The Blue Ridge Parkway is considered “America’s Favorite Drive.” Bookended by two national parks and running 469 miles through the southern Appalachian highlands, this renowned road lives up to its reputation for beauty and wonder.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly road trip complete with adventure, education and memorable experiences around every bend, our Blue Ridge Parkway road trip guide is for you. We’ll give you all the tips and insights you need for a safe, enjoyable and unforgettable journey.
Table of Contents
- The Evolution of the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Best Time to Drive the Parkway
- 2025 Helene Recovery Updates
- Where to Start and End Your Trip
- Blue Ridge Parkway Packing Essentials
- Family Travel Tips and What to Expect
- Top 18 Stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Your Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip Planner
A “Peak” into the Evolution of the Blue Ridge Parkway
In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s First New Deal spurred the Parkway’s creation to put people to work following the Great Depression. He tapped landscape architect Stanley Abbott to design a road that protected Appalachian scenery and history.
Today, the Blue Ridge Parkway, start to end, spans 469 miles and is one of the most visited units of the National Park Service. It’s also been the most visited road of its kind run by the National Park System since 1946. Speed limits generally top out at 45 mph and are lower in some sections, encouraging you to savor the journey rather than rush to the destination, making it perfect for a relaxed ride with family.
What Month is Best to Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Spring is the best time to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, when wildflowers are in bloom, waterfalls are at their fullest, and the weather is mild for hiking and sightseeing.
The Parkway is open year-round, though, and each season offers its own unique scenery and experiences.
- Summer (June to August): Taking this road trip during your kids’ summer break? With plenty of lakes and swimming spots along the route, it’s a great time to cool off. Be prepared for bigger crowds and higher temperatures, and plan major stops for early morning or evening.
- Fall (September to November): The Blue Ridge Parkway boasts some of the most striking fall foliage in the country, making autumn an appealing time to make the trip. Winter weather hasn’t arrived yet, so you can make do with a light coat and still enjoy outdoor activities.
- Winter (December to February): The Appalachian Highlands become a unique winter wonderland once the snow arrives. While the cold temperatures aren’t ideal for extended outdoor activities, there are plenty of enjoyable indoor attractions such as art galleries, museums and shops along the Parkway.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is frequently subject to road closures due to weather, road construction and maintenance. Always check the National Park Service website for up-to-date information on closures.
2025 Helene Recovery: What’s Open Now (and How to Check)
Much of the Blue Ridge Parkway has reopened after Hurricane Helene, with road work still underway in spots across western North Carolina.
Before you go, check:
- Current NPS road status and closures
- Active construction projects and detours
Recent highlights:
- Asheville to Craggy Gardens: The Parkway reopened Milepost 382 to 355.3 (northbound), restoring access to popular overlooks around Craggy
- Asheville to Graveyard Fields/Mount Pisgah: Additional reopening now provides continuous access from Milepost 382 to 420 (southbound).
Facilities and trails to note:
- Linn Cove Visitor Center: Temporarily closed.
- Dobie Mountain Trail (near Humpback Rocks, V.A.): Permanently closed; alternate trails nearby remain open
Check NPS just before you go for the latest updates.
Where to Begin and End Your Journey
With the Great Smoky Mountains and the Shenandoah National Park serving as start and end points for this road trip, there’s no “bad” place to kick off your adventure. Plus, there are several airports within a few hours’ drive of either end of the route.
If you want to start your trip in the southern end, there are two regional airports less than a 3-hour drive from the Parkway: Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). However, we recommend flying into the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), since you can book direct flights from most major cities. From here, you’ll make your way to the north end of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Our recommended route will take approximately 4.5 hours from CLT to the official start of the road trip. While that is more car time on the front end, this route will help most visitors avoid the connecting flights necessary to reach the closer regional airports.
Pack for the Road Trip — Blue Ridge Parkway Essentials
A well-planned packing list is essential to any safe and enjoyable road trip. However, it’s even more important when you’re traveling with kids. Young travelers typically have a lower tolerance for long car rides and cramped spaces, the building blocks of road trips. So we’ve got you covered with our ultimate packing list for your Blue Ridge Parkway road trip.
