Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip Guide
Experience America's favorite scenic drive through the Appalachian Highlands. 469 miles of breathtaking mountain views, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Quick Overview
469 miles (755 km)
3-5 days
Oct (fall foliage), May-June
$120-300/day
The Blue Ridge Parkway is America's longest linear park and most visited unit of the National Park System. Connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, this scenic byway offers unparalleled mountain views, abundant wildlife, and rich Appalachian culture.
This guide will help you plan the perfect Blue Ridge Parkway road trip with detailed stops, hiking recommendations, budget breakdowns, and insider tips for experiencing this American treasure.
Complete Route Breakdown by Section
Northern Section: Milepost 0-121 (Virginia)
Distance: 121 miles
Duration: 1 day
Highlights: Humpback Rocks, Peaks of Otter, Roanoke
Must-See Stops:
- • Humpback Rocks (MP 5.8) - Challenging 2-mile hike with 360° views
- • Yankee Horse Ridge (MP 34.4) - Easy waterfall trail
- • Otter Creek (MP 60-63) - Scenic creek-side drive
- • Peaks of Otter (MP 85.9) - Iconic mountain views, lodge, hiking
- • Roanoke Mountain (MP 120.4) - Short loop with city views
Pro Tip: Start early at Humpback Rocks to beat crowds. The sunrise view is spectacular and you'll have the trail mostly to yourself.
Central Section: Milepost 121-217 (Virginia)
Distance: 96 miles
Duration: 1 day
Highlights: Rocky Knob, Mabry Mill, Blue Ridge Music Center
Must-See Stops:
- • Smart View (MP 154.5) - Easy loop trail with mountain views
- • Rocky Knob (MP 167-174) - Backcountry hiking area
- • Mabry Mill (MP 176.1) - Most photographed spot on Parkway
- • Groundhog Mountain (MP 188.8) - Historic fence display
- • Blue Ridge Music Center (MP 213) - Appalachian music heritage
Pro Tip: Visit Mabry Mill early morning for fog over the pond and fewer tourists. The mill operates on weekends in fall.
High Country: Milepost 217-305 (North Carolina)
Distance: 88 miles
Duration: 1-2 days
Highlights: Doughton Park, Blowing Rock, Moses H. Cone Estate
Must-See Stops:
- • Cumberland Knob (MP 217.5) - First Parkway recreation area
- • Doughton Park (MP 238-245) - Extensive hiking trails
- • E.B. Jeffress Park (MP 272) - Cascades waterfall trail
- • Moses H. Cone Estate (MP 294) - Craft center, carriage trails
- • Julian Price Park (MP 297) - Lake, camping, picnicking
- • Linn Cove Viaduct (MP 304.4) - Engineering marvel
Pro Tip: The town of Blowing Rock (MP 291.9) is perfect for lunch and shopping. Don't miss the Linn Cove Viaduct - walk underneath for the best photos.
Highest Peaks: Milepost 305-384 (North Carolina)
Distance: 79 miles
Duration: 1 day
Highlights: Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls, Mount Mitchell
Must-See Stops:
- • Grandfather Mountain (MP 305) - Mile High Swinging Bridge (separate fee)
- • Linville Falls (MP 316.4) - Multiple waterfall viewpoints
- • Crabtree Falls (MP 339.5) - Moderate 2.5-mile loop
- • Mount Mitchell (MP 355.4) - Highest peak east of Mississippi (6,684 ft)
- • Craggy Gardens (MP 364.6) - Rhododendron blooms in June
Pro Tip: Mount Mitchell can be 10-15°F cooler than the valley. Bring layers even in summer. The observation tower offers 360° views.
