont Campground is only 4 miles east of the south end of the Parkway, so it’s a perfect option if you need a spot to camp at the beginning or end of your road trip.
- Drive. Take the many scenic drives throughout the park. Don’t miss Cades Cove and Newfound Gap drives!
Best Sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway
If you don’t want to drive the entire parkway, or you’re short on time and only have a few hours or a single day, these are the sections I’d suggest driving! In my opinion, these sections are filled with the best views and trails and shouldn’t be missed!
- Miles 0-100
- Miles 290-370
- Miles 400-469
When to Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway
The parkway is open year-round, but fall and summer tend to be the most popular times to visit for nice weather and color. Be prepared for construction and detours though! There are both ongoing and pop-up projects occurring, and some involve long detours on the interstate. We just used these detours as an opportunity to scope out small towns, grab a fountain pop, and fill up on fuel since we had to stop sometime anyway!
Weather can also affect road closures, so always check current conditions before you go. However, you won’t always be able to plan since closures may happen spontaneously after your arrival.
When we visited in mid-October, park rangers were closing Mount Mitchell to Craggy Gardens in real time due to an active snowstorm. We had to follow the rangers’ verbal directions to re-route ourselves back to the parkway since they hadn’t yet added detour signs to the main roads.
How Long to Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway
The beauty of the parkway is that you can visit it for any duration of time. There are 45 access points, so visitors can enter and exit at any of these points along the way. Hop on and hop off as you please!
Technically, visitors can drive the entire parkway in 10-12 hours. This doesn’t account for traffic, road closures and detours, and stops at overlooks, visitor centers, gas stations, picnic areas, trailheads, etc.
So realistically, you will need at least two days if you wish to get the full experience of the parkway.
Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip Itineraries
Since each of these itineraries involves arriving at the entrance by sunrise, I’d highly recommend camping or staying somewhere close the night before. If this doesn’t work for your schedule, tweak these itineraries to fit your time allotment.
Blue Ridge Parkway 1 day itinerary
- At sunrise, enter the parkway at mile marker 0 right outside of Shenandoah National Park.
- Stop at any of the overlooks that pique your interest.
- Take the detour to Natural Bridge located off mile marker 65.
- Hop back on the parkway at mile marker 290 near Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
- Stop at Linn Cove Viaduct, Linville Falls, and Crabtree Falls.
- Exit the parkway around mile marker 345 to get back on I-40.
Blue Ridge Parkway 2 day itinerary
- Day 1: At sunrise, enter the parkway at mile marker 0 right outside Shenandoah National Park.
- Stop at any of the overlooks that catch your eye.
- Have a picnic at Rocky Knob.
- Stop at the Blue Ridge Music Center.
- Camp at Doughton Park.
- Day 2: Continue driving along the parkway. Don’t miss Linn Cove Viaduct and Linville Falls.
- Hike Crabtree Falls.
- Stop at Mount Mitchell State Park if the weather permits.
- Finish the parkway.
Blue Ridge Parkway 3 day itinerary
- Day 1: At sunrise, enter the parkway at mile marker 469 right outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Stop at any of the overlooks that catch your eye.
- Camp at Linville Falls.
- Day 2: Hike Linville Falls and Crabtree Falls in the morning.
- Take the Stone Mountain State Park detour at mile marker 230.
- Camp at Rocky Knob.
- Day 3: Drive the parkway until mile marker 65. Take the Natural Bridge detour.
- Finish the parkway at mile marker 0.
Blue Ridge Parkway FAQs
How long does it take to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway?
If you drove straight through without stopping, it would take you about ten to twelve hours to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Can you drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in one day?
You can, yes, but you wouldn’t have much time to make any stops at the overlooks or hike any of the trails.
What are the must see stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway?
I have an entire guide on the 12 best stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway!
How long is the Blue Ridge Parkway?
469 miles.
Blue Ridge Parkway Resources
Because I’m a firm believer in gathering information and research from multiple sources, here are some valuable resources I found extremely helpful when planning my trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway!
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