Blue Ridge National Parkway

Blue Ridge National Parkway is a scenic road that stretches for 469 miles, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. This famous parkway is located along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

Construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began in 1935 as a part of the New Deal during the Great Depression. It was designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Southern Appalachians while providing jobs to the local communities. The parkway was finally completed in 1987 and has since become a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts and road trip enthusiasts alike.

Along the parkway, visitors can take part in a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking is a popular choice, with numerous trails offering different levels of difficulty and leading to stunning vistas and waterfalls. The parkway also provides opportunities for camping, fishing, and picnicking, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding wilderness.

In addition to its outdoor activities, the Blue Ridge Parkway is home to a number of attractions that showcase the history and culture of the region. The parkway passes by several historic sites, including the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, where visitors can explore a Gilded Age mansion and walk through beautiful gardens. The Parkway Visitor Center provides educational exhibits and information about the parkway's history and natural resources.

Nearby, the region offers even more attractions to explore. Asheville, North Carolina, is a vibrant city located near the southern end of the parkway, known for its arts scene and a variety of outdoor adventures. The Biltmore Estate, America's largest privately-owned home, is a must-visit attraction in Asheville, offering tours of the grand mansion and its breathtaking gardens. The parkway is also close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and scenic drives.

Overall, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic and historic road that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether it's hiking, camping, or exploring historic sites, the parkway and its surrounding area provide something for everyone to enjoy.

Blue Ridge National Parkway is located within the beautiful state of North Carolina in the eastern United States. Stretching across the western part of the state, the parkway follows the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking views and a tranquil setting. This iconic road connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. With its winding path, it traverses through picturesque valleys, lush forests, and rolling hills, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and road trippers alike. The location of Blue Ridge National Parkway showcases the diverse geography of North Carolina, showcasing its stunning natural beauty at every turn.

Address & Contact

Milepost 384
Asheville, NC 28803
Driving Directions
Phone: 8283483400
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Blue Ridge National Parkway would be in May or October. In May, the average maximum temperature is 75°F and the average minimum temperature is 52°F, making it suitable for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is 4.4 inches, indicating relatively dry conditions. May also attracts a high number of visitors.

October is another ideal time to visit, as the average maximum temperature is 69°F and the average minimum temperature is 44°F. This offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average monthly precipitation is 3.8 inches, indicating relatively dry conditions as well. October also draws a large number of visitors.

Both May and October provide favorable weather conditions for outdoor activities, while avoiding the peak visitor crowds typically seen during the summer months.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Blue Ridge National Parkway are: Food Picnicking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Biking Road Biking Camping Car or Front Country Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Fishing Backcountry Hiking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Freshwater Fishing Live Music

Topics

Learn about these topics at Blue Ridge National Parkway: Animals Birds Transportation Tunnels Tragic Events Fish Trails Foothills, Plains and Valleys Forests and Woodlands Mountains Scenic Views Deciduous Forests Roads, Routes and Highways Elk Engineering Bridges Landscape Design Music

Visitor Centers

Waterrock Knob Visitor Center (Milepost 451.2)

Waterrock Knob is our highest elevation visitor center on the Parkway. Known for its beautiful long-range views of several major mountain chains in the Appalachians, Waterrock Knob is uniquely suited for viewing sunrises and sunsets. The small visitor center introduces visitors to the area's rugged terrain and tremendous scenic resources, including the Great Smoky Mountains that are visible from here.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Waterrock Knob Visitor Center (Milepost 451.2).

Campsites within or near Blue Ridge National Parkway

Crabtree Falls Campground

A hidden parkway gem, Crabtree Falls Campground offers quiet serenity. It’s a magical place when mist hangs in the air, coyotes and deer stroll through, and barred owls call out. Crabtree Falls, a 70’ waterfall, is accessible from the campground. Named for the crabapple trees which once dotted the countryside, the meadows in Crabtree Falls Recreation Area speak of the area’s history as a farming community. Bursting with wildflowers in spring, the meadows abut hardwood forests and thickets of rhododendrons.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Crabtree Falls Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 81
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Doughton Park Campground

Doughton Park Campground is nestled in a landscape of mountains and open meadows. Explore the history of early settlers, enjoy spectacular shows of flame azalea and rhododendron, stretch your legs on area hiking trails, and view wildlife such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, red and gray foxes, and bobcats. Originally known as The Bluffs, this area is now part of the 7000-acre Doughton Park, named in honor of Congressman Robert Doughton, a long-time advocate and supporter of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Doughton Park Campground Fee), 45.00 (Group Campsites)
Total Campsites: 108
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Julian Price Park Campground

Julian Price Campground sits beside Price Lake, a pristine body of water that sparkles against the backdrop of rolling mountains. The surrounding forest offers a colorful assortment of wildflowers in the spring and vivid orange and red foliage in the fall. Canoes can be rented at the lake, and a dock offers opportunities for fishing. Area hiking trails include Price Lake, Boone Fork, Green Knob, and Tanawha trails. Campers may see bears, grouse, turkeys, owls, hawks and more.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Julian Price Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 190
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Linville Falls Campground

