Last updated: February 12, 2025
Thing to Do
Become a Blue Ridge Parkway Junior Ranger
NPS Photo
Becoming a Blue Ridge Parkway Junior Ranger is exciting and rewarding! Pick up your Junior Ranger Folder and instructions at any park visitor center. Then travel the parkway to get site-specific activity sheets along your journey.
Complete all of the activities on the Junior Ranger Folder and at least three of the activities on one of the site-specific sheets to become a Junior Ranger. With one sheet and the folder completed, you receive a Junior Ranger badge and certificate. With four sheets completed, you receive a patch and if you finish all ten, you earn our special junior ranger pin!
If you finish your Junior Ranger activities after leaving the parkway, mail your completed work to the park and we will send you the reward you have earned:
Blue Ridge Parkway Jr. Ranger
199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC, 28803
If you want to have a junior ranger folder and activity sheets before you vist please email us.
Details
Duration
20-120 Minutes
Length of time depends on how many activity sheets you would like to complete during your visit.
Activity
Junior Ranger Program
Age(s)
All are welcome!
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are not allowed inside our visitor centers. Service animals are welcome. Pets must be controlled on a 6-foot leash at all times.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Blue Ridge Parkway
Folders and activity sheets can be picked up at any of our visitor centers. Check out our Visitor Centers page for hours of operation.
If you want to have a junior ranger folder and activity sheets before you vist please email us.
If you want to have a junior ranger folder and activity sheets before you vist please email us.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
You can pick up a junior ranger fodler and acitivty sheets anytime during regular buisness hours. Check out our Visitor Centers page for hours of operation.
Accessibility Information
Our visitor centers are handicap accessible. The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville, NC has push button entrance for wheelchair users.
Flat Hat Journal - Becoming a Junior Ranger
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Learn how you can complete activities to earn badges and become a Junior Ranger.
Visitor Centers hours of operations
Waterrock Knob Visitor Center
Waterrock Knob is our highest elevation visitor center on the Parkway. Known for its beautiful long-range views of several major mountain chains in the Appalachians, Waterrock Knob is uniquely suited for viewing sunrises and sunsets. The small visitor center introduces visitors to the area's rugged terrain and tremendous scenic resources, including the Great Smoky Mountains that are visible from here. Waterrock Knob Visitor Center will open for the 2025 season on April 25, 2025.
Physical Address
Milepost 451.2Blue Ridge Parkway
Scott Creek, NC 28779
Mailing Address
Balsam Gap Maintenance Area, MP 443.8Hwy 23/74, 7 Miles South of Waynesville
Balsam Gap, NC 28707
From Balsam Gap (MP 443), 7 miles south of Waynesville, NC or 12 miles north of Sylva, NC, on US-23/75, enter onto the Parkway, heading Parkway south, for about 8 miles. Turn right on the access road (MP 451). If you are coming from the south, near Maggie Valley or Cherokee, Waterrock Knob is about 4 miles north of Soco Gap (MP 455).
- First Aid Kit Available
- Food/Drink - Snacks
- Gifts/Souvenirs/Books
- Information
- Information - Maps Available
- Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present
- Parking - Auto
- Parking - Bus/RV
- Picnic Table
- Restroom - Accessible
- Restroom - Seasonal
- Scenic View/Photo Spot
- Toilet - Vault/Composting
- Trash/Litter Receptacles
- Wheelchair Accessible
Email Address
Phone Numbers
- Voice phone number
(828) 348-3400
Image Gallery
NPS Photo / Gail Fox
NPS Photo / Gail Fox
Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
The visitor center features exhibits that showcase the natural and cultural history of the area, as well as the recreational opportunities offered by the region. You are able to watch the Parkway film at this location as well. Open year-round, the visitor center features National Park Service information desk, and America's National Parks store.
Physical Address
195 Hemphill Knob RdAsheville, NC 28803
Mailing Address
195 Hemphill Knob RdAsheville, NC 28803
From I-40, exit at #53 and follow the signs, heading east on US 74A toward Lake Lure and turn right on the Parkway on-ramp. Make a right to head north on the Parkway and turn left up the driveway for the visitor center in less than a mile. If you entered the Parkway from US-25/Hendersonville Rd or NC-191/Brevard Rd, continue north for 10-15 minutes, and turn when you see the visitor center sign. From US-70/Tunnel Rd, drive south about 5 minutes, and turn when you see the visitor center sign.
- Benches/Seating
- Cellular Signal
- First Aid Kit Available
- Gifts/Souvenirs/Books
- Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
- Information
- Information - Maps Available
- Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present
- Parking - Auto
- Parking - Bus/RV
- Picnic Table
- Restroom
- Theater/Auditorium
- Trailhead
- Wheelchair Accessible
Email Address
Phone Numbers
- Voice phone number
(828) 298-5330
Image Gallery
NPS photo/L Marois
NPS Photo / Dennis McCarthy
Craggy Gardens Visitor Center
The small, historic visitor center and America's National Parks store is nestled in the gap between the rocky, Craggy Mountains. At over 5,000 feet elevation, harsh weather often invades these exposed ridges, resulting in the gnarled forests of beech, birch, and buckeye. These summits have been home to some of the most spectacular rhododendron displays along the Parkway corridor. For generations, visitors have headed up to the Craggies in mid to late June to view the pink and purple blooms.