Road Trip Gear
- Snacks and Drinks: Pack healthy snacks and water for the family to enjoy along the way
- Comfort Items: Bring blankets, pillows and a favorite travel toy for maximum travel comfort
- First-Aid Kit: Bring along emergency supplies in case of unexpected situations
- Cleaning Items: Carry disinfecting wipes and paper towels to handle spills and messes
- A Car Trash Can: Keep handy a bag or portable trash dispenser to keep your car tidy
- Chargers: Have these on hand so you can charge all of your devices
- A Cooler: Take a cooler to store your drinks and snacks to keep them cool
Child-Friendly Essentials
- Portable Entertainment: Pack items like activity books, travel games, digital devices and a travel journal to keep them busy with fun and educational activities
- Sun Protection: No matter what time of year you’re making the trip, pack sunscreen, hats and sunglasses
Travel Tools
- Maps and Directions: Pack your Rand McNally North Carolina and Virginia Road Atlas and Gazetteer to stay on course, even without cell service. Bring a kids’ road atlas so young travelers can follow along, too.
- Camera: Pack a camera for capturing beautiful landscapes and family moments
- Journal: Carry a journal to jot down experiences along the way
- A Handheld GPS: Use a GPS in conjunction with your maps to confirm your route
With the right road trip gear, you can make car time more enjoyable and maximize moments at your destinations. Want to visit some off-the-beaten-path treasures on your Blue Ridge Parkway road trip? A map with points of interest and advanced cartography can show you a bird's-eye view of the surrounding landscapes.
What to Expect on Your Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip with Kids
Its diversity of attractions is what makes the Blue Ridge Parkway “America’s Favorite Drive.” As you twist and turn through this road, you’ll encounter historic buildings and awe-inspiring natural vistas. The Blue Ridge Parkway even runs through 2 major cities: Asheville, NC, and Roanoke, VA. So just when you’ve had your fill of pavement and pastoral scenery, you can savor city life for a day or 2. Here’s what you can expect.
Scenic Overlooks and Stops
Well-spaced outlooks give you a chance to stretch your legs and fill up your camera roll. Most have picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal with a view. Certain stops feature short, easy hikes to scenic overlooks.
Kid-Friendly Activities
Are your kids not quite at hiking age yet? Luckily, there are tons of easy nature walks, weaving through diverse landscapes. Pack your binoculars because there’s also plenty of wildlife spotting to be done. Many of our stops also have visitor centers, complete with interactive exhibits and friendly rangers eager to share a history lesson with visitors.
Safety on the Parkway
Always adhere to the 45 mph speed limit. Doing so encourages you to embrace the journey and keeps you safe on this famously windy road. During the snow season, drive even slower and keep an eye out for signs indicating icy roads. Check the National Park Service's app before heading to each destination. There, you’ll find current information on road closures and safety advisories.
How Long to Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Driving the entire 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway takes about 12 to 13 hours without stops, thanks to its 45 mph speed limit. However, this route was designed for slow, scenic travel, not speed. To fully enjoy the overlooks, hikes and small towns, plan at least 3 days for your trip. If you also want to explore Shenandoah National Park or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, add 1 extra day for each.
Top 18 Sights and Stops: A Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip Itinerary
Ready to experience the natural beauty, historic wonders and timeless southern charm of the Blue Ridge Parkway? We’ve curated a list of can’t-miss attractions on this unique road.
Looking Glass Rock — Nature’s Mirror — (Milepost 417)
Start your trip at this unique natural formation. Looking Glass Rock is a huge granite dome, but the full significance of its name can be seen during the rainy season. When water freezes on the dome’s surface, it reflects sunlight so strongly, it resembles a mirror. For safety reasons, it’s best to observe the rock from a distance when it’s wet. When it’s dry, you can enjoy an easy trail up to the top, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Parkway on which you’re about to embark.
