Travel east on Route 43 to reach the Town of Bedford, which is home to the National D-Day Memorial. The trail, which stretches across North Carolina, encompasses a variety of landscapes and weaves over soaring open ridges and through the dense green tunnels alike. This ain’t Europe—it’s a road trip in the land of the automobile. U.S. Route 221 also serves as an alternative route for reaching the City of Roanoke. Park Fees— Unlike the Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway is free throughout its length. Downtown Buchanan offers wonderful antiquing, B&Bs, dining, access to the James River, and more. There are numerous side roads and access points throughout the counties. Beautiful scenery all the way. Its access points and amenities are similarly distributed over a broad area; so shorter trips are eminently doable and easily targeted to your interests. At almost half a thousand miles in length, from northern Virginia to southwestern North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is as decentralized a park as can be imagined. Virginia's Blue Ridge is now open in the Phase Three stage of the Commonwealth's Forward Virginia plan. Brochures and other information about the Blue Ridge Parkway can be found at any of the Welcome Centers along the Parkway as well as information centers in towns that connect to the Parkway. See above directions from airports along the length of the road, or see park entrances, below.B) Park Entrances: Hundreds of side roads cross the Parkway, so there are almost countless entrances. Accommodation Near the Soco Gap Access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, NC Plan a stay at Meadowlark Motel in Maggie Valley, located moments from the Soco Gap access to the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC. This exit also leads to the Roanoke Star and Overlook, Discovery Center and Mill Mountain Zoo, which are all located atop Mill Mountain. The northern entrance is at the southern end of the Skyline Drive, near Waynesboro on U.S. 250 at Exit 99 off I-64. Starting from the south and moving north along the map, the following list details the eight primary entry/exit points to the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia's Blue Ridge. Four miles beyond Maggie Valley, reach the Parkway at milepost 455.7 (Soco Gap), or stay on US 19 another 12 miles to Cherokee. Or go left from US 221 onto NC 226 to the area of Little Switzerland at milepost 330.9.From Asheville, NC:From Interstate 26 (take exit 6) or from Interstate 40 (take exit 50), reach US 25 and follow signs to the Parkway at Milepost 388.8.Southern Terminus (Cherokee/ Maggie Valley area):It’s easy to reach the southernmost part of the Parkway from the Asheville area and points east and south (via I-85 to I-26). (A start at the northern entrance to Shenandoah, from I-66 near Front Royal, VA, adds 100 miles to the Parkway journey. The exit at Milepost 136 provides easy access to U.S. Route 221 in Roanoke County and to neighboring Franklin County, and is only a short drive to Chaos Mountain Brewing in nearby Callaway. Less than half a mile after exiting you'll go under the Parkway... US25 (Hendersonville Rd) - US25 is the road to the Biltmore Estate entrance. Parkway Detour Info >, View Blue Ridge Parkway Map in a larger map. Contains All 6 Mapswhich trace the Blue Ridge Parkway from Waynesboro, Virginia to Cherokee, North Carolina Learn more about the program and what it means for various types of businesses & experiences in the region with our Phase Three Guidelines page. The Blue Ridge Parkway NC uses short connectors and highways to connect into the scenic byway. “America’s Favorite Drive” at your fingertips. Knowing the Blue Ridge Parkway driving times is necessary to plan a trip there. The Blue Ridge Parkway provides prime access points to a number of sections of the 1,150-mile Mountains-to-Sea-Trail. Phase Three >. Jeffress Park on the North Carolina section of the Parkway honors the NC highway official that lobbied against making it a toll road. The Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park, near Waynesboro, VA (Milepost 0) with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Cherokee, NC (Milepost 469). Check out the Blue Ridge Mountains travel guide for other resources to plan your trip. From US 421 at Deep Gap, NC (Boone/Blowing Rock area): No big trucks are allowed on the Parkway and the speed limit is 45. From Cherokee, go 2 miles to the Parkway access at milepost 469.1. The above map features the entry points to the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia's Blue Ridge. On US 52, Fancy Gap is about 5 miles south of Hillsville, VA and 21 miles north of Mount Airy, NC. For Cherokee via the higher speed four-lane, continue on US 23/74 past the Maggie Valley exit, (cross the Parkway, at milepost 443.1), then at exit 81, take US 74 