The road is open year-round, but sections may close from inclement weather or maintenance. Check the Road Closures page for road closures by section.

Are there any vehicle restrictions on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Driving and Parking

Commercial vehicles are not permitted on the Parkway. Roadside Parking. Parking is limited to designated parking lots or overlooks. Visitors should avoid parking on road shoulders as this damages park resources such as road edges and vegetation.

Can you enter and exit the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Access Points & Orientation -- Unlike the Skyline Drive, which has only four entry points, you can get on and off the Blue Ridge Parkway at numerous places. The northern entrance is at the southern end of the Skyline Drive, near Waynesboro on U.S. 250 at Exit 99 off I-64.

How long does it take to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway without stopping?

This is why the parkway is the most visited single unit in the U.S. National Parks System. Driving straight through without stopping would take about ten to twelve hours, but three to seven days is needed to explore it well.

Can you drive north Blue Ridge Parkway?

If you don't have time to fit everything in, you could also easily enjoy driving the Blue Ridge Parkway in three to four days. Three to four days on the parkway still gives you enough time to see the highlights with fewer stops for extra things like different hiking trails.

A Guide To Driving The Blue Ridge Parkway

Can you sleep in your car on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Camping is only allowed in one of the Parkway's eight designated camping areas. Sleeping in a vehicle overnight is not allowed for visitor safety.

What is the prettiest part of the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Ten Must-See Spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway

• Cascade Falls. Milepost 271.9. ...
• Rough Ridge. Milepost 302.8. ...
• Beacon Heights. Milepost 305.2. ...
• Flat Rock. Milepost 308.3. ...
• Chestoa View Overlook. Milepost 320.8. ...
• Mount Mitchell. Milepost 355.4. ...
• Craggy Pinnacle. Milepost 364.1. ...
• Waterrock Knob. Milepost 451.2.

Which is better Skyline Drive or Blue Ridge Parkway?

The Blue Ridge Parkway does offer similar views, but includes those of North Carolina's mountains - therefore, it's a two-for-one deal that comes with a multi-day trip. There's also more to do along the way of the Blue Ridge, whereas Skyline Drive offers solid views and great national park hiking access.

What's the speed limit on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

This is part of what makes the road seem to lie gently on the land and it also requires some extra care while driving. The parkway speed limit is mostly 45 mph, but occasionally it will drop to 25 mph or 35 mph. Most highways have curves with a standard radius that never changes.

How long is the drive across the Blue Ridge Parkway?

At nearly 470 miles long, driving the entirety of the Blue Ridge Parkway will almost certainly be a multi-day trip for most people. The speed limit is just 45 miles per hour for most of the route, though it'll occasionally drop to as low as 25 mph. Driving straight through with no breaks would take about 11 hours.

Is Blue Ridge Parkway scary?

Those fun Blue Ridge Parkway tunnels can be more terrifying than icy curves in winter. The Blue Ridge Parkway has more than its share of razor-sharp curves, but the biggest danger on “America's longest linear park” is those foreboding tunnels, according to the National Park Service.

Is alcohol allowed on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

But it is illegal. The law pertains to any kind of alcohol, and to everyone, whether driving or not. Drinking alcohol or having an open container is also prohibited on trails, trailheads and any public use area, such as Craggy Gardens Pinnacle.

How many tunnels are on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Tunnels Along the Parkway

There are 25 tunnels in North Carolina and one in Virginia. These tunnels are listed below by milepost, length, maximum height (over the center of the road), and minimum height (over the edge of the road).

Can you camp anywhere on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Camping in the Parkway's Campgrounds is only allowed when the campground is open. Camping on Parkway lands outside of designated campgrounds or without a permit at backcountry sites is prohibited. The Parkway's eight campgrounds were built years ago and do not currently offer RV hookups.

Can you pull a travel trailer on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Yes, it is possible to drive an RV on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Are bicycles allowed on Blue Ridge Parkway?

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers bicyclists 469 miles of picturesque travel across Virginia and North Carolina. However, the parkway was designed as a scenic leisure road for motor vehicles, and does not have designated bike lanes. Bicyclists should exercise extreme caution.

What is the steepest grade on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Not steep at all. The road runs along the crest, so not intense elevation changes. I would say steepest would be 6% grade in places.

How curvy is the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Over 1,500 miles of vetted byways climb to the edge of the horizon and descend thousands of feet to verdant valleys below. Connect to our Appalachian Backroads from the famed Back of the Dragon which boasts three mountains and 438 curves in 32 miles.

Can you turn around on Skyline Drive?

Yes...it's a long beautiful drive. So turn around and go back if ya miss an exit. It IS a two way drive.

Is the Blue Ridge Parkway worth it?

Blue Ridge Parkway is a very scenic drive spanning across Virginia and North Carolina, in USA. Meandering for 469 miles (755 km) and providing opportunities for enjoying all, it's one of the most scenic drives in the USA with unparalleled views of American beautiful landscapes.

Is it worth driving all of Skyline Drive?

The northern part of the drive is very twisting, less so as you drive south. Critical to keep to the speed limit, even though it seems to be low. Spectacular scenery along the way!

Are there bathrooms on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Though mainly serving as a large arts and craft store, Parkway information is available at NPS office at the Cone Family mansion. Trails and restrooms are available.

Can you drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in one day?

You'll enter the Blue Ridge Parkway through the North Entrance and spend about 2 hours driving and exploring it. This is a short day in terms of stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway, so use that extra time to explore more of Shenandoah National Park first or enjoy a late start to your day.

What is the best time of year to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway?

The best time to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway is from mid-May to mid-September. The speed limit along the Blue Ridge Parkway is 25 to 45 miles per hour, so relax and take your time.