Physical Address
Milepost 364Blue Ridge Parkway
Ivy, NC 288778
Mailing Address
Parkway Headquarters199 Hemphill Knob Rd
Asheville, NC 28803
Craggy Gardens is located 20 miles north of our Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center (MP 384) and 18 miles north of the Folk Art Center (MP 382), with the drive taking about a half hour. If you take Ox Creek Rd (MP 375) up from Weaverville it takes about 15 minutes on the Parkway.Craggy Gardens is about a half hour drive south of Mount Mitchell, the tallest mountain in eastern North America. Mount Mitchell's access road (NC-128) turns off the Parkway at MP 355.
- Bicycle - Rack
- First Aid Kit Available
- Gifts/Souvenirs/Books
- Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
- Information
- Information - Maps Available
- Parking - Auto
- Restroom - Seasonal
- Scenic View/Photo Spot
- Trailhead
- Water - Drinking/Potable
Email Address
Phone Numbers
- Voice phone number
(828) 348-3400
Image Gallery
NPS Photo
NPS Photo/L Marois
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
Museum of North Carolina Minerals
The Museum of North Carolina Minerals highlights the rich mineral resources & the mining heritage of this portion of the Blue Ridge. The museum is open year-round with interactive & experiential exhibits for children & adults. This area, called Gillespie Gap, was also significant in the American Revolution, where frontiersmen from the mountains known as the "Overmountain Men" crossed the Blue Ridge on their way to battle at Kings Mountain. The Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce has an information desk.
Physical Address
Milepost 331Blue Ridge Parkway
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Mailing Address
214 Parkway Maintenance RoadSpruce Pine, NC 28777
The Mineral Museum (MP 331) is located at the junction of the Blue Ridge Parkway and NC-226, about 6 miles east of Spruce Pine and 15 miles west of Marion, NC. It is approximately an hour and a half north of Asheville via the Parkway, or and hour south of Blowing Rock, via the Parkway.
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Baby Changing Station
- Cellular Signal
- Fire Extinguisher
- First Aid Kit Available
- Gifts/Souvenirs/Books
- Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
- Information
- Information - Maps Available
- Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present
- Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board
- Parking - Auto
- Restroom - Accessible
- Restroom - Seasonal
- Toilet - Flush
- Trailhead
- Trash/Litter Receptacles
- Wheelchair Accessible
Email Address
Phone Numbers
- Voice phone number
(828) 765-2761
Image Gallery
NPS Photo
NPS Photo/ L Marois
Moses Cone Manor House
This visitor center information desk, America's National Parks store and Southern Highland Craft Guild craft shop share a grand, historic estate house. The visitor information desk is open from May through October. The America's National Parks store and the Southern Highland Craft Guild craft shop is open from early April through November. The estate grounds have 25 miles of carriage roads for strolling, small lakes and other historic structures.
Physical Address
Milepost 294.0Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Mailing Address
Sandy Flat Maintenance MP 294.65580 Shulls Mill Road
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
From Blowing Rock/Boone, NC, enter the Parkway at Milepost 291.8, where US-321/221 intersect with the Parkway. Boone is 8 Miles away on US-321 south, Blowing Rock is 2 miles away on US-321/221 north. Go south on the Parkway about 2 miles to the Moses H. Cone Estate. If you are driving Parkway North from Asheville, expect to take 2.5 hours to reach the Moses H. Cone Estate.
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Captioned Media
- Cellular Signal
- Fire Extinguisher
- First Aid Kit Available
- Gifts/Souvenirs/Books
- Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
- Information
- Information - Maps Available
- Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present
- Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board
- Parking - Auto
- Restroom - Seasonal
- Scenic View/Photo Spot
- Trailhead
- Trash/Litter Receptacles
- Wheelchair Accessible
Email Address
Phone Numbers
- Voice phone number
(828) 295-3782
Image Gallery
NPS Photo
Blue Ridge Music Center
The Blue Ridge Music Center celebrates the music and musicians of the Blue Ridge. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1997, with support from The National Council for the Traditional Arts, the Music Center includes an outdoor amphitheater, an indoor theater, and exhibits highlighting the historical significance of the region’s music.
Physical Address
700 Foothills RoadGalax, VA 24333
Mailing Address
Blue Ridge Parkway199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803
The Blue Ridge Parkway Music Center is located at Milepost 213 on the Virginia/North Carolina state border.