The next stop is Sliding Rock, where your kids can have a splash going down a natural rock slide. Estimated drive time: 15 minutes
Sliding Rock — A Picturesque Playground — (~Milepost 412)
Make a splash at Sliding Rock, a 60-foot natural rock water slide. You’ll pay a small admission fee to get in that covers family-friendly amenities, including on-duty lifeguards, well-maintained bathrooms and changing rooms. Children ages 7 and younger must be accompanied by an adult on the slide. If you’re visiting the Parkway during the height of the summer heat, everyone in your family will appreciate this refreshing stop.
Know before you go: Sliding Rock sits about 7 miles off the Parkway via U.S. 276 in Pisgah National Forest. The staffed season with lifeguards and restrooms typically runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but visitors can access the site year-round when conditions allow. Always check the Pisgah National Forest website for current hours, closures or weather-related advisories.
Ready for some rhythm and blues? You’re off to the Folk Art Center. Estimated drive time: 1 hour
Folk Art Center — Where Crafts Meet Culture — (Milepost 382)
Appreciate Appalachian arts and crafts at the Folk Art Center. Since the 1930s, members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild have been displaying their works here, as well as offering free daily craft demonstrations, to promote the local creative economy. Pack a sketchpad and pencils for your little ones, so they can practice what they learn at the demonstrations.
It’s time for some city lights in Asheville. Estimated drive time: 10 minutes
Asheville, N.C. — A Big City With Small Town Charm — (~Milepost 364)
Surrounded by forests, mountains and state parks, Asheville provides all of the excitement of a city with natural beauty in every direction. It’s developed a reputation as one of the top craft beer scenes in the country, too. Head over to Highland Brewing for a kid-friendly place to taste local beer. Large grassy areas, complete with disc golf and lawn games, give kids a place to play while parents see what’s on tap.
Want to help your kids get their energy out before jumping back in the car? Head over to The Adventure Center of Asheville, where they can hop on the KidZip, a zipline designed for kids 10 and under. For a nature-centric activity, drive just 25 miles southeast of the city to Chimney Rock State Park. It’s named after a 315-foot rock, the top of which offers 75 miles worth of surrounding backdrops. The best part is you don’t have to hike to the top — there’s an elevator inside the mountain that can take you.
When you’re ready to rest your head at night, head back into the city, where a mixture of comforting chains and quaint hotels offer affordable rooms. For a unique experience, book a stay at Biltmore’s Village Hotel in Antler Hill Village. Located steps away from the Biltmore Estate is a historic house museum that features a fully stocked barn. This hotel will delight curious travelers. For a familiar franchise, The Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Village offers a free breakfast, an indoor pool and connecting rooms. The Elevation Lofts offer multi-room apartment units, complete with kitchens and living rooms, in the heart of downtown Asheville.
Access note: Parkway segments around Asheville have reopened north to Milepost 355.3 (near Craggy Gardens) and south to Milepost 420 (past Graveyard Fields) following Helene repairs. Mount Pisgah sits nearby at Milepost 407.8, within the fully accessible stretch. If you plan to visit Chimney Rock State Park, note that reservations are currently required on weekends and holidays. Check ahead for availability.
Next, you’ll step into a real-life storybook at Craggy Gardens. Estimated drive time: 1 hour
Craggy Gardens — A Fairytale Come To Life — (Milepost 364.5)
If your kids are all about mystical creatures and whimsical settings, they’ll love Craggy Gardens. With its dramatic, twisting trees, straight from a fairy tale, the garden will enchant little ones with big imaginations. The abundance of rhododendrons adds a photogenic pop of color, too. Take a gentle 20-minute walk to the Craggy Pinnacle for 360-degree sitelines of Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Access note: The Parkway from Milepost 382 (Asheville) to Milepost 355.3 (near Mount Mitchell) reopened in September 2025, restoring access to Craggy’s overlooks and short hikes. Check NPS for any picnic area- or trail-specific updates.
