If you do, note the entrance fee for National Parks, but happily, there’s no entrance fee for the Blue Ridge Parkway… The Blue Ridge Parkway starts at Shenandoah National Park in the north and ends 469 miles further at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the south.. You can easily extend your road trip to a week and include a few days in each of the two National Parks. The main thing to remember when driving this road is to not get in a hurry and to enjoy the drive! The Blue Ridge Parkway campground maps are arranged here north to south in order along the parkway: This is an Otter Creek Campground map (150 kb), located near the James River Visitor Center and Canal on the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway … Once you are done hiking in the Gorge head out to Linville Falls Winery and have a glass while you sit outside and enjoy the view over their grapevines. GPS isn’t reliable on the Parkway, though the experience of stunning views is. Map overview from Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip travel guide. Hike the Profile Trail to the Grandfather Mountain Trail and you can boast to all your friends back home though. A drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is literally a trip through time. Cell reception can be spotty but we have all the resources you need for navigating your Parkway adventure in confidence – whether you’re planning in advance or on the road now. Sometimes you’ll see elk grazing out in the field and there is a trail that follows the Oconaluftee River. Be sure to pack sandwiches and some snacks and it will be one of the most unforgettable lunches you’ll ever have. Hanging your hammock up and having lunch by the river followed by a well-deserved nap is something you won’t soon forget. Over 200 photographers have contributed images of this 469-mile scenic … Bicyclists should exercise extreme caution. The scenery is beautiful and there is lots of interesting history to learn here. Purchase the detailed National Geographic Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Map at REI.com or Amazon.com. It won’t take you long to get there as it’s just outside of Cherokee. Next head down the road to, This should fill up the rest of your day so make your way 20-minutes down the road to, Asheville street art // Editorial credit: Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock.com, If Asheville is too large of a town for you then make a detour about 20 minutes east to the little town of, If you have time, then just past Asheville there is a short hike to, The hike of the morning will be to the base of an impressive waterfall –, After Crabtree Falls, you’ll likely be pretty hungry so head back to, Check out Little Switzerland Books & Beans, the General Store, and Spruced Boutique. Be sure to pack your hammocks, a picnic, and plenty of water. These two waterfalls should only take up the morning hours as long as you get started early. Here there are two waterfalls – the upper and lower falls. If you have time, then go by the Oconaluftee Visitor’s Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the US. Named "America's Favorite Drive," the 469-mile scenic road, offers stunning vistas, hiking and cycling opportunities. The hike takes you through a forest, up a rock face, and across a meadow so the scenery is always changing. There is so much to see and do along this winding road but this Blue Ridge Parkway itinerary will focus on fantastic hikes and small towns to explore along the way. If you want to sign up and create your own, you can save $5 by clicking here and using my promo code BTR5QTP. As an Airbnb Associate, we earn when you book through our links. But, the stops make it so worthwhile and memorable, so we are extending it out over a week long. As an Airbnb Associate, we earn when you book through our links. Construction on the Parkway began near Cumberland Knob in North Carolina in September 1935. Get the Parkway Travel Planner (PDF or Print), Maps for all your trip planning needs: print, online, mobile and more, Blue Ridge Pkwy Travel Planner app for Android and iPhone. Here is another spot where you can easily spend a full day. Blue Ridge Parkway - Photo of the Day | Galleries. 10 Unforgettable Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast (+ Tips), 15 Interesting (and Beautiful!) Town : Bedford, 10 miles east of the parkway at milepost 86, is a cute little town in its own right, but here, too, you’ll find the National D-Day Memorial. On … Please read COVID-19 hiking precautions. Please let us know your tips and suggestions in the comments! Official Parkway Maps To download official maps in PDF, Illustrator, or Photoshop file formats, visit the National Park Service cartography site , or pick up a copy at any of our visitor centers . As a scenic byway that sometimes traverses deep into the mountainous forests of Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway as a journey is unique. Make sure to bring a blanket as the temperatures can fall quickly after the sun goes down. Plan your Parkway Trip | A Blue Ridge Parkway trip can be a meandering road trip or a day trip to a favorite area of the Parkway. Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Stories, There is so much to see and do along this winding road but this, The main thing to remember when driving this road is to not get in a hurry and to enjoy the drive! The hike of the morning will be to the base of an impressive waterfall – Crabtree Falls. Official Map of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The first map is the section north of Asheville to Grandfather Mountain. I have put the main stops mentioned on it and you can also zoom in to see other stops along the way that might be of interest to you. Naturally, you can complete this drive within one day. Below: Toggle between two maps with different features, Park Tiles or Brochure Map , using the picklist on the top left corner of the map. Next head down the road to Graveyard Fields where you’ll get a bit more time outside the car. This little spot is home to 12 historic mines and the North Carolina Mining Museum. Route: Via the Blue Ridge Parkway. This app is brilliant and it creates maps like none other – you can see everything from times, points of interest on your route, estimated gas costs, accommodation options, and more! Once you get down to the base, you’re rewarded with one of the most picturesque waterfalls you’ll find. You can also buy snacks here if you are hungry. Paper maps and brochures never go out of style. There are so many things to do here that I really recommend you spend at least a day in this area. A drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is literally a trip through time. For road trips, I use a map app called ‘Roadtrippers’. See our mile-by-mile list of Parkway things to do. As a result of heavy rains and landslides, the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia's Blue Ridge is currently closed from Milepost 121.4 (U.S. 220) to Milepost 135.9 (Adney Gap). Learn how to create your own. If you see something that interests you, then stop. The Parkway begins in Cherokee where you’ll find Harrah’s Casino and the Oconaluftee Village. That list, which is updated daily, can be found here. Different hand-made crafts are sold here and you can even watch demonstrations on how some of these things are made. He and his brother ran one of North Carolina’s largest textile companies. The seed was planted for a scenic road through the Blue Ridge … Enjoy the time at the bottom of the falls for a while and find different angles to view this beauty. After Crabtree Falls, you’ll likely be pretty hungry so head back to Little Switzerland for lunch. Be sure to check road conditions before you travel and during your visit to ensure the areas you want to visit are open. This is a decent hike at 1.9-miles but pretty easy. Experience the Blue Ridge Parkway through breathtaking photography. Over 200 photographers have contributed images of this 469-mile scenic byway that winds through the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. There are plenty of hiking trails here that were used as carriage roads in a previous life. You’ll go from stunning mountain vistas through rhododendron-lined forests and then by acres of farmland on the northern end. As you travel the Parkway today,… You can easily spend a full day exploring the Linville Falls Wilderness Area. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior. Anna is a freelance writer and travel blogger at Stuck On The Go. Blue Ridge Parkway campground maps. If you enter through the Grandfather Mountain attraction where the Mile High Swinging Bridge is located then you will have to pay an entrance fee. There are plenty of hiking trails here that were used as carriage roads in a previous life. View the Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Planner now online. Bryson City to Asheville, North Carolina. Welcoming visitors to the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains since 1983 – Online since 1996 Megan is from Virginia and Aram is from Armenia. Blue Ridge Parkway Map This Blue Ridge Parkway map indicates the many convenient access points in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge. If you enter through the, This 3.6-mile out and back trail follows the Blue Ridge Parkway and takes you through beautiful forests and along some rock formations. This map is for those who appreciate the nostalgic essence of old historical maps and rustic quality of an explorer’s life. Blue Ridge Parkway road closure information is available on the National Park Service website on a detailed list of Parkway … Designated a National Scenic Byway, the road takes a winding path along the mountaintops of the Blue Ridge … The map combines both the Blue Ridge Parkway with Skyline Drive inside Shenandoah National Park to cover almost 600 miles of scenic driving. If you’re looking for something a little easier then cross over the Linn Cove Viaduct and park at the Rough Ridge Trailhead. The view from the platform by the stairs is second to none. Please give us your tips and favorite stops in the comments! Ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway Itinerary: Tips, Stops, & Map! You have a great view of Grandfather Mountain, the Linn Cove Viaduct, and can see for miles over the Blue Ridge Mountains. When all else fails, our print Blue Ridge Parkway Map, the Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Planner, and our Camping – Blue Ridge Parkway brochure are there for you. Stay at the Hemlock Inn in one of 18 uniquely decorated rooms. Get up early this morning because there is a lot to see here. Be sure to go see Unto These Hills that night. Stop at the Alligator Back Overlook and there is a 20-minute hike that you can take up to a small shelter. This one doesn’t have the mountain views that the other hotels have boasted, but it is in the perfect location. If you are visiting any of the national parks on this guide, or any of the other 2,000 federal