Blue Ridge Parkway – NC

Story of the Byway

Long recognized as “America’s favorite drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia, offering 469 miles of scenic views, 26 tunnels and a myriad of overlooks. The Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. It was envisioned as the first elongated national park providing automobile travelers access to some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the United States. Initial construction funds for the Parkway were allocated under the authority of the National Industrial Recovery Act on June 16, 1933, with National Park Service administration authorization on June 30, 1936.

The Parkway averages 3,000 feet above sea level and embraces large recreational and natural history areas and Appalachian cultural sites. From its lowest point at the James River in Virginia (649 feet) to the highest point at Richland Balsam in North Carolina (6,053 feet), the Parkway winds through six mountain chains in the Appalachians. Beginning at Rockfish Gap, Virginia, the first 355 miles follow the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near Asheville, North Carolina, the Parkway meanders through the Black Mountains, the Craggies, the Pisgahs, and the Balsams, ending at the Great Smokies. The varied elevations and aspects offer unique habitats which support rare and endangered plants and animals; the Parkway ranks in the top five national park units in the United States in terms of biodiversity.

The Parkway has over 85,000 acres of natural resources and a great range of recreational opportunities for visitors to explore and enjoy from hiking, bicycling and birdwatching to picnicking and exploring historic structures along the route. Visitors enjoy viewing the numerous waterfalls located on or near the Parkway. And if you’re lucky, you may spot a black bear in its native habitat, the purple blooms of the Catawba rhododendron lining the roadway and trails, or the varied hues of deciduous leaves at their peak color in the fall. Nearby National Forests, parks and other recreation areas abound, with direct access to many trails including the famed Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Eight campgrounds, two lodges and several restaurants offer lodging and dining opportunities with many more options available in the cities and towns that dot the landscape. Numerous visitor centers along the Parkway provide information, access to trails, souvenirs, and local crafts to remind visitors of their trip. To complement the drive, heritage music, museums, attractions, events, shops and further recreational activities like boating, swimming, and rappelling, are offered in the communities near the Parkway.