Experience more natural wonders at Mount Mitchell State Park next. Estimated drive time: 20 minutes
Mount Mitchell State Park — The Peak Of Panoramic Views — (Milepost 355.4)
Mount Mitchell State Park is the highest point east of the Mississippi River, which makes it a popular destination for nature photographers. Best for experienced hikers, the park has moderately challenging trails that lead to its summit, where you can enjoy incredible vistas of the nearby mountains and valleys. You’ll find an observation deck at the summit, providing a stable place to take a break and take in the sweeping sights. For an easier stroll, there are plenty of beginner’s trails that weave through the fir forest here.
Update: Mount Mitchell State Park reopened September 15, 2025, coinciding with the Parkway’s Asheville-to-Ridge Junction reopening. Verify hours and weather-related closures before you go.
Want to escape to the Swiss Alps? Head to Little Switzerland now. Estimated drive time: 2 hours
Little Switzerland — A Domestic European Getaway — (Milepost 334)
Transport yourself to a classic Swiss village without leaving American soil. Little Switzerland is a charming area named for its surrounding slopes that resemble the Swiss Alps. Complete with Old World-style Swiss chalet architecture, a quaint general store offering locally-made crafts, and even working orchards, Little Switzerland thoroughly evokes the feeling of a Central European mountain town. Note: Little Switzerland is a seasonal tourist community open to visitors from late April to October.
Next, check out dazzling minerals at the NC Museum of Minerals. Estimated drive time: 30 minutes
N.C. Museum of Minerals — More Than Just Rocks — (Milepost 330.9)
With a mineral mining saga that goes back thousands of years, the Blue Ridge Mountains have some stories to tell, and you can hear them all at the NC Museum of Minerals. The museum features hands-on exhibits about the Blue Ridge Mountains’ formation, mining methods and processing. Plus, friendly rangers can tell you all about the history of the region and the minerals’ role in the local economy.
It’s time to explore forest-surrounded waterfalls at Linville Falls. Estimated drive time: 25 minutes
Linville Falls — The Splashing Gem of N.C. — (Milepost 316)
Linville Falls is a 3-tiered waterfall known for its stunning location in Linville Gorge, the “Grand Canyon of the Appalachians.” The Erwin’s View Trail is the best for families. It’s an easy hike that goes through an old-growth hemlock and white pine forest and offers 3 visually striking overlooks, including one of the upper falls. You can pick up the 1.6-mile trail at the visitor’s center.
Before diving into the deep end of Blowing Rock, stop by Julian Price Memorial Park (milepost 297), where you can enjoy water activities on the pristine 47-acre Price Lake, or just enjoy a waterfront picnic.
Next, you’ll pay homage to star-crossed lovers at Blowing Rock. Estimated drive time: 45 minutes
Blowing Rock — A Place with a Rocky Past — (Milepost 290)
Blowing Rock is a spectacular mountain village, complete with a charming main street and historic churches, all centered around its namesake natural formation. The Blowing Rock is a rock that juts out over the Johns River Gorge and is wrapped in lore and mysticism. Legend has it that a Native American who was in love with a member of a rival tribe leaped off the rock in a moment of despair, only to have a gust of wind blow him back to safety. When you aren’t hiking up to the rock, you can enjoy the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, with exhibits focused on American art and Appalachian culture.
When it’s time to catch some shuteye, there’s no shortage of properties full of character and charm. The Mountainaire Inn & Log Cabins is situated on Main Street, steps away from shops and restaurants, and has standard guest rooms as well as multi-room cabins with full kitchens. The Meadowbrook Inn is located in the heart of downtown, offers a free breakfast and connecting rooms, and has an indoor pool. Looking for a variety of accommodations in one place? Head to The Pineola, a resort property with RV sites, cabins, campsites, glamping sites and an inn.
