Exploring Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in America. The Parkway spans 469 miles from up near Shenandoah National Park in Virginia down to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. That's a lot of miles to explore, but no matter where you start your journey, every stop promises impressive mountain views and trails to explore.

The Parkway is easy and free to explore, with many overlooks to park your car and enjoy the breathtaking vistas or hike its trails.

Looking Glass Rock with the surrounding mountains

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit the Parkway is during Spring through Fall. Although it's open all year round, due to the high elevation and rapidly changing weather conditions, the Parkway experiences many closures in the Winter months. Ice roads and fallen trees make it very dangerous to drive through. Nonetheless, there are still many activities visitors enjoy in the area.

Prepare before you go:

Before you start your scenic drive, we recommend stocking up on water, beverages, and snacks so that you won't have to deviate if you get hungry. We love bringing lunch and stopping in one of Parkway's many picnic areas.

Top Places to Stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway:

South of Asheville:

1. Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center on milepost 382. Make sure to pick up a map, ask questions, and shop for authentic souvenirs.

2. Mount Pisgah on milepost 407.6. Spot Asheville's most famous peak (This is the mountain peak you can observe as you drive up to our cabin on Pisgah Hwy.)

3. Graveyard Fields on milepost 417. Follow the Graveyards Fields hike to stunning waterfalls. The hike takes you to two beautiful waterfalls, the multitiered second falls, and upper falls. It's become one of the area's favorite trails.

4. Black Balsam on milepost 420.2. It's the second highest mountain in the Great Balsam Mountains and a must-hike, which includes beautiful panoramic views and treeless mountain tops, perfect for stopping for a picnic.

5. Devil's Courthouse on milepost 422.4. This strenuous and inclined 0.8-mile out-and-back trail takes you to the top for 360-degree panoramic views. But it's not just pretty views; Devils Courthouse also provides habitat for various rare species that migrated during the last Ice Age. Our favorite hike if you are up for the challenge.

North of Asheville:

1. Craggy Garden on milepost 364.4. The name says it all, Craggy Gardens is known for its floral display in mid to late June of pink and purple Rhododendrons. Make sure to first stop at Craggy Gardens visitor Center on milepost 364.6, where you can use the restrooms, buy souvenirs and enjoy beautiful mountain views. Next, hike the Craggy Pinnacle Trail, where you can walk through an actual tunnel of the famous Rhododendrons to the summit of the mountain.

2. Mount Mitchel on Milepost 355.4. Visit the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River at 6,68a feet. You can drive your car almost to the peak, where you'll find a parking lot to park, and then be able to hike to the observation deck, where you'll enjoy stunning views.

Other things to know:

1. The Parkway was designed for leisurely so take your time and discover the wonders of this special place.

2. Find the latest information on Parkway detours and closings on the NPS closure chart.

3. Leave no trace, please make sure you leave nothing and take nothing from the park.

4. Avoid parking on road shoulders as this damages park resources such as road edges and vegetation. Visitors should only park on paved overlooks or parking lots.

5. Prepare for rapid dips in temperature and unexpected thunderstorms. At higher elevations, the wind and temperature can carry a surprising chill. Be prepared for weather changes by bringing layers of suitable clothing.

6. In case of an emergency dial 911. To report a missing person or overdue hiker, call (828) 298-2491.

7. Enjoy