Blue Ridge Parkway (U.S. National Park Service)

Quicklinks:

Experiencing “America’s Favorite Drive”

A drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway is slow paced and relaxing. Almost any overlook or trail will reveal much of the natural and cultural history here. Explore the many communities along the route that make our region so special. Enjoy the view, but watch the road!

The ROAD CLOSURES link has more detail on road construction.

Summer Along the Parkway

Summer is the busiest time on the Parkway with all facilities open and visitor activities scheduled on a regular basis. Whether your interest is mountain music and dancing, ranger talks at the campfire circle, or a quiet walk down your favorite Parkway trail, there is something for everyone this 75th anniversary year.

The adjacent meadows of the Parkway are filled with summer blooms such as black eyed Susan, queen Anne's lace, and butterfly weed. The Parkway is a "ride awhile and stop awhile" kind of place, so don't be in a hurry. Enjoy the view, but watch the road!

Food and Lodging

Four lodges and six restaurants are scattered along the Parkway and most are open from late April through the fall color season. The Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant is a year round facility. The FOOD & LODGING link at the top of this page will give you all of the details. We also encourage you to visit the adjacent Parkway communities to experience regional food and hospitality at its finest.

Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary

Celebrations of the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway are taking place throughout the region in 2010 and culminate with a September 10-12 festival at Cumberland Knob (Milepost 216) and The Blue Ridge Music Center (Milepost 213). This celebration brings an extraordinary opportunity to create awareness, initiate dialogue in local communities, and take action that will insure a strong future for the Parkway. Blue Ridge Parkway 75, Inc. is leading the way and a full schedule of events and activities can be found at www.blueridgeparkway75.org.

Write to

199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803

E-mail Us

Phone

Recorded Park Information
(828) 298-0398

Park Headquarters
(828) 271-4779

Fax

(828) 271-4313

Climate

Throughout the year, weather conditions high on the mountains can vary tremendously from the surrounding valleys or piedmont region. Check the forecasts for several nearby Parkway communities to get a general idea of what to expect along the Parkway. Always have a few emergency supplies and a jacket in the trunk of your car.