If you need a place to stretch your legs between this stop and the next, pull over at Cumberland Knob (Milepost 218). As historic as it is convenient, Cumberland Knob is where construction for the Parkway began. It has lovely picnic areas, restrooms and an easy hiking trail along a creek.
Now you’re off to a mountain concert at Blue Ridge Music Center. Estimated drive time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Blue Ridge Music Center — The Sounds of the Appalachians — (Milepost 213)
Start your time in Virginia with a bang — of drumsticks — at the Blue Ridge Music Center. The center celebrates the history of bluegrass with interactive exhibits and live concerts, all set to a mountain backdrop. Enjoy daily performances in the venue’s breezeway or catch a weekend concert in the 3,000-seat outdoor amphitheater (limited to summer and fall). Chat with a ranger inside the center to learn more about music history in the region and check out the “Roots of American Music” exhibits.
Next, you’ll visit a mill that’s over 100 years old at Mabry Mill. Estimated drive time: 50 minutes
Mabry Mill — Historic Demonstrations and Dining — (Milepost 176)
Mabry Mill is one of the most photographed features on the Parkway, and possibly the prettiest area on this road trip. It’s a historic water-powered mill, built in the late 1800s, that also served as a blacksmith shop. The reflection of the mill on the neighboring pond is especially captivating during autumn.
Good news: Mabry Mill reopened in August 2025 after renovations, and today, you can visit the mill to explore Appalachia's history, complemented by docents who put on seasonal demonstrations. You can still find live music and dancing here on Sundays, a long-standing tradition at the mill. Plus, if you’re visiting in May-October, you can enjoy a meal at the Mabry Mill Restaurant and Gift Shop (don’t miss the fresh-baked blackberry cobbler).
Ready to view wild animals and wildflowers? You’re off to Mill Mountain Park. Estimated drive time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Mill Mountain Park — Your Wilderness Connection to Roanoke — (Milepost 120)
Mill Mountain Park will excite kids of all ages and is home to a photo-worthy icon on the Parkway: the Roanoke Star, the largest freestanding illuminated man-made star in the world. After snapping a photo under the star, take the animal lovers in your group to the Mill Mountain Zoo, where you’ll find a variety of creatures from black bears to snow leopards. Hop on the Zoo Choo, a miniature train that cruises around the park.
When you’re done admiring animal life and want to learn about wildlife, head to the Roanoke Parks and Recreation’s Discovery Center. Here you’ll find a wildflower garden, pond and interactive exhibits showcasing local flora and fauna. Mill Mountain Park is a convenient access point to downtown Roanoke, making it the ideal stop before you head into the city.
Now you’ll visit the second big city on the Parkway, Roanoke. Estimated drive time: 10 minutes
Roanoke — A Railway to Adventure — (Milepost 120)
With its one-of-a-kind historic attractions, enriching museums, lively breweries and inviting shops and restaurants, Roanoke is a city where you can easily spend a few days. However, if you only have a short time here, don’t miss the Virginia Museum of Transportation, which collects vintage locomotive engines and artifacts, or the O. Winston Link Museum, which exhibits railroad photography. Both museums are appropriately situated inside old train stations. Roanoke attributes its existence to the railway, because it was originally built as a railroad city, and you’ll see homage to this fact everywhere you look.
Hungry after your history lessons? Pop over to the Historic Roanoke City Market, where you can enjoy fresh produce and artisan goods from local farmers and food purveyors. Located in the heart of downtown Roanoke, it’s the perfect place to fuel up before strolling and window shopping. When you want to kick back, catch a new or vintage movie at The Grandin Theatre. Built in 1932, it’s the last historic theater still operating in Roanoke. The theater hosts a kids’ summer matinee series, too, featuring classic childhood films.
Ready to rest? Many of the hotels in Roanoke are situated inside historic buildings, offering retro charm. The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, a Curio Collection by Hilton, features a striking 1880s Tudor-style design and is renowned for its restaurant, which serves French/Southern fusion cuisine. The Liberty Trust was built inside a transformed 1910 bank tower and is conveniently located downtown. For something affordable and familiar, the Hilton Garden Inn is also centrally located, offering connecting rooms along with a complimentary buffet-style breakfast.
