Blue Ridge
Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway extends 469 miles through the southern Appalachians of Virginia and North Carolina, linking Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountain National Parks along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Designed as a "scenic drive", the Parkway provides both stunning scenery and close-up looks at the natural and cultural history of the mountains. For more information, visit our Web Visitor Center .
ADDRESS:
Blue Ridge Parkway
400 BB&T Bldg.
Asheville, NC 28801
TELEPHONE:
(828) 298-0398
EMERGENCIES:
Telephone 1-800-PARKWATCH (727-5928)
LOCATION:
The Parkway passes through western Virginia and North Carolina, with access from several
major highways and cities. Asheville, NC, and Roanoke, VA, are the largest metropolitan
areas along the Parkway.
OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
The Parkway motor road is open year-round, although severe weather may close many sections
during the winter months. Visitor centers are generally open from May through October, and
campgrounds from April through October. All lodges and facilities close during the winter,
with the exception of the Peaks of Otter Lodge and restaurant, the Linville Falls and
Otter Creek campgrounds.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
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.
VISITATION:
Approximately 17 million people per year people travel the Parkway, making it the most
visited site in the National Park System. The greatest visitation is during summer
holidays and during the fall color season in mid-October.
TRANSPORTATION:
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!
FEES, COSTS, RATES:
There is no fee for travelling on the Parkway, or for visitor centers and picnic areas.
Camping fees are $12.00/night for families or groups with two adults, plus $2.00 for each
additional adult over age 18.
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
These facilities are spaced out along the entire length of the Parkway in North Carolina
and Virginia:
Visitor Centers: There are eleven visitor centers along the Parkway, five in
Virginia and six in North Carolina. Each is designed to provide information on the
activities and facilities in the area, as well as providing general information about the
Parkway.
Concession operated lodges/cabins/restaurants: There are three concession operated
lodges and a cabin complex along the Parkway, along with seven restaurants, three service
stations and other facilities.
Campgrounds: The nine campgrounds have tent pads, trailer sites, picnic tables,
fire pits, dump stations, and comfort stations with cold running water sinks. There are no
hook-ups or shower facilities. Camping is allowed only in designated areas.
Picnic areas: There are picnic tables in all developed areas, as well as tables at
some overlooks along the motor road.
Handicap access: All Parkway campgrounds have at least one accessible site, and
most visitor centers and lodges are either fully or partially accessible. In addition,
there is a wheelchair accessible fishing dock at Otter Lake and a wheelchair accessible
trail at Linville Falls.
Private facilities: Private campgrounds, restaurants and hotels may be found in
many of the communities and towns that adjoin the Parkway.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES, PARK USE:
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:
RESERVATIONS, PERMITS:
No reservations are taken on the Parkway, except at lodging facilities operated by the
concessionaires. Permits are required for hang gliding, commercial activities, weddings,
and other park uses. These can be obtained through Parkway headquarters in Asheville, NC.
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
Plan to travel slowly. The Parkway speed limit is 45 mph (35 mph in developed areas), and
you should allow time for frequent stops to enjoy the park. To travel the Parkway safely
from Shenandoah to Great Smokies will take twelve or more hours of driving.
SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:
Evening programs, ranger guided walks, historical and cultural demonstrations, and music
programs are given at the developed areas from June until October. In addition, the
Parkway offers Parks As Classrooms programs to students during the school year.
VISITOR IMPACTS:
The Parkway follows mountain crests, so be prepared for variable weather, with sudden
summer thunderstorms, winter snow, or fog year round. Also beware of animals on the road,
and drive cautiously to avoid seeing wildlife too closely!
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
A number of state parks and private attractions border the Parkway, along with a number of
national parks and forests. For example:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Contact the Blue Ridge
Parkway Foundation's website for information on this organization's efforts to
protect park resources. For an information packet, write the Blue Ridge Parkway
Association, P.O. Box 2136, Asheville, NC, 28802. Information on road closures and
conditions, or park facilities can be obtained by calling our information line at (828)
298-0398.
The Blue Ridge Parkway's Concession Services Plan - PUBLIC SCOPING COMMENT BOOKLET is now available on line. The document will provide you the opportunity to give park management your opinion or advice for evaluating the present and future concession services along the Blue Ridge Parkway