Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile recreational motor road that protects the cultural and natural features of the Blue Ridge while connecting Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. Designed as a "scenic drive", the Parkway provides both stunning scenery and close-up looks at the natural and cultural history of the mountains. The "in depth" button to the right will access our expanded web site.

199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803-8686
828 298 0398 - Visitor Information
828 271 4779 - Headquarters

By Car
The motor road is marked every mile by concrete mileposts beginning at MP 0 near Shenandoah NP and ending at MP 469 at Great Smoky Mountain NP. The winding nature of the road may make it difficult for large recreational vehicles, but all personal vehicles, motorcycles, tour buses and bicycles are allowed. No commercial traffic is permitted!

The Parkway ranges from 650 feet above sea level to over 6,000 feet, so expect rapidly changing weather conditions. The weather is generally mild, but summertime temperatures can reach the 90's and winter can produce extended periods with single digit temperatures, ice, wind, and snow.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Wildlife Viewing
• Snow Skiing
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Cross Country Skiing

Recommended Activities
Detailed information on activities along the Parkway can be found by clicking on "IN DEPTH" from the front page.

Overlooks and trails offer breaks during a drive, and there are ranger programs at most developed areas during the summer and autumn months. The Parkway provides wonderful opportunities for:

Hiking - The Parkway offers 100 trails ranging from short "leg-stretcher" walks to the Appalachian Trail.

Wildflowers & Fall Colors - The Parkway provides an excellent location for both wildflower walks in the springtime and brilliant leaf color in the autumn.

Photography - The combination of historical and natural areas make the park an excellent destination for photographers.

Historical and Cultural Demonstrations - Several developed areas offer hands-on demonstrations of mountain life and culture.

Ranger Guided Walks and Evening Programs - During the summer season, most developed areas offer evening programs, or more traditional campfire programs, along with guided walks and special programs.

Birdwatching - Because the Appalachian Mountains shape the flyway for most eastern migratory birds, the Parkway is an excellent place for both birdwatching and autumn migratory bird counts.

Bicycling - The slow pace of bicycling on the motor road may be one of the best ways to enjoy everything that the park has to offer.

Click on image to enlarge.