Blue Ridge Parkway (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

Experiencing “America’s Favorite Drive”

A drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway is slow paced and relaxing. Almost any overlook or trail will reveal much of the natural and cultural history here. Explore the many communities along the route that make our region so special. Enjoy the view, but watch the road! Some sections are closed for repairs. Please click on CLOSURES link (left of this column) for details.

Mountain laurel and flame azalea along the Parkway.

The Parkway in Summer

Depending on your elevation, rosebay rhododendron, flame and pink azaleas, and mountain laurel can be found into early July along the Parkway. Summer is usually known as the time when meadows light up with black eyed Susan, butterfly weed, spider wort, yarrow, milkweed, and many other seasonal blooms. If you are traveling the areas with adjacent agricultural lands, look for the harvesting of hay and a variety of row crops hugging the edges of the Parkway.

Food and Lodging

Four lodges and six restaurants are scattered along the Parkway and most are open from late April through the fall color season. The Peaks of Otter lodge and restaurant north of Roanoke, VA is open year round. Visit the many adjacent communities along the Parkway to experience regional hospitality and cuisine.

Ranger Led Programs

From May through October when Parkway facilities are in full operation, rangers provide programs on a wealth of subjects related to regional natural and cultural history. Curriculum based programs are available in classrooms during the winter. Follow the FOR TEACHERS navigation bar above to find details for your area.

Write to

199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803

E-mail Us

Phone

Recorded Park Information
(828) 298-0398

Park Headquarters
(828) 271-4779

Fax

(828) 271-4313

Climate

Weather conditions high on the mountains can vary tremdously from the weather in the surrounding valleys or piedmont region. Carrying a jacket or some rain gear is always a good idea. Check forecasts before your trip to the mountains and always have a few emergency supplies in the trunk of your car.