If you’re looking for a quick stop between Roanoke and your next destination, pull over at the Roanoke River Overlook. It offers views of the river and the Niagara Dam. Plus, it has an easy trail that leads to more river vantage points, and a look at the plant that draws power from the dam.
It’s time to walk the grounds humans have visited for 8,000 years at the Peaks of the Otter Area. Estimated drive time: 1 hour
Peaks of the Otter Area — An 8,000-Year-Old Natural Treasure — (Milepost 86)
Historians believe that Native Americans have been visiting the Peaks of the Otter Area for 8,000 years, making it a historic hub of human activity. The area gets its name from the 3 Blue Ridge Mountain peaks — Sharp Top, Flat Top and Harkening Hill — that offer vistas for miles. In the center of the peaks is a valley containing the manmade Abbott Lake, as well as the Peaks of Otter Lodge and restaurant. Enjoy a hike around the lake before grabbing dinner with a view. There’s also a living history farm here called Johnson Farm, where visitors can help out in the garden, enjoy games or just relax in a rocking chair and marvel at the peaks.
Next, you’ll visit the site of the first English colony in the U.S. at the James River. Estimated drive time: 40 minutes
James River Visitor Center — Vintage Water Elevators — (Mile 63.6)
The James River is another must-see on your journey. Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement, was founded along the James River in 1607. Head to the visitor center, where you can pick up the James River Canal Trail. The trail will lead you to the restored James River and the Kanawha Canal Lock (for non-water-transport experts, locks are chambers that lift boats to different levels in the canal). The Canal once had a total of 90 working locks that went from Richmond all the way to Buchanan, Virginia, making the river a critical water transportation route.
Before heading to your next stop, take a little break at Yankee Horse Ridge Overlook (milepost 34.4), where you can stroll an easy hike on parts of a reconstructed narrow-gauge railroad, along a creek.
Now, you’ll visit a peculiarly shaped peak near an interactive farm museum at Humpback Rocks. Estimated drive time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Humpback Rocks Visitor Center — Fun on a Farm — (Milepost 5.8)
Admire a natural oddity and visit a farm at Humpback Rocks. The area is named after a large greenstone outcropping that creates the appearance of a humpback on the nearby mountain peak. Next to the visitor center, you’ll find an outdoor farm museum, sitting on almost 3,000 acres of forested land. The farm depicts life in the Appalachians in the late 1800s. Kids will love exploring the variety of rustic structures, including a chicken coop, cabin and “bearproof” pigpen.
Trail note: The Dobie Mountain Trail near Humpback Rocks is permanently closed; other short walks and the outdoor farm museum remain open seasonally.
It’s time to wind down your Blue Ridge Parkway road trip and transition into Shenandoah National Park via Skyline Drive. Estimated drive time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Transition into Skyline Drive (Milepost 0)
Your time on the Blue Ridge Parkway has come to an end, but a very epic end. Skyline Drive is a 105-mile byway that will take you through Shenandoah National Park. So if you haven’t satisfied your road trip itch, you can keep going. Skyline Drive runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides stunning vantage points of wildflowers. Take out your binoculars, because you can often spot woodland animals from the road. There are plenty of accessible overlooks along the road, as well as fascinating historic and nature sites, including President Hoover’s summer retreat, Rapidan Camp, and the Byrd Visitor Center, where you can learn about the park’s history.
P.S. If you’re truly sad your trip is over, just head northeast and embark on our East Coast itinerary.
Let Us Guide the Way as Your Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip Planner
Witness the splendor of the Blue Ridge Parkway road trip for yourself. With one of our detailed road atlases in your back pocket, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable journey, from trailheads and historic landmarks to full-color topographic maps that bring every mile to life.
Stretching across North Carolina and Virginia, the Parkway offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty and small-town charm. It’s waiting to help you create lasting memories with your family.