Winding 469 miles through the heart of the Appalachian Highlands, the Blue Ridge Parkway connects North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley in one of America’s most celebrated scenic drives. This All-American Road earns its designation at every turn.

What You’ll Experience

The journey unfolds through a tapestry of forested ridges, wildflower meadows, and panoramic overlooks that stretch to distant horizons. Stop at Milepost 431 for the stunning Waterrock Knob, where 360-degree views reveal layer upon layer of blue-hazed mountains. Explore the traditional crafts at the Folk Art Center, photograph the iconic Linn Cove Viaduct clinging to Grandfather Mountain, and stretch your legs on trails leading to cascading waterfalls.

Charming mountain towns like Blowing Rock and Little Switzerland offer local dining and overnight stays. Wildlife—from white-tailed deer to wild turkeys—frequently appears roadside.

Planning Your Drive

Allow three to five days to fully appreciate the parkway’s treasures, though even a single-day section rewards handsomely. Peak season runs mid-October when autumn transforms the corridor into a blaze of crimson, gold, and amber. Spring brings rhododendron blooms and fewer crowds.

From Cherokee, NC (US 441) to Waynesboro, VA (US 250)

Explore Nearby

• Blue Mountain Forest State Scenic Corridor — State Park in Oregon
• Green Pastures Recreation Area — State Park in Virginia
• George Washington and Jefferson National Forest — National Forest in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky
• Wood Thrush Trail — Public Land in Virginia
• Monongahela National Forest — National Forest in West Virginia