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Blue Ridge Parkway
The beginning - or end - of this 469-mile parkway.
Plan Around Blue Ridge Parkway
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Blue Ridge Parkway Details
The Blue Ridge Parkway begins -- or ends, depending upon your perspective -- in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, winding along the ridgeline of the Blue Ridge Mountains 469 miles to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. From there, it turns into Skyline Drive. The scenic parkway was designed for leisurely cruising to enjoy the natural wonders of the mountains. Begun in the mid-1930s, it was not completed until 1987. The parkway is not maintained during the winter, so check for weather-related road closures before setting off on your drive. There's no fee for using the parkway, and you won't have to worry about competing with big trucks on this mountain road -- commercial vehicles are banned. Speed limit is never higher than 45 miles per hour.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
Newfound Gap Road
Nearby Parks Around Blue Ridge Parkway
Compare nearby parks around Blue Ridge Parkway when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Blue Ridge Parkway
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Blue Ridge Parkway while the map context is still fresh.
0.5 mi away
Mountain Farm Museum
Built of logs in 1900 from the once-bountiful chestnut trees.
0.5 mi away
Mountain Farm Museum
All pathways surrounding the museum are hard packed gravel.
0.6 mi away
Oconaluftee River Trail
Travels 1.5 miles between the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the edge of Cherokee.
0.6 mi away
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Elk are often spotted in the early mornings.
0.7 mi away
Oconaluftee River Trail
This short trail is an excellent way to access the Oconaluftee area of the park.