Surrounded by pine forest and within hiking distance of Linville Gorge, Linville Falls Campground is ideal for family camping. The campground is central to many area attractions including the Linville Falls waterfall and fishing in the stocked Linville River. Linville Gorge is a designated Wilderness area with 11,786 acres of rolling hills and thick forest. The Gorge surrounds Linville River, which is located 1,400 feet below the ridge, creating “The Grand Canyon of North Carolina.”
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Linville Falls Campground Fee), 45.00 (Group Campground)
Total Campsites: 64
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Mount Pisgah

Mount Pisgah Campground is located in the mountains of western North Carolina at an elevation of 4,980 feet, and offers moderate to cool temperatures during camping seasons. Mount Pisgah is part of the Appalachian Mountain Range, an area of the country with scenery that never disappoints, whether blanketed in wildflowers in the spring or a bursting with orange, yellow and red hues in the fall. Several popular hiking trails, ranging from moderate to difficult, are easily accessible from the campground.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Mount Pisgah Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 125
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Otter Creek

As Otter Creek descends to the James River, the Blue Ridge Parkway dips to its lowest elevation, only 649 feet above sea level. This area's abundant water and warmer temperatures support plant and animal communities that are unlike those found at other areas on the Parkway. A short walk along the Trail of Trees or a hike along the clear, cool waters of Otter Creek will give ample proof that there is more to the Blue Ridge Parkway than mountain-top vistas.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Otter Creek Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 68
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Peaks of Otter Campground

The campground is nestled at the base of two mountains in the rolling hills of Virginia. Nearby Abbott Lake is well-stocked with small mouth bass and bluegill. A stream winds through the campground, creating a tranquil backdrop for your camping trip. Hikers may choose to climb a mountain or stroll on a flat, lakeside trail. Wildlife such as deer and wild turkey are spotted daily at the Peaks of Otter Campground.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Peaks of Otter Campground Fee)
Total Campsites: 139
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Rocky Knob Campground

Located in the Rocky Knob Recreation area, surrounded by 4,000 acres of forest, the campground is ideal for a traditional camping experience. The site offers easy access to the Rock Castle Gorge Trail, a 10.8-mile loop trail ranging in elevation from 1,700 to 3,572 feet. Rock Castle Gorge, a 1,500-foot ravine carved by the waters of Rock Castle Creek, is the focal point of this trail, offering hikers breathtaking scenery.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Rocky Knob Campground Fee), 45.00 (Group Camping)
Total Campsites: 106
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Blue Ridge National Parkway

Misty Mountain Ranch B&B and Cabins

Located in Maggie Valley, Misty Mountain Ranch B&B and Cabins is within a 5-minute drive of Maggie Valley Gem Mine and Maggie Valley Opry House. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 561 Caldwell Drive, Maggie Valley, North Carolina 28751
Web: Link

Blue Ridge Inn

With a stay at Blue Ridge Inn in Sylva, you'll be 6.1 mi (9.8 km) from Western Carolina University and 11.5 mi (18.6 km) from Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 756 W Main St., Sylva, North Carolina 28779
Web: Link

Rolling Hills Lodge

Located in Cherokee, Rolling Hills Lodge is a 3-minute walk from Museum of the Cherokee Indian and 14 minutes by foot from Oconaluftee Indian Village. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 739 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, North Carolina 28719
Web: Link

Lloyd's On The River Country Inn By Oyo

With a stay at Lloyd's On The River Country Inn By Oyo in Bryson City, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Tuckasegee River and Nantahala National Forest. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 5370 Ela Road, Bryson City, North Carolina 28713
Web: Link

McKinley Edwards Inn

With a stay at McKinley Edwards Inn in Bryson City, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Tuckasegee River and The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 208 Arlington Ave, Bryson City, North Carolina 28713
Web: Link

Maggie Valley Cabin Rentals

Located in Maggie Valley, Maggie Valley Cabin Rentals is in the mountains, within a 5-minute drive of Maggie Valley Gem Mine and Maggie Valley Opry House. Featured amenities include express check-in and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 5 Tobacco Barn Rd, Maggie Valley, North Carolina 28751
Web: Link

Mountain-chic W/ Fireplace & Wraparound Deck! 4 Bedroom Home

When you stay at this condo in Maggie Valley, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Soco Gap and Maggie Valley Gem Mine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 25 Tenderfoot Trl, Maggie Valley, North Carolina 28751
Web: Link

Rainbow Mountain Retreat

With a stay at this vacation home in Maggie Valley (Valley Creek Run), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Maggie Valley Gem Mine and Maggie Valley Opry House. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 84 Valley Creek Drive, Maggie Valley, North Carolina 28751
Web: Link

Route 19 Inn

When you stay at Route 19 Inn in Maggie Valley, you'll be on the Strip, within a 5-minute drive of Maggie Valley Festival Grounds and Wheels Through Time Museum. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4898 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, North Carolina 28751
Web: Link

Captains Creek Hot Tub Mins To Skiing & Lake 4 Bedroom Home

With a stay at this vacation home in Maggie Valley, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Maggie Valley Gem Mine and Maggie Valley Opry House. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 325 Fie Top Rd, Maggie Valley, North Carolina 28751
Web: Link