At nearly 470 miles long, driving the entirety of the Blue Ridge Parkway will almost certainly be a multi-day trip for most people. The speed limit is just 45 miles per hour for most of the route, though it’ll occasionally drop to as low as 25 mph.
Driving straight through with no breaks would take about 11 hours
.
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.
Is driving 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
.
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
.
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.
Is driving the Blue Ridge Parkway scary?
Is Blue Ridge Parkway Scary?
The Blue Ridge Parkway isn’t a scary drive
. It’s meant to be scenic and relaxing and, while there are some curves, there are no tight switchbacks or mountainside drop-offs.
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
.
How long does it take to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Cherokee?
| Section Estimated Time | Blowing Rock (MP 293) to Asheville (MP 382) 3 hours | Asheville (MP 382) to Cherokee (MP 469) 3 hours |
|---|
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.
How curvy is the Blue Ridge Parkway?
In about
5.5 miles
(curvy road, so take your time), you will reach the Blue Ridge Parkway. Follow signs for North on the Parkway to reach the Moses Cone Manor.
How long does it take to drive Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Boone?
Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of
43 h 23 min
to complete. This is a very popular area for scenic driving, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
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.
How busy is the Blue Ridge Parkway?
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
.
How do I get on the Blue Ridge Parkway?
From Interstate 81, at exit 143, take I-581/US 220 south to the Parkway at milepost 121.4 (about 5 miles from Roanoke)
. From the south, it’s about 21 miles on US 220 from Rocky Mount, VA. From Interstate 77 at Fancy Gap: Take exit 8 onto US 52 and follow signs to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance at milepost 199.4.
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.
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
.
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.
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.
How hilly is the Blue Ridge Parkway?
The Blue Ridge Parkway: North Carolina to the Smokies. The highest and most memorable parts of the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway are the
250 mountainous miles
leading along the backbone of North Carolina.
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
.
When driving down a mountain you should never?
Don’t go down a mountain road any faster than you can go up it
. Don’t use your brakes to hold your downhill speed. Down shift to S or L – the only time you should step on your brake pedal is to slow while you are shifting down to a lower gear. Resist the temptation of zooming down a hill.
How many cars have fallen off the Blue Ridge Parkway?
In 2019, the parkway had
349 motor vehicle crashes
, ranging in severity from fender benders that incurred only property damage to fatal accidents, Labrie said. Of those crashes, nine resulted in a fatality, and five of those involved a motorcycle.
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.
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.
Does the Blue Ridge Parkway go through Asheville NC?
As the Parkway approaches Asheville
, it offers breathtaking views of some of the highest peaks east of the Mississippi River and access to the area’s best hiking trails. The Parkway is easy to explore with no admission fee and frequent, paved overlooks.
What is the best time to visit Asheville NC?
The best times to visit Asheville are from
March to May and September to early November
, when temperatures hover between the upper 50s and the mid-70s – ideal weather for exploring the blooms in spring and the foliage in the fall.
How do I get from Asheville to Blue Ridge Parkway?
There are five entrances to the Parkway in the Asheville area. If you are taking the Parkway to the north, take the entrance from U.S. Highway 70 east of town (at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 382), and if you are heading south, take the entrance from NC Highway 191 near I-26 (at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 393).
