The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic road running for 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains of the United States. It links Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, so it is as much a journey as a destination in its own right.
What the drive offers
The parkway is known for its mountain vistas, which open up at many points along the route. Visitors come in large numbers in autumn, when the hardwood forests turn colour and the ridges are covered in shifting shades of red, orange and gold. Spring and summer bring their own greenery and wildflowers, and the road is generally a slow, relaxed drive, best taken with time to stop at overlooks.
Planning a visit
- Allow more time than the mileage suggests, since the road is winding and the speed is modest.
- Check ahead for seasonal conditions, especially in autumn when traffic at popular overlooks can be heavy.
- Choose a section that suits your time: a short stretch for a half-day outing, or the full length for a multi-day trip.
- Bring food and water, as services are spaced out along the route.
Because the parkway passes through or near the two national parks at either end, it pairs naturally with hiking, camping and wildlife watching in those areas. Nearby towns in the mountains of Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee can provide lodging and local meals, making the Blue Ridge Parkway a good anchor for a trip built around the Appalachian landscape.