and 441. The Parkway runs from Virginia all the way to Cherokee, North Carolina. Find the perfect place to relax at these overnight accommodations located near the Blue Ridge Parkway. A total trip would require arriving and leaving from airports far apart, but that’s possible, and the Parkway is very doable in sections.Richmond/Charlottesville—Both airports are an easy drive (an hour and a half and 30 minutes, respectively) from the northern Parkway terminus at Interstate 64 and Skyline Drive.Roanoke—A best kept-secret starting point. Driving on this road is more fun because the speed limit is 45 and no big trucks are allowed on it. Virginia Route 43 connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Peaks of Otter. Two-lane paved roads, Forest Service all weather gravel roads and single track wind throughout our area. But there are also major roads that cross the Parkway, some at larger cities or with easy access from nearby interstate highways. Construction began in 1936 and took over 52 years to complete. Area Biking Routes, Access Points & Rides. There are numerous Blue Ridge Parkway access points scattered along this range. At Mile 217.5 you can visit Cumberland Knob, at an elevation of 2,885 feet; with its parkway recreation area. Update (10/7/20): Parkway Section Between Milepost 115.5 & Milepost 121.4 Reopens >, We've created a special Blue Ridge Parkway Detour Route for information about things to do in the area and recommended directions for accessing the Parkway around these closures. Click here to download a complete map of the Blue Ridge Parkway from the National Park Service. The whole Virginia Blue Ridge area includes easy drives to other amenities, restaurants, and adventures in the five-county area. 64 and Rt. We decide to head out along the Blue Ridge Parkway to take in some forested mountain views. 8. It is a part of the Virtual Blue Ridge Network, which aims to share the Parkway experience with long-distance viewers and to enhance it for visitors and residents. In fact, E.B. Blue ridge parkway trail maps. Millions of people visit each year to view the scenic vistas, see the parks historic buildings, hike her many miles of trails, and enjoy the sounds of the numerous streams and waterfalls, and also to fly fish. Washington Dulles is closest, or Reagan International (nearer to DC), offer quick connections to Shenandoah at Front Royal via Interstate 66 (and a very long but single-day interstate drive return from NC).By Bus and by Train: Let’s be blunt. During the fall trips, this access point also provides convenient access to the fall activities at Jeter Farm. The GSMNP is the most visited park in the United States, and for good reason. Those include Charlottesville, and Roanoke, VA, Boone and Asheville, NC. Many maps and directions use the milepost markers to indicate points … Detour Length: 17.1 Miles Time: 28 Minutes This is a park experience predicated on driving. Fall transforms the park into a mural of beautiful color, and attracts people from all around the world. The Blue Ridge Parkway Guide is a privately owned website authored by Joe Veler and Sarah Cooke, who began work on the site after discovering their shared love of the Parkway. Blue Ridge Parkway Access Points. This Google Map shows the recommended route for the detour between Milepost 121.4 and Milepost 135.9. This section of Blue Ridge Parkway stops is among our favorite day trips from Greensboro! Blue Ridge Parkway, photo by Amanda Tsiuke. Access Points. Map of entry and exit points for the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Roanoke Valley. It also offers easy access to Interstate 581 and Interstate 81. This is an easily reached Virginia mountain city with quick access north to the Parkway’s start (via US 29/Interstate 81) and return from Parkway midpoints in Virginia and North Carolina, and even from the Great Smoky Mountains (again via Interstate 81 from the Tennessee side) and I-40/ I-77/ I-81 from the Cherokee area.Greensboro/ Charlotte/ Asheville—Any of these three airports easily access a multi-day circuit on the southernmost part of the Parkway—and the easy-to-use Piedmont Triad Airport in Greensboro is serviceable for a central Parkway focus as well as for the entire trip (the latter via I-40/ I-77 north to US 29, to reach the northern start/ and from Cherokee, US 441, then US 23/74, to I-40 and on to Greensboro).Washington, DC: If you start your Parkway experience with Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive (the 469-mile trip becomes almost 600 miles), use either of Washington, DC’s airports. The majority of people access an enter the park via Gatlinbur… It is remarkably easy for people in many parts of the eastern United States to drive quickly to either the north or south terminus of the Parkway, drive the road’s entire length, then get back on the Interstate and quickly