The Blue Ridge Parkway, named America’s Favorite Drive, is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, noted for its scenic beauty. It runs for 469 miles (755 km), mostly along the famous Blue Ridge, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains. Its southern terminus is on the boundary between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee Indian Reservation in North Carolina, from which it travels north to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and offers access to the Skyline Drive, the major north/south artery through the Park. The two All-American Byways are separate and distinct. The Blue Ridge Parkway was built to connect Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Parkway is not a National Park, but is a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road, and is the most visited unit in the United States National Park System. Land on either side of the road is maintained by the National Park Service and, in many places, the park is bordered by land protected by the United States Forest Service. The Parkway will be depicted on North Carolina's version of the America the Beautiful quarter in 2015.
Meandering 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, the Parkway follows the Appalachian Mountains and boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. A hundred species of trees, a variety of flowering shrubs and wildflowers as well 54 different mammals and 59 species of birds live along the Parkway - more than the entire European continent!
The Blue Ridge Parkway is designed as a slow paced and relaxing drive, revealing the natural and cultural history here in the southern mountains. Venture down a short trail or check out the hospitality of adjacent communities.
Along the Parkway, you will observe numbered mileposts. The zero milepost marker is at Rockfish Gap, immediately south of Shenandoah National Park, and each mile is numbered progressively southward on the Parkway.
Travel Regulations
To help protect and preserve the Blue Ridge Parkway, yourself, and others, observe all park regulations. Be alert for uncontrolled fire, safety hazards, accidents and emergencies.
• Drive Carefully. The maximum speed limit is 45 miles per hour. Report any accident to a Park Ranger. Commercial vehicles are not permitted on the Parkway. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not permitted on Parkway trails.
• Roadside Parking. Parking is limited to designated parking areas or road shoulders. All four wheels must be off the pavement.
• Trails. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not permitted on Parkway trails.
• Camping. Camping is permitted only in park campgrounds or designated back-country sites.
• Pets. Dogs and other pets must be on a leash or under physical restraint at all times while in the Park. The territorial instinct of dogs can lead to fights with other dogs on the trail. Dogs also frighten hikers and chase wildlife. If a pet cannot be kept under control, it should be left at home.
• Do not swim in Parkway lakes and ponds. They are for fishing and scenic beauty only. Swimming facilities are available in nearby U.S. forest Services recreation areas, state parks, and mountain resorts.
• Prevent Forest Fires. Fires, including charcoal grills, are permitted in campgrounds and picnic areas only.
• Boats without motor or sail are permitted on Price Lake.
• Deposit all litter in the trash cans provided at trail heads, parking overlooks, and picnic areas.
• Metal detectors are prohibited.
• Natural resources are protected by Federal law. Do not disturb animal and plant life in any way. Hunting, trapping and carrying weapons and possession of any contraband substances are prohibited. Do not interfere with animals by feeding, touching, or frightening them. Do not cut, deface, or damage trees. Leave wildflowers and other vegetation in their natural condition for other hikers to enjoy.
• Historic resources are protected by Federal law. Do not damage, deface, or remove any of these structures, furnishings, or exhibits.
• Alcoholic Beverages are permitted in campgrounds by registered campers and in picnic areas until 9 pm.
• Possession of open containers of alcoholic beverages prohibited in motor vehicles is prohibited.
Important Tips
• Lock valuables in the trunk of your car or take them with you.
• Hiking shoes or boots are recommended for most trails, especially the more strenuous ones. Steep and rocky areas and slippery stream crossings require extra attention and careful footing. Even for trails marked "easy," it is advisable to wear flat or rubber-soled shoes for comfort and good traction. Wearing scandals, "flip-flops," or high heels can result in accidents.
• Sudden changes in weather are common in these mountains. Even in mild seasons, rapid dips in temperature and unexpected thunderstorms frequently occur, and at higher elevations the wind and temperature can carry a surprising chill. Be prepared for weather changes by bringing along suitable clothing.
• For your safety and the protection of the resources, stay on established trails. Shortcutting at switchbacks causes soil erosion, disfigures the trail, and makes it difficult for other hikers to find their way. Take advantage of log walkways, steps, or other trail construction. They are there to minimize human impact on the natural environment.
• Do not drink the water in streams or springs. Bacterial diseases can be contracted by drinking untreated "wild" waters.
