Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway
Overlooks, trails, picnic areas and a multitude of developed areas await the visitor who has time to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway. Acting as an introduction to the natural and cultural history of our region, a drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway is meant to be slow-paced, relaxing and educational. The Parkway meanders 469 miles between Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks, creating multiple opportunities to explore the communities along the way!
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Phil FrancisPhone Number: (828) 271-4779
Entrance Fees: Free
Sights: Peaks of Otter Visitor Center Museum; Peaks of Otter; Johnson Farm; The Trail Cabin; Caudill Cabin; Sheets Cabin; The Jesse Brown Farmstead; Cool Springs Baptist Church; Yankee Horse Ridge Parking Area; The James River Visitor Center; Moses Cone Estate and Parkway Craft Center;
Important Dates
By The Numbers
Acres: 93,871.00Annual Visitation: 17,352,286 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :36.569510 / -80.907750 (map it)
State: NC
Nearby Big City: Asheville, NC
Gateway Communities: Fancy Gap, VA; Cana, VA; Hillsville, VA ; Lambsburg, VA; Mount Airy, NC; Dugspur, VA; Galax, VA; Laurel Fork, VA; Austinville, VA
Nearby Airports: Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Green Features
Has Volunteer Program? : YesPark Photos
Blue Ridge Parkway, 0693
National Park Service
Blue Ridge Parkway, 0694
National Park Service
Blue Ridge Parkway, 1655
National Park Service
View More Blue Ridge Parkway Photos
In Detail
Animals Birds From the spruce-fir forests at the highest elevations down to the valley bottoms, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides nesting habitat for northern and southern birds alike. Additional dozens of oth ... read more.
At A Glance Contact Us Parkway headquarters is at Milepost 384. The mailing address is 199 Hemphill Knob Road Asheville, NC 28803-8686. Reach park headquarters by phone at (828) 271 4779. The park information li ... read more.
Camping Camping on the Parkway Camping is a traditional and enjoyable way for families to enjoy their National Parks. On the Blue Ridge Parkway, nine campgrounds serve the visitor from early May through the ... read more.
Geology Natural Features & Ecosystems The Parkway winds 469 miles along the crests of the Southern Appalachians providing seemingly endless views of many parallel ranges connected by cross ranges and scatter ... read more.
History History & Culture The Blue Ridge Parkway is history waiting to be discovered! Although the road is often seen primarily as a scenic byway with plenty of natural attractions, it is also a cross-sectio ... read more.
In A Nutshell Frequently Asked Questions I'm not accustomed to driving in the mountains... how can I be safe? First of all, obey the speed limit and make use of the overlooks to enjoy the scenery and let other dr ... read more.
Just For Kids For Teachers Since the Blue Ridge Parkway was constructed, rangers have provided programs for the public to teach the natural and cultural history of the Appalachian Mountains. Understanding the rela ... read more.
Lodging & Dining Lodging Four lodges along the Parkway provide opportunities for overnight accomodations from spring through the fall foliage season. Many Parkway travelers may find that getting off of the road and i ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Parkway Begins Bridge Maintenance Project Beginning Monday, March 17, 2008, Aldridge Brothers Inc., of Robbinsville, NC will be conducting maintenance repairs on numerous bridges on the Blue Ridge Pa ... read more.
Plants Nonnative Species Managing and preserving natural resources, including Southern Appalachian ecosystems, individual native species and cultural landscapes, along a 469-mile ribbon of land with some 1, ... read more.
Preservation Support Your Park Your opportunity for getting involved in protecting and caring for the Blue Ridge Parkway is provided through two organizations, The Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Blue R ... read more.
Things To Do Brochures Some specific recreational activities may require specific information or regulations in order to enhance your Parkway visit. The links below will give you that information prior to your vi ... read more.
Recent News
- Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Celebrates 75th Anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps May 7, 2008, 2:00 pm
- Native plants are targets of botanical thieves on Blue Ridge Parkway April 23, 2008, 12:10 pm
Blue Ridge Parkway In Depth
News from the Parks
Kautz Creek: Nature's Power Is Evident
August 28, 2008 - 5:06pm
I used to know exactly how many switchbacks it took to get to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground from Kautz Creek. I have forgotten the number, but there are many. I did remember most of the trail was in the forest, an advantage on a hot day.
August 28, 2008 - 5:06pm
I used to know exactly how many switchbacks it took to get to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground from Kautz Creek. I have forgotten the number, but there are many. I did remember most of the trail was in the forest, an advantage on a hot day.
Popular N.C. Beach Reopened for Vehicles
August 28, 2008 - 4:58pm
A popular beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks that has been closed to off-road vehicles has been reopened by the National Park Service in time for Labor Day weekend visitors.' The Cape Hatteras National Seashore said Thursday the area known as Bodie Island Spit is open to give fishermen access to Oregon Inlet.
August 28, 2008 - 4:58pm
A popular beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks that has been closed to off-road vehicles has been reopened by the National Park Service in time for Labor Day weekend visitors.' The Cape Hatteras National Seashore said Thursday the area known as Bodie Island Spit is open to give fishermen access to Oregon Inlet.
Redwood Park's Hofstra Gets National Award
August 28, 2008 - 4:56pm
Longtime Redwood National Park senior biologist Terry Hofstra was awarded the U.S Department of the Interior's second-highest honor Wednesday in Orick. Hofstra though he was going to a party celebrating the park's 40th anniversary -- which is indeed this year -- but instead found himself the focus of the gathering of about 200 park employees and friends.
August 28, 2008 - 4:56pm
Longtime Redwood National Park senior biologist Terry Hofstra was awarded the U.S Department of the Interior's second-highest honor Wednesday in Orick. Hofstra though he was going to a party celebrating the park's 40th anniversary -- which is indeed this year -- but instead found himself the focus of the gathering of about 200 park employees and friends.
When Traveling, Boingo is the Road Trip's Best Bet
August 28, 2008 - 4:54pm
Boingo Wireless, the global market leader in Wi-Fi, announces the addition of NomadISP to the Boingo Roaming Network, giving Boingo members access to close to 300 new hotspots located at RV parks, campgrounds and parks throughout the United States and Canada. With the addition of the NomadISP network, Boingo members will be able to enjoy broadband connections as they take their vacations this summer, and whenever they are traveling across North America and staying at a campground or RV park -- either with their laptop computers or their Wi-Fi enabled cell phones.
August 28, 2008 - 4:54pm
Boingo Wireless, the global market leader in Wi-Fi, announces the addition of NomadISP to the Boingo Roaming Network, giving Boingo members access to close to 300 new hotspots located at RV parks, campgrounds and parks throughout the United States and Canada. With the addition of the NomadISP network, Boingo members will be able to enjoy broadband connections as they take their vacations this summer, and whenever they are traveling across North America and staying at a campground or RV park -- either with their laptop computers or their Wi-Fi enabled cell phones.
Donor Partnership Crosses Borders To Nurture National Park Volunteer Program
August 28, 2008 - 4:52pm
The Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park announced a philanthropic partnership that will establish a proactive and sustainable volunteer program for the 9,100-acre park, which spans two states, three counties, and several cities, towns and neighborhoods.
August 28, 2008 - 4:52pm
The Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park announced a philanthropic partnership that will establish a proactive and sustainable volunteer program for the 9,100-acre park, which spans two states, three counties, and several cities, towns and neighborhoods.
User login
Blue Ridge Parkway Gallery
