Tips for Traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is more than a road – it’s a beautiful journey that entices visitors to explore a 469-mile gateway to America’s rich cultural heritage including Cherokee traditions, music, crafts, agriculture and nature.
Regulations & Driving Tips
- The Parkway's speed limit is typically 45 miles per hour (less in some places). The Parkway was designed for leisurely motoring. Take your time and discover the grandeur of this special place.
- Interpretive signs carrying the squirrel gun and powder horn symbol will be found at many overlooks and historic sites along the parkway.
- You don’t have to be at an overlook to stop and enjoy the scenery.
- Unless otherwise posted, parking is permitted along road shoulders.
- Choose a place where you can pull your car completely off the road so as not to endanger yourself or others. Be alert for wildlife. Deer and other animals may dart in front of you.
- Extra vigilance is needed when driving in fog and rain. Slow down and turn on your headlights. A little caution will help assure that inclement weather only dampens picnics and temporarily impairs the scenic views.
- Motorcyclists should be especially alert. Helmets are required for operators and passengers. In North Carolina, the headlight must be on anytime a motorcycle is in motion.
- If in an accident, try to prevent others from becoming involved by using reflective warning devices or flares, or by positioning someone beside the road to flag oncoming vehicles. Notify a Park Ranger at a nearby visitor center or campground or call (800) 727-5928.
Mileposts
Along the Parkway, you will observe numbered mileposts. The zero milepost marker is at Rockfish Gap, immediately south of Shenandoah National Park, and each mile is numbered progressively southward on the Parkway.
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A journey on the Blue Ridge Parkway offers motorists spectacular views of Southern Appalachia’s diverse beauty for 469.1 uninterrupted miles.
