The two primary parts of the National Park Service mission are to protect park resources and to provide opportunities for visitors to enjoy those resources. Today on the Blue Ridge Parkway it's possible to rock climb, hang glide, fish for trout, bicycle... almost any activity that doesn't damage the park or endanger other visitors. Here is a sampling of some of the activities that will help you connect with this special place.

Hiking - Meandering alongside or crossing the Parkway, trails provide a close-up look at some of the most beautiful landscape in the region. Many trails wind their way through unique biological and geological environments. Others lead to historic sites with stories of how people have shaped our heritage. From short leg-stretchers to waterfalls or overlooks to extended treks along the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, there is a hike for every interest. Pick up a list of trails or maps at any Parkway visitor center. When hiking, lock valuables in the trunk of your car, wear sturdy shoes or boots, be prepared for rapidly changing weather, and stay on established trails.

Fishing - A mountaintop park may seem an unlikely place to fish, but just the opposite is true.  The National Park Service protects over one hundred miles of streams, many of them small, spring-fed watercourses that rise along the spine of the Blue Ridge.  In addition, planners designed thirteen artificial lakes along the Parkway to enhance the natural beauty of the scenic drive.  These streams and lakes hold a special interest for those trying to enhance their visit by searching out native or stocked fish in a mountain environment.   Fishing is permitted from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset by single hook, artifical lures with a valid state license from either Virginia or North Carolina - no special stamp or license is needed and anyone under age sixteen can fish without a license. Special regulations or closed waters are clearly marked at the stream bank and are in effect for that stream only. "Catch and release" is not required, but is growing in popularity around the world and ensures healthy populations of species for future generations.

Bicycling - Traveling the Parkway by bicycle can be a very enjoyable experience for an hour or a week, but it requires planning and caution! Ride single file, stay well to the right, and always wear helmets and high visibility clothing.  Reflectors are required.  Temperatures can change rapidly since Parkway  elevations range from 650 to over 6,000 feet.  Avoid the Parkway during fog and be especially careful in any of the twenty seven tunnels.   Bicycles are allowed only on paved roadways.

Camping - Camping is allowed only at designated sites and generally, the nine Parkway campgrounds are open from May - October at a fee of $14 per night.  All campgrounds offer sanitary dump stations, ranger programs and access to hiking trails. Each loop has a common comfort station with running water. Limited back-country camping is available at Basin Cove in Doughton Park (336/372-8568) and Rock Castle Gorge in Rocky Knob (540/745-9660). Permits must be requested in advance. Check with a Park Ranger to learn about access to neighboring US Forest Service back-country areas along the Parkway. Beginning in 2004, reservations can be made at Linville Falls and Price Park campgrounds on line at reserveUSA.com or by calling 1-877-444 6777.

Climbing- Even though the number of climbers who visit the Parkway is relatively small, their impact on the environment and other visitors can be profound. Delicate mountain flora and hazards to other visitors have resulted in some locations along the Parkway being closed to climbing. For the sake of the park and the sport, climb environmentally! Climbing or rappelling from buildings, bridges, or any other man-made structure is prohibited. Rock or ice climbing is not permitted on or adjacent to the motor road unless the road has been temporarily closed to vehicle traffic. Rock climbing is prohibited within 100 feet of the Sharp Top trail. Climbing acivity along the Tanawha trail adjacent to the Stack Rock Creek bridge is prohibited.  Find out about specific climbing opportunities at any Parkway Visitor Center.

Hang Gliding - Hang Gliding is permitted only at two Parkway locations, Roanoke Mountain at Milepost 120 and at Ravens' Roost at Milepost 11. All hang gliders are required to obtain a special permit available at local ranger offices. Because of the steep terrain at both authorized launch sites, hang gliders are required to have a Hang 3 rating, and the Raven's Roost Site requires a Cliff Launch rating. Individual or blanket written permission for landowners of landing sites is required and space is limited to only two open kites on each site at one time.

Hunting - The Blue Ridge Parkway is managed as a preserve for wildlife. No hunting is allowed, and all  weapons from slingshots to shotguns are carefully controlled. Spotlighting wildlife at night is also illegal.  Loaded weapons are illegal inside the park boundaries. When traveling on park roads, all weapons must be unloaded and either rendered inoperable or inaccessible. Concealed weapons are illegal on park land even with a state permit. The Parkway offers special permits to individuals who wish to access U.S. Forest Service land for the purpose of hunting. The permit allows access only from certain Parkway overlooks, and the conditions of the permit must be followed exactly. Information on the Hunter Parking Permit program is available at local ranger offices, from rangers in the field, and from park headquarters.

Photography - This may be the most common activity along the Parkway. Heavy snow, fog clinging to the mountainside, or raindrops decorating a dogwood blossom are all beautiful, but you won't ever see them if you wait for warm, sunny weather. Not only do the mountains look their best in the warm, golden light of dusk or dawn, but the long shadows add extra texture and contrast. Besides, the twilight hours are the best time to see wildlife. Keep your camera handy because photography is literally a picture drawn with light and light can change in an instant.

Picnicking - Fourteen designated picnic areas along the Parkway have tables, fireplaces, drinking water and comfort stations.  Unless otherwise posted, picnicking is permitted at other locations, so, if you prefer, bring a blanket and choose your spot.  Fires - including charcoal grills - are allowed only in designated picnic areas.

Cross Country Skiing - When the Parkway is closed due to snow and ice, cross country skiing is permitted.  The gentle slopes, smooth pathway, and the views from overlooks make this an ideal way to enjoy the Parkway in the winter.