Hiking

A section of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia parallels the Parkway.

NPS Photo/Hamel

There over 369 miles of hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway, so one of the most daunting tasks facing hikers may be choosing which trail to explore. Start by deciding on what you would like to see. Then decide how far you would like to hike. If you haven't hiked much recently, be conservative. Five miles round-trip is a good maximum distance for novices. The links below provide brief descriptions and maps of popular trails.

Please be aware that trail conditions may change suddenly and unexpectedly. Bear activity, severe storms, and downed trees may temporarily close trails.

When hiking, carry water, a raincoat or poncho, and a first aid kit. Hike with another person. Be sure to allow plenty of time to complete your hike before dark. As a rule of thumb, allow an hour to hike 1.5 miles. Be aware though, that many people travel slower. Sunset times vary from just after 5:00 p.m. in December to almost 9:00 p.m. in June. No permit is required for hiking. Hiking Safety tips.

Popular Trails

Trailheads listed by milepost are available for Virginia and North Carolina. Or stop at a visitor center for recommendations.

• Humpback Rocks
• Otter Creek & James River
• Peaks of Otter
• Roanoke Valley
• Rocky Knob
• Music Center
• Cumberland Knob
• Doughton Park
• Moses Cone Park
• Julian Price Park
• Tanawha
• Linville Falls
• Crabtree Falls
• Craggy Gardens
• Mount Pisgah

Remember to always respect the environment and be considerate of others. Visit our Trail Safety and Leave No Trace pages for tips on making the most out of your hiking experience.

TEMPORARY TRAIL CLOSURE: Mountains-to-Sea Trail near I-26 bridge in Asheville. The closure is expected to remain until late spring/early summer 2026. Closure due to potentially unsafe conditions during construction. View NC Hiking page for map.

 

The Appalachian Trail and Mountains to Sea Trail are two long distance trails that follow closely with stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sections of these trails can be hiked in a day, or for the more adventurous, over a number of days.

If you like hiking in groups, the Carolina Mountain Club has various opportunities to join hikes and even volunteer on trail work around the Asheville area.

 

Hiking with Children

TRACK Trails for Families

Kids in Parks TRACK Trails are self-guided hiking trails especially for kids and families.

Activities for families

Become a Junior Ranger

Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge!

Ranger Programs and Special Events

Calendar of Events

Enjoy a ranger-led program, watch a cultural demonstration, or listen to some toe-tapping mountain music.

Parkway Exhibits and Information

Visitor Centers

Your first stop for parkway information, maps, and touring recommendations.