Blue Ridge Parkway: Blazing Trails Through The Heart Of Appalachia

Easily one of the best scenic drives in the USA, Blue Ridge Parkway winds for 469 through southern Virginia and North Carolina and is easily one of the most scenic drives in America. This is an adventure that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime! The Parkway runs along the ridge of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains through the heart of Appalachia, and you’ll get a glimpse into a world that’s otherwise quite hidden from view. Along the way, you can enjoy many activities like hiking, paddling, pedaling, and camping, and it’s easy to find arts, and cultural activities happening year-round. There’s truly something for every taste.

The Blue Ridge Mountains were formed by a mix of volcanic granite and layers of sedimentary limestone. They are over 400 million years old and were once among some of the highest mountains in the world. Their height today - closer to 4,000 feet - is a result of millions of years of weathering and erosion. These processes that break down, shift, and shape stone are the reason for the spectacular formations and vistas that we enjoy today.

When you take a look at the mountains for the first time, you'll understand how they got their name. Blue Ridge Mountains are named for their bluish hue, the result of isoprene that is released into the atmosphere by the trees. The area is known for a characteristic haze or mist (just like the Smokies!) that contributes to some spectacular sunrises and sunsets that you will not want to miss.

Thankfully, thanks to the Blue Ridge Parkway, it's easy to catch both sunrises *and* sunsets from high above. The Parkway itself is 469 miles long and winds its way through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties. It also connects with the Shenandoah National Park and Great Smokey Mountains National Park, and is the gateway to both regions. Unlike mountain passes in the West that go up and over mountains, or New Hampshire's famous "Notch" valley roads, the Parkway runs along the spine of the ridge for the entire length.

The southern end of the Parkway begins at the Qualla Boundary, which is along the Cherokee Indian Reservation of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. The northern end of the Parkway is in Waynesboro, VA, right at the southern terminus of Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Every mile in between has something to offer. Scenic vistas, overlooks, and things to do are located at various mile markers along the way.

The tallest peak along the ridge is Grandfather Mountain, and you can drive right to the top via an access road off of the Parkway's mile marker 305. If you are daring, you can walk across the mile-high swinging bridge on Grandfather Mountain that overlooks the forest canopy.

One of the most beautiful portions of the highway is in Haywood County, NC, between mileposts 405 and 455 This stretch is a favorite among wildflower lovers and fall foliage lovers. Favorite lookouts include Wagon Gap Road, Mount Hardy Gap, Balsam Gap, and Soco Gap. In the fall, it is absolutely breathtaking!

Not every adventure along the parkway involves hiking or camping. The Folk Art Center is something that you will not want to miss. Located at marker 382, this center offers traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The Center offers three galleries, a library, a book store, and interpretive programs throughout the year.

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers plenty of activities for the entire family, too. You can find opportunities for rock climbing, mining for gems, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. You can explore caves, explore natural bridges, and slide down Sliding Rock in North Carolina into one of the most popular swimming holes in the state.

General Information:

Accessibility: Many of the visitor centers and attractions along the Parkway are accessible to those with disabilities or mobility impairments, and there are designated parking spots for vans at most of the overlooks and viewing points along the highway. The Blue Ridge Parkway offers wheelchair-friendly trails at Price Lake, where you can relax by a waterfall. Access to the trailhead can be found at the Boone Fork Overlook, at mile 297.2 on the Parkway. There is also accessible fishing at Price Lake. At Peaks of Otter, there are multiple wheelchair-accessible trails, as well. For more information on accessibility along the parkway, click here.

Pet Friendly: Dogs are allowed on the parkway and connecting trails, but must be on a six-foot leash at all times. Be aware that it is not uncommon to come across hunting dogs with tracking collars, and the crowded popular trails may be a bit overwhelming for leash-reactive dogs. Be sure to check the specific conditions of each trail before you head out on your trip, so you can make the best decision for your and your dog’s safety.

Parking: There are dozens of overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway at the most scenic overlooks, and plenty of parking at most trailheads. The lots at the most popular trailheads do fill up early on weekends and holidays in peak seasons.

Seasonal Access: While the parkway is open year-round, it is not impervious to weather and hazards. In the winter, be sure to check your route! Rockslides also close some areas of the Parkway from time to time. You can keep an eye on the parkway status here.

Cost: The Parkway is not a toll road, and there is no cost to drive along and enjoy the scenery. Camping reservations in Parkway campgrounds do cost money, and Interagency Passes will get you a discount on your reservations.

For more information to plan your trip, visit the Blue Ridge Parkway’s website from the National Park Service, here.

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Blue Ridge Parkway: Blazing A Trail Through The Heart Of Appalachia

Scott Dylan

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