Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway
Stories from the Road
Tales of Adventure & Natural Wonder
Parkway Stories
June 17, 2021
Written by Blue Ridge Parkway Association
Many activities in the regions surrounding the Blue Ridge Parkway are available year-round for free. Special events, hiking, live music, volunteering and lots more are included in this article.
May 24, 2021
Written by Blue Ridge Parkway Association
When can you see rhododendrons, mountain laurel, and other blooms along the Parkway? Bloom times vary each year based on a variety of factors. Read on for more information!
April 27, 2021
Written by Amy Ney
Because the Parkway is 469 miles long, it has the third largest geographical range of any national park and is one of the most biologically diverse units of the NPS. The road corridor and adjacent recreation areas provide a refuge for lots of native things: over 2,000 plant species, 30+ each of amphibians and reptiles, 60 different mammals, 225 bird species and almost a hundred different species of fish!
February 24, 2021
Written by Blue Ridge Parkway Association
A drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is literally a trip through time. But there’s lots more history and heritage to experience along the Parkway beside the route itself. But there’s lots more history and heritage to experience along the Parkway beside the route itself.
January 25, 2021
Written by Amy Ney, Blue Ridge Parkway Association
The last Tuesday in January is National Plan for Vacation Day. Academic research shows that trip planning and anticipation bring positive effects. Here are some tips for planning your upcoming Parkway travels.
Parkway Itineraries
Some sample Itineraries to get you started
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