Southern Section: Milepost 384-469 (North Carolina)
Distance: 85 miles
Duration: 1 day
Highlights: Asheville, Folk Art Center, Waterrock Knob
Must-See Stops:
- • Folk Art Center (MP 382) - Southern Highland crafts
- • Asheville (MP 382-393) - Vibrant city, Biltmore Estate nearby
- • Mount Pisgah (MP 408.6) - Moderate 2.6-mile summit hike
- • Graveyard Fields (MP 418.8) - Waterfalls and blueberry picking
- • Devil's Courthouse (MP 422.4) - Short steep hike, panoramic views
- • Waterrock Knob (MP 451.2) - Final major overlook
Pro Tip: Spend extra time in Asheville for craft breweries, restaurants, and the Biltmore Estate. Graveyard Fields is perfect for a picnic.
Top 10 Hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway
1. Humpback Rocks (MP 5.8)
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip | Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 800 feet
Steep rocky climb rewarded with 360° views of the Shenandoah Valley. Best at sunrise.
2. Linville Falls (MP 316.4)
Distance: 1.6 miles roundtrip | Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Multiple viewpoints of spectacular waterfall plunging into Linville Gorge. Erwin's View is best.
3. Rough Ridge (MP 302.8)
Distance: 1 mile roundtrip | Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Boardwalk trail to stunning mountain views. Perfect for families and sunset viewing.
4. Craggy Pinnacle (MP 364.1)
Distance: 1.4 miles roundtrip | Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 250 feet
Steep but short climb to bald summit with 360° views. Rhododendrons bloom in June.
5. Graveyard Fields (MP 418.8)
Distance: 3.2 miles loop | Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Two waterfalls, open meadows, and blueberry picking in late summer. Very popular.
6. Mount Mitchell Summit (MP 355.4)
Distance: 0.25 miles roundtrip | Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 50 feet
Paved trail to highest point east of Mississippi (6,684 ft). Observation tower at summit.
7. Cascades Trail (MP 271.9)
Distance: 1 mile roundtrip | Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 150 feet
Gentle trail through forest to beautiful cascading waterfall. Great for kids.
8. Flat Rock Self-Guiding Loop (MP 308.3)
Distance: 0.7 miles loop | Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Easy loop through old-growth forest with interpretive signs. Wheelchair accessible.
9. Devil's Courthouse (MP 422.4)
Distance: 0.8 miles roundtrip | Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 150 feet
Short but steep paved trail to rocky summit with panoramic mountain views.
10. Waterrock Knob (MP 451.2)
Distance: 1.2 miles roundtrip | Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Steep climb to 6,292 ft summit with views into Great Smoky Mountains. Final major hike.
Complete Budget Breakdown
| Expense Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | $60-90 | $100-160 | $180-300 |
| Food (per day) | $35-50 | $60-90 | $100-150 |
| Car Rental (per day) | $40-60 | $65-90 | $100-150 |
| Gas (total trip) | $70-100 | $70-100 | $70-100 |
| Activities & Attractions | $10-20/day | $25-40/day | $50-80/day |
| Parking & Fees | $0-10/day | $10-20/day | $15-30/day |
| TOTAL (per day) | $120-190 | $200-300 | $345-510 |
| 5-DAY TRIP TOTAL | $670-1,050 | $1,070-1,600 | $1,795-2,650 |
Money-Saving Tips
- • The Parkway itself is FREE - no entrance fees!
- • Pack picnic lunches to enjoy at scenic overlooks
- • Camp at Parkway campgrounds ($20-25/night)
- • Most hikes and attractions are free
- • Fill up gas before entering remote sections
- • Visit in shoulder season for lower lodging rates
Best Time to Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
Fall (October)
Peak Season - Best Time!
