Complete information on the Blue Ridge Parkway is now available on National Park Planner!
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains from Waynesboro, Virginia, to Cherokee, North Carolina, connecting Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Parkway is open to private passenger vehicles and motorcycles only. There are no stop lights or stop signs on the entire stretch of road, though there are plenty of exit roads that lead to towns were travelers can purchase gas and food. The speed limit is 45 MPH.
However, the Blue Ridge Parkway is more than just a driving experience and it is more than just a road. The park consists of 82,000 acres of Federal land and includes 91 historic structures, 26 tunnels through the mountains, 281 overlooks, and 1300 spots with scenic views. Along the route you will encounter human history and plenty of opportunities to get out of your car and get some exercise on one of the over 120 trails in the park. You will find short “leg-stretchers” as well as longer trails for the more aggressive hiker. The Appalachian Trail and the Mountains to Sea Trail crisscross the parkway and there are numerous parking areas for those who want to access these trails. In addition, there are over a dozen large picnic areas, plus many of the scenic overlooks have a table or two. There are even seven campgrounds and two lodges that can accommodate overnight travelers. The Blue Ridge Parkway appeals to everyone from the Couch Potato whose ultimate aspiration is to drive the entire 469 miles, to the athlete who dreams of hiking the Appalachian Trail or climbing Mount Everest. It was designed for the masses and still retains the moniker, America’s Favorite Drive.
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Last updated on December 12, 2020
