Sample Sights & Stops
Blue Ridge Parkway Itineraries
Just a few of the places to go and things to see on your journeys around the Parkway
Plan your trip by region, community or interest using our sample itineraries. These itineraries may help you imagine the activities or distance you can include in a day or weekend trip plus provide a few ideas for exploring the Parkway and surrounding communities.
At milepost 177.7 of the Blue Ridge Parkway you will see one of the rarest views on your ride: a town. Meadows of Dan, Virginia is home to rugged hiking trails, sweet treats, luxurious getaways and so much more.
For decades Wytheville has been known as the hospitality hub of Southwest Virginia, due in part to its ideal location situated at the crossroads of interstates 77 & 81, just 30 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance at Milepost 199.4, but the small town charm is what keeps folks returning year after year.
Take a turn off the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 63.7 and wind your way through the beautiful scenery along route 501. In just 30 minutes you’ll arrive in the urban center of Lynchburg, Virginia, where we’ve made it easy for you to get the kids out of the car and moving.
For history lovers who want to get away and experience the simple life with a variety of historical points of interest, abundant natural beauty and even wine tastings and luxury treatments, Patrick County, Virginia is your perfect destination. Here are all the must-see places to help you unplug, unwind, and step back in time.
Discover why this charming mountain town is unique in more ways than just its name. Wytheville, VA offers education, history, fun, food and drink.
Lynchburg, VA offers some stunning examples of historic architecture. Architecture buffs can tour our walkable Downtown and seven historic districts to learn more about the architectural marvels of Lynchburg for a fantastic weekend trip.
The little town of Blowing Rock is surrounded by undeveloped lands, like a giant backyard to explore. This one-day itinerary takes in the views and the environment for a true Blue Ridge experience.
Blowing Rock is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and is home to several iconic NC High Country attractions. It takes more than one day to tour some of the best-known sites. If you are looking for a sight-seeing adventure or just want to revisit your favorites, check out this itinerary!
With so much to do in Transylvania County, it can be hard to choose which adventure to jump into first. Here’s a virtual toy chest of fun, active, and educational activities guaranteed to keep every member of the family completely enthralled.
Brevard and Transylvania County are known as the “Land of Waterfalls.” And with good reason: this awe-inspiring destination boasts over 250 waterfalls, the largest concentration in North America. But that’s just the beginning. Here you’ll find a wide range of outdoor opportunities, from hiking and biking to paddling and climbing. Add in the small-town charm of historic Brevard – with its vibrant art, culture, dining and shopping – and you’ve got several more reasons to linger in this magical setting.
Looping through the Blue Ridge Mountain range, the Claw of the Dragon is one of the most popular destinations in the South among motorcycle enthusiasts.
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the divinely placed mountain town of Waynesboro, Virginia, connecting ridge top vistas with the most flavorful local brews and downtown destinations. Round up your friends - this group-friendly itinerary will leave you cheering for more. You'll find Waynesboro a perfect starting point for exploring both Skyline Drive and the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Haywood County is the perfect home base for an action-packed family vacation. With a long list of outdoor adventures, incredible places to explore and a wide range of restaurants and takeout options that appeal to palates of all ages, it’s easy to see why families love to stay and play in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.
A one day trip through the Highlands District of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina reveals the shift from flat plateau to mountain ridges. Find yourself in the rolling pastures of Doughton Park (Milepost 240 – 245) or exploring the Grandfather Mountain corridor (Milepost 295 – 300) or the rugged Linville Gorge (Milepost 317).
A two-day trip through the Parkway's Highlands district reveals the shift from flat plateau to mountain ridges. Find yourself in the rolling pastures of Doughton Park (Milepost 240 – 245) or exploring the Grandfather Mountain corridor (Milepost 295 – 300) or the rugged Linville Gorge (Milepost 317) with a night in North Carolina’s High Country of Boone or Blowing Rock.
A two-day trip from Afton Mountain and Rockfish Gap (Milepost 0) to the Peaks of Otter (Milepost 86) and on to Roanoke, the largest metropolitan area on the Parkway, offers plenty of time to experience this region and highlight hiking, including magnificent views of the flora and fauna of Appalachian hardwood forests and sweeping vistas of the Great Valley of Virginia.
Sweeping ridgetop curves and sunset-lit country roads converge in one divinely placed mountain town. Waynesboro, Virginia located at the base of Skyline Drive and Milepost 0 of the Blue Ridge Parkway offers the perfect base camp for motorcycle touring, with multiple days of beautiful riding and evening entertainment.
The towns of Northeast Tennessee are located just west of the Blue Ridge Parkway, near the Cherokee National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you're traveling the Parkway and want to visit this area, consider exiting in the Plateau Region and traveling southwest, or at MP 305.1 and heading west to Johnson City. Read on for ideas for a great day trip to this area.
The towns of Northeast Tennessee are located just west of the Blue Ridge Parkway, near the Cherokee National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Forest. If you’re traveling the Parkway and want to visit this area, consider exiting in the Plateau Region and traveling southwest, or at MP 305.1 and heading west to Johnson City. You'll find outdoor adventure galore in this mountain playground.
A one-day trip through the Pisgah District is a long drive that comes with unique rewards. From Mount Mitchell (Milepost 355.3) to places like Craggy Gardens (Milepost 364.3) and Devil’s Courthouse (Milepost 422.2), you'll experience long vistas across rugged and remote areas, a feel of wilderness, and amazing biodiversity.
A two-day trip through the Pisgah District comes with unique rewards. There is a natural resource emphasis that features relic populations of plants, long vistas across rugged and remote areas, and a feel of wilderness that dominates many areas.
A slow-paced, one day trip from Roanoke, Virginia (Milepost 120) South to the North Carolina state line (Milepost 216) is highlighted by intensive exposure to the Blue Ridge cultural landscape. The rural experience on the Plateau Region of the Parkway and on adjacent lands highlights mills, music, and agriculture, demonstrating how people have interacted with the landscape over time.
A slow-paced day trip from Afton Mountain and Rockfish Gap (Milepost 0) to the Peaks of Otter (Milepost 86) will highlight the ridgetop driving experience of the Ridge region with magnificent views of the flora and fauna of Appalachian hardwood forests and sweeping vistas of the Great Valley of Virginia.
A two-day trip along from Roanoke (Milepost 120) South to the Virginia state line (Milepost 216) is highlighted by intensive exposure to the Blue Ridge cultural landscape. The rural experience on the Plateau Region of the Parkway and on adjacent lands highlights mills, music, and agriculture, demonstrating how people have interacted with the landscape over time. The opportunity to camp overnight in two iconic Blue Ridge towns will make this a memorable visit.
Here’s a sample one-day itinerary to inspire your next getaway to Bryson City & Swain County, including a variety of waterfalls, restaurants, and even boating on scenic Fontana Lake.
Bryson City and Swain County are located just west of the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 469.1), and the Cherokee entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here’s a sample multi-day itinerary to inspire your next getaway.
Are you looking for a fresh vacation full of outdoor adventure and scenic exploration? Haywood County provides a unique outdoor experience unlike anywhere else. No matter the season, you can always enjoy a variety of mountain adventures right here in Haywood County.
