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 CLOSURES link to the left has details on a few areas of construction.

Parkway in the Winter

Leaves are gone from the trees and the atmosphere is crisp and clear, so great views await the winter visitor. Parkway picnic areas, campgrounds, and most visitor center are closed, but the road itself is open for travel unless ice or snow make it unsafe. Check the park information line at (828) 298 0398 for the most up-to-date road closures. Hiking and cross country skiing are popular activities when the road is snow-covered and closed to traffic.

The Museum of North Carolina Minerals (Milepost 331), the Folk Art Center (Milepost 382), and the Parkway Visitor Center (Milepost 384) are open year round.

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

Plans for the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2010 are well underway, providing 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 with a variety of events scheduled. Learn more 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.