Park Details
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Park Details
Location Information
Location:
The Parkway passes through western Virginia and North Carolina, with access from
several major highways and cities. Asheville, NC, and Roanoke, VA, are the largest
metropolitan areas along the Parkway.
Address:
Blue Ridge Parkway
400 BB&T Bldg.
Asheville, NC 28801
Telephone:
(704) 298-0398
Emergencies:
Telephone 1-800-PARKWATCH (727-5928)
Transportation:
The motor road is marked every mile by concrete mileposts beginning at MP 0 near
Shenandoah NP and ending at MP 469 at Great Smoky Mountain NP. The winding
nature of the road may make it difficult for large recreational vehicles, but all personal
vehicles, motorcycles, tour buses and bicycles are allowed. No commercial traffic is
permitted!
Operating Hours/Seasons
The Parkway motor road is open year-round, although severe weather may close many sections during the winter months. Visitor centers are generally open from May through October, and campgrounds from April through October. All lodges and facilities close during the winter, with the exception of the Peaks of Otter Lodge and restaurant, the Linville Falls and Otter Creek campgrounds.
Reservations/Permits/Fees
There is no fee for travelling on the Parkway, or for visitor centers and picnic areas. Camping fees are $10.00/night for families or groups with two adults, plus $2.00 for each additional adult over age 18.
No reservations are taken on the Parkway, except at lodging facilities operated by the concessionaires. Permits are required for hang gliding, commercial activities, weddings, and other park uses. These can be obtained through Parkway headquarters in Asheville, NC.
Climate, Recommended Clothing
The Parkway ranges from 650 feet above sea level to over 6,000 feet, so expect rapidly changing weather conditions. The weather is generally mild, but summertime temperatures can reach the 90's and winter can produce extended periods with single digit temperatures, ice, wind, and snow.
Facilities and Opportunities
These facilities are spaced out along the entire length of the Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia:
Visitor Centers: There are eleven visitor centers along the Parkway, five in Virginia and six in North Carolina. Each is designed to provide information on the activities and facilities in the area, as well as providing general information about the Parkway.
Concession operated lodges/cabins/restaurants: There are three concession operated lodges and a cabin complex along the Parkway, along with seven restaurants, three service stations and other facilities.
Campgrounds: The nine campgrounds have tent pads, trailer sites, picnic tables, fire pits, dump stations, and comfort stations with cold running water sinks. There are no hook-ups or shower facilities. Camping is allowed only in designated areas.
Picnic areas: There are picnic tables in all developed areas, as well as tables at some overlooks along the motor road.
Handicap access: All Parkway campgrounds have at least one accessible site, and most visitor centers and lodges are either fully or partially accessible. In addition, there is a wheelchair accessible fishing dock at Otter Lake and a wheelchair accessible trail at Linville Falls.
Private facilities: Private campgrounds, restaurants and hotels may be found in many of the communities and towns that adjoin the Parkway.
Recommended Activities/Park Use
Overlooks and trails offer breaks during a drive, and there are ranger programs at most developed areas during the summer and autumn months. The Parkway provides wonderful opportunities for:
Visitation
Approximately 17 million people per year people travel the Parkway, making it the most visited site in the National Park System. The greatest visitation is during summer holidays and during the fall color season in mid-October.
Basic Visit Recommendations
Plan to travel slowly. The Parkway speed limit is 45 mph (35 mph in developed areas),
and you should allow time for frequent stops to enjoy the park. To travel the Parkway
safely from Shenandoah to Great Smokies will take twelve or more hours of driving.
Visitor Impact:
The Parkway follows mountain crests, so be prepared for variable weather, with sudden summer thunderstorms, winter snow, or fog year round. Also beware of animals on the road, and drive cautiously to avoid seeing wildlife too closely!
Special Events Programs
Evening programs, ranger guided walks, historical and cultural demonstrations, and music programs are given at the developed areas from June until October. In addition, the Parkway offers Parks As Classrooms programs to students during the school year.
Adjacent Visitor Attractions
A number of state parks and private attractions border the Parkway, along with a
number of national parks and forests. For example:
Additional Information
For more information, please feel free to write for a basic information packet: Blue Ridge Parkway Association, P.O. Box 453, Asheville, NC, 28802.
Information on road closures and conditions, or park facilities can be obtained by calling our information line at (704) 298-0398.
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