Blue Ridge Parkway

The parkway links Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park along Appalachian ridgelines. The limit tops out at 45 mph, so it is a drive to take over several days rather than rush. Expect overlooks every few miles, old farm sites like Mabry Mill, the curving Linn Cove Viaduct and spur roads up to the highest peaks in the east. It suits anyone who likes to stop often and eat at small-town cafes.

The stops

1. Start

   Rockfish Gap, VA

2. Hike

   Humpback Rocks

   Short steep walk to a rock outcrop; a farm museum sits at the visitor area (about mile 6).

3. Hike

   Peaks of Otter

   Lodge, lake loop and the Sharp Top climb around mile 85.

4. Town

   Roanoke

   Largest city on the route; good for a food and fuel stop around mile 120.

5. Historic · Overnight

   Mabry Mill

   Restored gristmill and sawmill with a restaurant, at mile 176.

6. Hike

   Cumberland Knob

   Short loop walk at mile 217, the first section of parkway built (approx coordinates).

7. Viewpoint

   Linn Cove Viaduct

   Curved concrete bridge hugging Grandfather Mountain at mile 304.

8. Viewpoint

   Mount Mitchell State Park

   Spur road at mile 355 to the highest summit east of the Mississippi.

9. Hike

   Craggy Gardens

   Rhododendron bald with a short trail; blooms mostly in June (miles 364–370).

10. Town · Overnight

    Asheville

    Good base for breweries, food and a rest day (miles 382–384).

11. Viewpoint

    Pisgah Inn

    Overlook, restaurant and lodge near mile 408 (approx coordinates).

12. Viewpoint

    Waterrock Knob

    High overlook and short summit trail at mile 451.

13. Town

    Cherokee

    Parkway ends here at the Great Smoky Mountains park entrance.

14. Finish

    Cherokee, NC

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Roanoke

  Peaks of Otter Lodge (on the parkway) · Roanoke hotels

• Night 2

  Mabry Mill area

  Primland-area or Floyd cabins and inns · Doughton Park campground

• Night 3

  Boone / Blowing Rock

  Julian Price Park Campground · Blowing Rock inns

• Night 4

  Asheville

  Mount Pisgah Campground · Asheville hotels and B&Bs

• Night 5

  Cherokee

  Smokemont Campground (Smokies) · Cherokee motels

When to go

May–Oct for open roads and green views; late Sep–mid Oct for foliage (and the biggest crowds)

On the road

Roadway is not maintained in winter, so high sections and tunnels close from late fall to early spring. Hurricane Helene (2024) damaged parts of the North Carolina section; check the NPS road-status page for current closures and detours before planning.