The Blue Ridge Parkway’s 469 miles start near Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and end near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. This All-American Road and National Parkway took over 50 years to complete!
Construction for the Blue Ridge Parkway started in 1935 and all but 7.5 miles (winding around the rocky perimeter of Grandfather Mountain) were completed by 1967. This last portion became the Linn Cove Viaduct, which opened to the public in 1987. There are four regions: Ridge, Plateau, Highlands, and Pisgah. North Carolina covers the Highlands and Pisgah Regions.
Visiting the Parkway
The parkway has over 360 miles of hiking trails, 380 overlooks, and several waterfalls. The best way to plan and execute your drive is to know the milepost (MP) markers. The Highlands Region runs from milepost 217 to 340 and the Pisgah Region finishes the drive from milepost 340 to 469.
They often close sections of the road for construction or weather conditions. Your best bet is to check the National Park Service closures page. Due to speed limits, it typically takes about an hour to drive 30 miles.
My Favorite Spots Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Stone Mountain Overlook (MP 232.5)
Stone Mountain is a granite dome near the Virginia border. This exposed outcrop rises 600 feet into the air. The overlook gives you views of the dome in the distance as well as the surrounding state park.
Mount Jefferson Overlook (MP 266.8)
Mount Jefferson was once a hideout for run-away slaves fleeing north. It is now part of Mount Jefferson State Park.
Raven Rock Overlook (MP 289.5)
This spot has a decent parking area and is a popular place to have a picnic.
Wilson Creek Valley Overlook (MP 302.1)
Wilson Creek cascades from Grandfather Mountain into the valley below. This overlook made me smile in the fall with the colorful blooms.
Rough Ridge Trail (MP 302.8)
Rough Ridge is a 1.2-mile round trip trail. It is known for its boardwalk and the stunning views of the Linn Cove Viaduct, Grandfather Mountain, and the rest of the Blue Ridge. You can see the rolling mountaintops for miles.
Yonahlossee Overlook (MP 303.9)
From this small pull-off, a narrow dirt path hugs the parkway heading toward the viaduct. Here you can take in views of the clever curve from ground level.
Linn Cove Viaduct (MP 304.0)
Linn Cove Viaduct was the first bridge of its kind in the United States. Its S-shape is made of 153 concrete segments (only one of which is straight). There is a trail under the viaduct from the visitor center at milepost 304.4.
Flat Rock Trail (MP 308.3)
Flat Rock Trail is a 0.6-mile loop. When you reach the top of Flat Rock, you’ll walk across a massive outcrop of quartzite and white quartz. Up here are amazing views of Linville Valley and Grandfather Mountain.
Linville Falls (MP 316.4)
This waterfall trail ignited my love of hiking! Linville Falls is a multi-tier waterfall in the Lineville Gorge Wilderness. There are two main trails to view the falls – Erwin’s View Trail and Linville Gorge Trail – both with multiple overlooks.
Bear Den Overlook (MP 323.0)
While black bears no longer roam here, there were once dens in the area.
Table Rock Overlook (MP 329.8)
Table Rock Mountain supposedly got its name from a Cherokee legend about the massive rockface serving as a table for a great spirit to eat his meals. This mountain and others are part of Table Rock Mountain State Park. From the overlook, you can clearly see the aptly named peak.
Crabtree Falls Trail (MP 339.5)
Crabtree Falls is a 70-foot waterfall along a 3-mile or 3.5-mile loop trail. A large, wooden bridge spans Big Crabtree Creek near the base of the falls.
Laurel Knob Overlook (MP 349.2)
Laurel Knob Overlook was originally called Licklog Ridge Overlook. The dead, twisted tree here really makes the view.
Big Ridge Overlook (MP 403.6)
For those looking to hike, you can access the Shut-In Trail and Mountains-to-Sea Trail from this overlook.
Graveyard Fields Loop Trail (MP 418.8)
Graveyard Fields is a popular hiking area, especially during autumn as this is one of the first places in North Carolina to see the trees change color. The two waterfalls here – Second Falls and Upper Falls – can be seen along a 3.3-mile round trip hike.
Devil’s Courthouse (MP 422.4)
The summit of Devil’s Courthouse is a dark mass of exposed rock, rising to a height of 5,720 feet. There is a short but moderate-to-strenuous trail to its peak, with panoramic views of North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.
Caney Fork Overlook (MP 428.0)
This is another stop that I love simply due to the flowers and landscape during that time of year. Here a lot of small, pointed peaks get to showcase their beauty.
Cowee Mountains Overlook (MP 430.7)
This is one of the few overlooks offering 180-degree views without any obstructions.
Richland Balsam Overlook (MP 431.4)
Richland Balsam Overlook is the highest point along the parkway at 6,053 feet above sea level. A trail takes visitors through the remains of a spruce-fir forest. You can see the Cowee Mountains, Nantahala National Forest, and Plott Balsams.
Many more vistas and hiking trails are available to explore along this drive. The Blue Ridge Parkway is perfect for visitors of all ages and skill levels. There is something for everyone!
Fantastic layout of the Blue Ridge. It can be confusing when trying to jump on the Parkway. Thus helps tremendously! Thank you