- Amphitheater
- First Aid Kit Available
- Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
- Information
- Information - Maps Available
- Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present
- Parking - Auto
- Parking - Bus/RV
- Restroom - Seasonal
- Theater/Auditorium
- Trailhead
- Trash/Litter Receptacles
Email Address
Phone Numbers
- Voice phone number
(828) 348-3400
Image Gallery
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
Doughton Park Visitor Center
Numerous hiking options are available in the Doughton Park area and nearby Brinegar Cabin offers insights into mountain living in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Physical Address
Doughton Park Visitor Center49800 Blue Ridge Parkway
Laurel Springs, NC 28644
Mailing Address
Rocky Knob Office1670 Blue Ridge Parkway
Floyd, VA 24091
Located near Milepost 240 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, approximately 20 miles south of the VA-NC state line.
- Gifts/Souvenirs/Books
- Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
- Information - Maps Available
- Parking - Auto
- Restroom - Seasonal
Email Address
Phone Numbers
- Voice phone number
(828) 348-3400
Image Gallery
NPS photo
Rocky Knob Visitor Center
The Rocky Knob area offers a visitor center, campground, and 15 miles of hiking trails, including the Rock Castle Gorge National Recreation Trail. Picturesque Mabry Mill is located just a few miles south of Rocky Knob.
Physical Address
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 169Woolwine, VA 24185
Mailing Address
Blue Ridge Parkway199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803
Rocky Knob Visitor Center is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 169
- Gifts/Souvenirs/Books
- Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
- Information - Maps Available
- Parking - Auto
- Restroom - Seasonal
Email Address
Phone Numbers
- Voice phone number
(828) 348-3400
Image Gallery
NPS Photo
Peaks of Otter Visitor Center
Visitors of the Peaks of Otter gain a sense of both the history of community and tourism in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The long history of visiting the mountains for health and relaxation is told in the visitor center. An extensive trail system is available with the hike to Sharp Top being a long-standing tradition. Dining and lodging is available, along with fishing in Abbot Lake, camping, and picnicking.
Physical Address
85919 Blue Ridge ParkwayBedford, VA 24523
Mailing Address
85919 Blue Ridge ParkwayBedford, VA 24523
- Amphitheater
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Benches/Seating
- Electric Car Charging Station
- Fire Extinguisher
- First Aid Kit Available
- Gifts/Souvenirs/Books
- Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
- Information
- Information - Maps Available
- Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present
- Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board
- Parking - Auto
- Restroom - Seasonal
- Scenic View/Photo Spot
- Toilet - Flush
- Trailhead
- Trash/Litter Receptacles
- Water - Drinking/Potable
- Wheelchair Accessible
Email Address
Phone Numbers
- Voice phone number
(540) 586-4496
Image Gallery
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
James River Visitor Center
The James River visitor center is temporarily closed with a tentative reopen date of Aug. 24, 2024. The James River visitor center offers visitors the opportunity to learn about transportation history in central and southern Appalachia.
Physical Address
63629 Blue Ridge ParkwayBig Island, VA 24526
Mailing Address
Ridge Interpretation Office29132 Blue Ridge Parkway
Vesuvius, VA 24483
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Benches/Seating
- Cellular Signal
- Fire Extinguisher
- First Aid Kit Available
- Gifts/Souvenirs/Books
- Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
- Information - Maps Available
- Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present
- Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board
- Parking - Auto
- Picnic Table
- Restroom - Seasonal
- Scenic View/Photo Spot
- Toilet - Flush
- Trailhead
- Trash/Litter Receptacles
Email Address
Phone Numbers
Phone answered during normal business hours from May-October. Phone is not answered in winter. No voice mail available. Please consider emailing your questions to blri_info@nps.gov.
- Voice phone number
(434) 299-5496
Image Gallery
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
Humpback Rocks Visitor Center
Travelers heading south from the northern end of the Parkway experience a scenic drive through an Appalachian hardwood forest with ridge top views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and Rockfish Valley to the east. The rock outcroppings on the mountain and the relocated collection of 1890s farm buildings where settlers scratched out a living in the rocky soil makes Humpback Rocks perhaps the best representation of the varied combination of natural and cultural features anywhere along the Parkway corridor.
Physical Address
5846 Blue Ridge ParkwayWaynesboro, VA 22980
Mailing Address
Ridge Interpretation Office29132 Blue Ridge Parkway
Vesuvius, VA 24483
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Benches/Seating
- Cellular Signal
- Fire Extinguisher
- First Aid Kit Available
- Gifts/Souvenirs/Books
- Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
- Information
- Information - Maps Available
- Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present
- Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board
- Parking - Auto
- Restroom - Accessible
- Restroom - Seasonal
- Toilet - Flush
- Trailhead
- Water - Drinking/Potable
- Wheelchair Accessible
Email Address
Phone Numbers
Phone is only operational during normal business hours from May-October. No voice mail is available. Please consider emailing your message to blri_info@nps.gov.
- Voice phone number
(540) 943-4716
Image Gallery
NPS Photo
NPS Photo/J. Lamm