Blue Ridge Parkway

A winding road on the Blue RIdge Parkway.

One of America’s great “natural” treasures. The Parkway is a man-made construction, built to view the natural wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which have inspired generations of Native Americans, Spanish Conquistadors, frontiersmen, settlers and today’s tourists from all countries.

Over 255 of the 469 mile length of the Parkway runs through North Carolina as it follows the southern Appalachian range from Shenanandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in western North Carolina. Two of its highest points are reached on either side of Asheville: At Mt. Pisgah (5,721 ft.) to the west and Mt. Mitchell (6,684 ft) to the east. The Parkway is the best free amusement ride in America!

There are six entrances accessible from the greater Asheville area. Over 11 million visitors a year pass through the Asheville area on the Blue Ridge. A portion of it is used by locals as a commuter highway which runs around the SE end of Asheville. Avid walkers, runners and cyclists are seen using it everyday of the year as part of their fitness regime. It is an important part in the life of this active community.

Essential Parkway Stops Near Asheville

Milepost 364.6 – Craggy Gardens

  • Elevation: 5,497 feet
  • Highlights: Rhododendron gardens, visitor center, hiking trails
  • Best Time: Mid-June for rhododendron bloom
  • Activities: Hiking, picnicking, photography

Milepost 382 – Folk Art Center

  • Highlights: Southern Highland Craft Guild, demonstrations
  • Activities: Shopping, exhibits, craft demonstrations
  • Open: Daily, year-round
  • Free Admission

Milepost 384 – Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

  • Highlights: Interactive exhibits, park information, films
  • Activities: Trip planning, ranger programs
  • Location: Near I-40 interchange

Milepost 407.6 – Mount Pisgah

  • Elevation: 5,721 feet
  • Highlights: Summit trail, Pisgah Inn, camping
  • Activities: Hiking, dining, overnight stays
  • Season: Inn and campground seasonal (April-October)

Milepost 418.8 – Graveyard Fields

  • Highlights: Waterfalls, blueberry picking, unique landscape
  • Activities: Hiking, swimming, photography
  • Best Time: August for blueberries, October for fall colors

Parkway Driving Tips:

  • Services: Limited gas and food; plan ahead
  • Weather: Fog common at high elevations
  • Closures: Winter weather and maintenance cause periodic closures
  • Tunnels: 26 tunnels in North Carolina section
  • Best Times: Sunrise and sunset for wildlife viewing
  • Fall Colors: Peak typically mid-October at high elevations (see our fall leaf color forecast guide)

Visit www.blueridgeparkway.org for more information.