Do you ever find yourself longing to escape to a blissful wilderness and reconnect to nature in the Great Smoky Mountains? Don’t the chaos and hustle of urban life with its relentless material pursuits get overwhelming? Doesn’t the urge to plunge yourself into the lap of Mother Nature overcome you? If so, then we’ve got you a solution. The Blue Ridge Parkway—the ultimate escape in the wilderness of Virginia and Carolina—is calling your name.
Connecting two of America’s most beloved national parks—the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah—the Blue Ridge Parkway is a breathtakingly beautiful drive offering majestic views of alpine forests, winding valleys, pristine rivers, and towering mountains.
Blue Ridge Parkway – A Brief History
Completed in 1983, this 469-mile (755 km) “National Parkway” and “All-American Road”—which passes through 29 counties of Virginia and North Carolina— is considered one of the most scenic drives on the East Coast.
Declared a Scenic Byway, Blue Ridge Parkway is a feather in the cap of the United States National Park System and enjoys the status of the most visited destination in the Parks system. The name “Blue Ridge” comes from the Blue Ridge Appalachian Mountain on the spine of which this parkway runs. When it comes to hiking, you are spoiled for choice with over 100 hiking trails that take you to the heart of the wilderness.
[Note: For more details about how to plan a grand road trip in America, check out our guide “The Great American Road Trip: 7 U.S Routes to Explore Before You Die.”
For more information, you can visit the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation website. The Foundation is a partner of the National Park Service.
Here’s everything you need to know about planning a trip to the Parkway.
Charlottesville, Virginia
The best place to begin your journey is in Charlottesville, Virginia (which also has the nearest airport to the Parkway). Located some 25 miles from the starting point of the Parkway, this town is known for its vineyards and wineries and houses the famous home of the legendary American President and founder father, Thomas Jefferson—Monticello.
Before you hit the Parkway, consider exploring the many historical attractions.
These include the Historic Down Mall (known for its chic boutiques, restaurants, and shops), the University of Virginia (a UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded by Jefferson in 1819 as an “academical village”), and the famous Monticello Wine Trail to sample the many fine wines of the region. Consisting of 30 beautiful wineries, the Monticello Wine region also plays host to many music festivals, concerts, and wine festivals.
Milepost 0-5: Rockfish Gap and Humpback Rocks
Marking the northern entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Rockfish Gap (near Waynesboro) is where you begin your journey proper. To its north is the Skyline Drive, which takes you to the heart of the Shenandoah National Park.
The Humpback Rocks (milestone 05-09) is also a popular self-guiding hiking trail (the first of many) that offers splendid views of the Shenandoah Valley. Visit the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center which provides you tremendous insights into the natural and cultural history of the region. It features many historical artifacts, and a reconstructed farmstead to showcase Appalachian life.
Milepost 10: Raven Roost Overlook
After soaking in some history and culture at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center, you can pull over at Raven Roost Overlook, a popular family picnic spot with gorgeous views of the valley and Torry Mountain. This overlook is built on top of a cliff. Snap a few memorable photos here. At the base of the ridge, you’ll find ruins of an old Torrey Iron Furnace built in the 1880s.
The spot gets its name from the ravens that can be found gliding here.
Milepost 63.6: James River Visitor Center
At this point, the highway dips to its lowest level, alongside the James River. The river has historically been a lifeline for Virginia with the canal system sustaining agriculture and transportation in the state. The James River Picnic Area is a favorite picnic spot for families.
Here you can visit the James River Visitor Center, walk across the river on the canal systems, or go on a short hike on the Otter Creek Trail—a beginners’ level hike that is perfect for the family. The hike from the river to the Otter Creek Summit is only 1.5 miles but is quite steep and challenging. But if you would rather go on a shorter easier trail, consider the Canal Lock Trail or Trail of Trees (both less than a mile).
Due to a slightly warmer temperature and abundant water, this part of the Ridge has a rich variety of plants and animals. You can expect the best animal sightings here. Pull out your binoculars.
Milepost 120: Roanoke Mountain and Mill Moutain
Roanoke is the biggest city you come across on the Parkway. It rose to prominence in the 1880s due to a resurgent railroad industry. In the 1940s, the town built the largest man-made neon star on the planet at the top of Mill Mountain which overlooks the city. The star lies at milepost 120. From here, you can get excellent views of the Roanoke mountains, and the Niagara Hydroelectric Dam. There is a one-way 4-mile loop that takes you to the Roanoke Valley.
If you are visiting with kids, visiting Mill Mountain Zoo is a great idea.
Milepost 176: Mabry Mill
Mabry Hill is the heart of rural Appalachia and an important highlight of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The meticulously preserved old grist and sawmill at Mabry Hill are a quaint remnant of a bygone era and one of the most photographed spots on the Blue Ridge. It was built by a blacksmith Ed Mabry and his wife Lizzy. The mill is now a site of cultural events, open-air concerts, and cultural demonstrations.
Another quaint landmark is the Mathew’ Cabin which is also located close to the Mabry Mill.
Milestone 169: Rocky Knob and Rock Castle Gorge
This one is for the serious hikers. The Rock Castle Gorge is a famous hiking and camping spot. The Rock Castle Gorge Trail that originates from here (at the Rocky Knob Campground) is a 10.8-mile loop that passes through a hardwood cove forest of oaks, magnolias, and maples.
Milestone 213: Blue Ridge Musical Center
As we near the North Carolina border, the Blue Ridge Music Center is a fine homage to the rich musical and artistic history of the region, characterized by old-world, bluegrass, and gospel music. It is considered the capital for bluegrass musicians in America. There is always music playing. Be sure to watch a live music performance.
Milestone 294: Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
The first point of interest as you enter North Carolina, the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. Named after the textile magnate Moses Cone, this must-visit destination features a grand manor house, carriage trails, and a serene lake. The Park was originally built as a country estate in the 1890s. Cone’s mansion consists of 23 Colonial Revival rooms, 25 miles of carriage roads, two man-made lakes, and several orchards. You can purchase local crafts at the Craft Center in the park.
Milestone 316: Linville Falls and Gorge
The Linville Falls are a picturesque sight of falls cascading through a dramatic gorge. You can hike up to the top on the Erwins View Trail to see the falls up close and marvel at the view down below.
Milepost 264: Craggy Gardens
The road ascends as you drive up to the Craggy Gardens (milepost 364) known for their stunning rhododendrons, which are a sight to behold—especially in late spring and early summer. The nearby Craggy Pinnacle Trail is one of the finest trails in North Carolina.
Milepost 431: Richland Balsam
The highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway is Richland Balsam. It offers you breathtaking views of the blue mountains that stretch on as far as the eye can see.
Your road trip ends in Cherokee, North Carolina which serves as an entry point to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Points of interest include the Museum of Cherokee Indians and the Oconaluftee Indian Village, which beautifully showcase the life and culture of the Cherokee people.
But you can’t just end the road trip like this! Spare some time for a hike in the misty bliss of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Also See: Things to Do in Lake Arrowhead Area
Conclusion
The Blue Ridge Parkway is no ordinary ride. It is a tryst with Mother Nature where you find peace and tranquility. And a great opportunity to create lasting memories with your family and friends.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your loved ones for a trip you’ll speaking about for years.
For more adventures in the U.S. check out, “The Great American Road Trip: 7 U.S. Routes To Explore Before You Die!”