- ✓ Spectacular fall foliage
- ✓ Perfect temperatures (50-70°F)
- ✓ Clear, crisp air
- ✓ All facilities open
- ✗ Very crowded weekends
- ✗ Higher accommodation prices
Peak Foliage: Mid-Oct at high elevations, late Oct at lower elevations
Spring (May-June)
Second Best Time
- ✓ Wildflowers blooming
- ✓ Rhododendrons (mid-June)
- ✓ Mild temperatures
- ✓ Fewer crowds than fall
- ✓ Lower prices
- ✗ Some facilities still closed
Best for: Wildflowers, waterfalls, avoiding crowds
Summer (July-August)
Pros & Cons
- ✓ All facilities open
- ✓ Longest days
- ✓ Best for families
- ✗ Hot and humid (80-90°F)
- ✗ Afternoon thunderstorms
- ✗ Heavy traffic
Winter (Nov-April)
Off-Season
- ✓ Solitude and peace
- ✓ Lowest prices
- ✓ Snow-covered views
- ✗ Many sections closed
- ✗ Facilities closed
- ✗ Unpredictable weather
Important: Check Road Closures
Sections of the Parkway close in winter due to ice and snow, especially at high elevations. Always check the official Blue Ridge Parkway website for current road conditions before your trip.
Essential Tips for Your Parkway Journey
Driving Tips
- • Speed limit is 45 mph (slower in some areas) - embrace the slow pace
- • Use pullouts to let faster traffic pass
- • Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk
- • Fill up gas before entering - stations are sparse
- • Download offline maps - cell service is spotty
- • Allow 1 hour per 30 miles with stops
Accommodation Tips
- • Lodging ON the Parkway is limited (Peaks of Otter, Pisgah Inn)
- • Book Parkway lodges 3-6 months ahead for fall
- • Towns near the Parkway: Waynesboro, Roanoke, Blowing Rock, Asheville
- • Campgrounds available (first-come, first-served)
- • Consider staying in Asheville as a base for southern section
Hiking Tips
- • Bring layers - temperatures drop with elevation
- • Start hikes early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms
- • Carry plenty of water and snacks
- • Wear sturdy hiking shoes - trails can be rocky
- • Tell someone your hiking plans
- • Stay on marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems
Photography Tips
- • Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) offers best lighting
- • Mabry Mill is most photogenic at dawn with fog
- • Linn Cove Viaduct: walk underneath for unique angles
- • Fall foliage peaks at different times by elevation
- • Bring a polarizing filter to reduce haze
- • Overlooks face different directions - plan for lighting
Safety Tips
- • Weather changes quickly at high elevations
- • Lightning is dangerous on exposed summits - descend if storms approach
- • Black bears are present - store food properly
- • Fog can reduce visibility to near zero - slow down
- • Emergency services are limited - have a plan
- • Carry a first aid kit and emergency supplies
Sample 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Waynesboro to Roanoke (MP 0-121)
Humpback Rocks hike, Peaks of Otter, overnight in Roanoke
Day 2: Roanoke to Blowing Rock (MP 121-294)
Mabry Mill, Blue Ridge Music Center, Moses Cone Estate, overnight Blowing Rock
Day 3: Blowing Rock Area (MP 294-305)
Linn Cove Viaduct, Rough Ridge, Grandfather Mountain, explore Blowing Rock town
Day 4: Highest Peaks (MP 305-384)
Linville Falls, Mount Mitchell summit, Craggy Gardens, arrive Asheville
Day 5: Asheville to Cherokee (MP 384-469)
Mount Pisgah, Graveyard Fields, Devil's Courthouse, Waterrock Knob, end at Cherokee
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Rushing the Drive
Don't try to drive the entire Parkway in one day. You'll miss the best parts and be exhausted.
Not Checking Road Status
Sections close for weather and maintenance. Always check the official website before your trip.
Visiting Only in Summer
Summer is hot, humid, and crowded. Spring and fall offer better weather and fewer people.
Ignoring Weather Changes
Mountain weather changes rapidly. Always bring layers and rain gear, even in summer.
Not Booking Lodging Early
Fall weekends book up 6+ months in advance. Plan ahead or stay in nearby towns.
Skipping the Hikes
The best views require short hikes. Don't just drive - get out and explore!