North Carolina | Virginia • https://www.nps.gov/blri

A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. 469 miles of pure beauty, wonder and lots of hiking. This is one of the roads where the journey exceeds each destination.

Information & Tips:

• Driving the parkway is free.
• Many visitor centers along the parkway which provide great information and updated parkway closures as winter months will close sections of the parkway due to snow and ice.
• The North Carolina section from mile post 294 to 420 is the most scenic and beautiful in our opinion.
• Speed limit on the parkway is generally 35mph with occasional 45mph zones.
• Along the parkway are many great mountain towns worth checking out: Highlands, Brevard, Asheville, Blowing Rock, Little Switzerland just to name a few.
• Highest mountain on the east coast, Mt. Mitchell, if off the parkway at mile post 355. Access is free and you can drive, or hike, to the top.
• Food & gas is not available on the parkway. Must go into a neighboring towns.
• Popular hiking trails will get very busy. You can usually beat the crowds by getting to trail heads before 9am.
• Hiking, road biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking and canoeing are just a few of the activities available.
• There are many, many lookouts along the route. The views can be amazing and you’ll likely want to stop at several.

(~360 miles of trails)