How Long Does It Take To Drive The Blue Ridge Parkway From Start To Finish?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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This is why the parkway is the most visited single unit in the U.S. National Parks System. Driving straight through without stopping would take about

ten to twelve hours

, but three to seven days is needed to explore it well.

Can you get on and off the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Q: Where does the Blue Ridge Parkway start and end? A: The Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, stretching 469 miles from Rockfish Gap, VA to Cherokee, NC.

Visitors can see the route and the many places to get on and off (access points) on our interactive map.

Can you sleep in your car on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Is camping or sleeping overnight in a vehicle in an overlook allowed? No. Camping is only allowed in one of the Parkway’s eight designated camping areas.

Sleeping in a vehicle overnight is not allowed for visitor safety

.

Which is better Skyline Drive or Blue Ridge Parkway?

The Blue Ridge Parkway does offer similar views, but includes those of North Carolina’s mountains – therefore, it’s a two-for-one deal that comes with a multi-day trip. There’s also more to do along the way of the Blue Ridge, whereas

Skyline Drive offers solid views and great national park hiking access

.

Where does Blue Ridge Parkway start and end?

The parkway connects

Shenandoah National Park, near Waynesboro, VA (Milepost 0) with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Cherokee, NC (Milepost 469)

. Asheville and Boone, NC and Roanoke, VA are the largest cities along the way. There are entrances and exits at all major federal and state highways.

What is the best month to motorcycle the Blue Ridge Parkway?

The best time to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway is from

spring to autumn

. Roads are not maintained in the winter, so it is a good idea to call ahead of time for road closure information by phoning (828) 298-0398, day or night, 24/7.

What is the best time of year to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway?

The best time to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway is from

mid-May to mid-September

. The speed limit along the Blue Ridge Parkway is 25 to 45 miles per hour, so relax and take your time.

Can you drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in one day?


You could also drive the entire 469 miles in one day if you really wanted to

. Driving straight on the parkway, without any stops or getting off the parkway to see any of the nearby cities and towns would take about 6 hours.

Are there bathrooms on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Though mainly serving as a large arts and craft store, Parkway information is available at NPS office at the Cone Family mansion.

Trails and restrooms are available

.

What is the prettiest part of the Blue Ridge Parkway?

  • Mabry Mill. Milepost 176. This pitstop is one of the most photographed sites on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and for good reason. …
  • Rough Ridge. Milepost 302.8. …
  • Beacon Heights. Milepost 305.2. …
  • Flat Rock. Milepost 308.3. …
  • Mount Mitchell. Milepost 355.4. …
  • Craggy Pinnacle. Milepost 364.1.

How many cars have fallen off the Blue Ridge Parkway?

There are

350-360 wrecks along the 469-mile parkway each year

, according to Labrie, but wrecks like this are fairly rare and often an indicator of suicide.

Where can I sleep on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

  • Peaks of Otter Lodge – Milepost 85.6. …
  • Mabry Mill Restaurant and Gift Shop – Milepost 176.2. …
  • Northwest Trading Post/Sally Mae’s – Milepost 258.7.

Is alcohol allowed on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

08 percent across the country, including on the parkway. The national park site has even more rules about drinking alcohol. It can be tempting to enjoy a beer or a glass of wine on a picnic or watching the sunset at the Lane Pinnacle Overlook — or any overlook or pull-off. But

it is illegal

.

Can you pull a trailer on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Most overlooks will have ample space for you to pull your RV into.

Some, however, may not be suitable for large RVs or trailers

. These are generally marked with a “No Trailers” sign below the overlook sign.

Can you turn around on Skyline Drive?

Yes…it’s a long beautiful drive. So

turn around and go back if ya miss an exit

. It IS a two way drive.

Is the Blue Ridge Parkway worth it?

Blue Ridge Parkway is a very scenic drive spanning across Virginia and North Carolina, in USA. Meandering for 469 miles (755 km) and providing opportunities for enjoying all, it’s

one of the most scenic drives in the USA with unparalleled views of American beautiful landscapes

.

What states does the Blue Ridge Parkway cover?

Blue Ridge Parkway Country United States States Virginia, North Carolina Highway system Scenic Byways National National Forest BLM NPS

How many tunnels are on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Tunnels Along the Parkway

There are

25 tunnels in North Carolina and one in Virginia

. These tunnels are listed below by milepost, length, maximum height (over the center of the road), and minimum height (over the edge of the road). When entering parkway tunnels, do so slowly and cautiously.

Are motorhomes allowed on the Blue Ridge Parkway?


The Blue Ridge Parkway is a popular destination for vacationers who RV

. Nothing beats a beautiful, wooded drive in your home-away-from-home!

How long does it take to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway from Roanoke to Asheville?

Section Estimated Time Afton (MP 0) to Roanoke (MP 120) 3.5 hours Roanoke (MP 120) to Fancy Gap (MP 199) 2.5 hours Fancy Gap (MP 199) to Blowing Rock (MP 293) 3 hours Blowing Rock (MP 293) to Asheville (MP 382)

3 hours

How long is the Blue Ridge Parkway?

469 mi

Can you bike on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers bicyclists 469 miles of picturesque travel across Virginia and North Carolina. However, the parkway was designed as a scenic leisure road for motor vehicles, and

does not have designated bike lanes

. Bicyclists should exercise extreme caution.

What Hwy is the Blue Ridge Parkway?

In Asheville, there are four primary entrances to the Parkway: Milepost 382.6:

US Highway 70

crosses, the Folk Art Center is a short drive north.

Is the Blue Ridge Parkway crowded?

The Blue Ridge Parkway historically welcomes nearly 2 million visitors during October through North Carolina and Virginia, making it

one of the busiest months of the year

.

Do you need a 4 wheel drive on Blue Ridge Parkway?

If you have a 4-wheel drive,

it’s always a good option

. Be prepared for crowds – The Parkway is incredibly popular, and often full of cars and people, especially in the fall. Mentally prepare for this before you pull onto The Parkway.

Is Linville Falls NC Open?

Hours:

Dawn until dusk, year-round

. Camping: Yes, at Linville Falls Campground, located nearby.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.