registered sites in the US, we highly, highly … Subscribe to get notified about new guides, inspiration, deals, and much more! Works Project Administration crews completed some of the early road construction, landscaping and recreation area development. If you are visiting any of the national parks on this guide, or any of the other 2,000 federal registered sites in the US, we highly, highly recommend purchasing an ‘America the Beautiful’ pass that lasts for 1 year and grants you admission to all registered sites. As you make your way to this beautiful waterfall, you’ll pass multiple overlooks so stop at a few of these to enjoy the view. Heintooga Road forks off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and serves as an entrance into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, though the first few miles are managed by the Parkway.While there are a few overlooks along the way—some with nice views of the surrounding mountains—the only reason to take this road … Depending on the time of your trip you can also stop by Altapass Orchard just down the road. They offer unique items from early May until the end of October. More Parkway maps in print available … You can also spend the afternoon exploring this little town, enjoying the view, and shopping if you like. Access detailed information for the Parkway's four major regions (Ridge, Plateau, Highlands and Pisgah) as well as information for connecting regions including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park region (located near the Parkway's southern end) and the Shenandoah National Park region (near the Parkway… At only $79.99, it is a steal and one of the best values for your buck for US travel! The Pisgah Inn is about an hour southwest of Asheville via the Parkway. Check the Weather Closures section below for details. BRPA is the official marketing partner of the Blue Ridge Parkway – NPS. If you’re a novice hiker then take the Erwin’s View trail to the Upper Falls then the Chimney and Gorge View. Works Project Administration crews completed some of the early road construction, landscaping and recreation area development. Mingo Falls cascades down a rocky ledge for a total of 120 ft. Official Parkway Maps To download official maps in PDF, Illustrator, or Photoshop file formats, visit the National Park Service cartography site , or pick up a copy at any of our visitor centers . Don’t linger too long though because the last stop on the Parkway is one you don’t want to miss. The hike out is pretty steep and you take a number of switchbacks to get out. This hike is quick and easy at only 0.3-miles but it is worth a stop. This scenic road passes through many … Trails are open. The Babel Tower Trail is tough coming out of the gorge though so be prepared for that. The 105-mile (169-km) road is particularly popular in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. There are two different parking areas – one in the Visitor’s Center and the other closest to the village of Linville Falls in Pisgah National Forest. There are also places on the sides of the bank where you can climb up for a different perspective. Asheville. You can see the itinerary for the Blue Ridge Parkway mapped out below. This is the perfect last hike on the Parkway! >> Purchase your National Parks Pass here and start traveling! First proposed in the 1920s, the bulk of the Blue Ridge Parkway was constructed in many stages between 1935 and 1967, during which time it grew from a network of local roads to the current route, along which billboards and commercial traffic are both banned. Take your time and experience all that this road has to offer – it is one of the best, These two waterfalls should only take up the morning hours as long as you get started early. However, the parkway was designed as a scenic leisure road for motor vehicles, … This is one of my top recommended apps and I use Roadtrippers Plus to create maps for the trips I take. One option is to stop off at the North Carolina Arboretum and enjoy one of North Carolina’s largest and most diverse arboretums. Blue Ridge Parkway Map , Blue Ridge road map. Blue Ridge Parkway Interactive Map. Below: Toggle between two maps with different features, Park Tiles or Brochure Map , using the picklist on the top left corner of the map. It includes everything travelers look for: small towns, tunnels, overlooks, campgrounds, cabins, bed and breakfasts, hotels and motels, restaurants, visitor and other information centers, parking areas, parks, wineries, hiking trails, … Download the free Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Planner for your smart phone. Check out Little Switzerland Books & Beans, the General Store, and Spruced Boutique. A trusted resource for travelers to the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding communities, our publication is the only one of its kind distributed on the Parkway at Visitor Centers. Blue Ridge Parkway Itinerary on Roadtrippers. Contains All 6 Mapswhich trace the Blue Ridge Parkway from Waynesboro, Virginia to Cherokee, North Carolina #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; }/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. This is what photographer’s dreams are made of. This map was created by a user. This map was created by a user. There are two foolproof options for getting around the Parkway once you’re there. If you are a little more experienced then it’s fun to take the Babel Tower Trail down to the Linville River Trail that winds along the river at the bottom of the canyon.