Parkway · North Carolina, Virginia
Blue Ridge Parkway
A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals, and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region of the country so special.
Things to do
- Arts and Culture
- Live Music
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Food
- Picnicking
- Hiking
- Backcountry Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Wildlife Watching
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store
Weather & when to go
The weather on the parkway can vary widely along its 469-mile route. Precipitation is possible any time of the year. Winter can be cold and snowy, especially at the higher elevations. Spring and fall can have large temperature swings, from near freezing to over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers are hot in the lower elevations, but the highest elevations remain cooler. Summertime thunderstorms are common, so be prepared for weather changes.
Operating hours
Parkway Road Hours
The road is open 24 hours a day, weather permitting. Road closures due to inclement weather occur most frequently during winter. Sections of the road may also be closed during road maintenance projects. Check our road closure map to verify that the parkway is open before traveling. Visitor centers and other facilities have hours and seasons that vary. Most picnic areas, campgrounds, and visitor centers are closed from the beginning of November until early May.
Campgrounds
Crabtree Falls Campground
Doughton Park Campground
Linville Falls Campground
Rocky Knob Campground
Julian Price Park Campground
Mount Pisgah
Peaks of Otter Campground
Otter Creek
FAQ
- Is Blue Ridge Parkway free to visit?
- Blue Ridge Parkway does not charge a standard entrance fee. Check the official NPS page for the latest details on any activity or permit fees before you go.
- What are the hours at Blue Ridge Parkway?
- The road is open 24 hours a day, weather permitting. Road closures due to inclement weather occur most frequently during winter. Sections of the road may also be closed during road maintenance projects. Check our road closure map to verify that the parkway is open before traveling. Visitor centers and other facilities…
- Do I need a reservation for Blue Ridge Parkway?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Blue Ridge Parkway. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.
Related guides
Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Blue Ridge Parkway.