head home. The parkway, which is America's longest linear park, runs for 469 miles (755 km) through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties, linking Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Asheville and … To join the Parkway via Maggie Valley, take US 19 at exit 106. This all-American park requires owning or renting a car to appreciate the experience. From the south, it’s about 21 miles on US 220 from Rocky Mount, VA.From Interstate 77 at Fancy Gap:Take exit 8 onto US 52 and follow signs to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance at milepost 199.4. With over 14 million annual visitors, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited unit of our National Park System and yet maintains its serene country charm. Access to visitor centers, picnicking, and other such activities is also free. The 469-mile parkway project took 52 years to complete, with the last portion opening in 1987. Everyone should experience a drive on The Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic road passes through many popular points of interest in the region and can be easily reached from a variety of locations. National Parks Traveler is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit media organization. This allows you to take in all the amazing sights that creation has to offer. The area of the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Virginia-North Carolina border to Asheville is known as North Carolina’s High Country. This Blue Ridge Parkway features many convenient access points along its 469 miles route. 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There are … U.S. Route 220 is conveniently located near many great options for accommodations, shopping, and dining in South Roanoke, as well as Explore Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center. on Parkway 649ft Highest Elevation on Parkway in Virginia 3950ft Indian Gap Petites Gap Greenstone Trail Ravens Roost Sherando Lake Cave Mountain Lake Fallingwater Cascades Crabtree Falls Onion Mountain Overlook STAUNTON Humpback Rocks Visitor Center James River Visitor Center Peaks of Otter Visitor Center Whetstone Ridge Otter Creek Humpback Mtn Forge Mountain Bald Mountain A trip through the blue ridge parkway offers a relaxed, fun, and refreshing experience, whether you are traveling solo or in a group. 250 (also the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway). One of the eight access points to the Parkway is located 10 minutes from downtown Roanoke. The Blue Ridge Parkway has several entrance spots in Roanoke, so the storied roadway is easy to access and find. It runs mostly along the spine of the Blue Ridge, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains. Remember, your fee dollars go towards projects that have direct benefits for the visitors! The Blue Ridge Parkway access points for this detour route are U.S. 220 at Milepost 121.4 (North) and Route 221 at Parkway Milepost 135.9 (South). 469 miles of scenic places, historic sites, trails, overlooks, interpretive exhibits, visitor centers, lodging, services, and essential information for visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway area. The Blue Ridge Parkway uses concrete mileposts to designate each mile of the drive. The parkway is open year round, but it does close in … Asheville NC has several Blue Ridge Parkway Access points: Alt-74 to MP384.7 - From I40, take exit 52 to Bat Cave. Next, the Blue Ridge Parkway crosses into North Carolina at mile 216.9. Map of entry and exit points for the blue ridge parkway … If there are no staff at the entrance stations when you first arrive at the Park, you may proceed into the Park and pay your fee when you exit. On the Parkway, this entrance is 15.4 miles north of Blowing Rock and the US 321/221 exit at Blowing Rock.From Interstate 40 at Marion, NC:Leave I-40 at exit 83 and take US 221 around Marion to Linville Falls, at milepost 317.5, in about 24 miles. Interactive map includes blue ridge parkway access points lodging dining attractions and what to do along the parkway. Amtrak train stations are located in Greenville/Spartanburg, SC, south of Asheville and Cherokee, and in Charlottesville, VA. Amtrak also reaches Richmond, Greensboro, and Charlotte.By Car: High-speed highways flank the Parkway region to the east and west, north and south. Parkway Entrances & Exits in Asheville You'll find entrances and exits to the Blue Ridge Parkway at most state and federal highway crossings. The best section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is between Milepost 405.5 – 455.7. Rockfish Gap Entrance Station at Rt. As a result of heavy rains and landslides, the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia's Blue Ridge is currently closed from Milepost 121.4 (U.S. 220) to Milepost 135.9 (Adney Gap). The exit at Milepost 120 for Mill Mountain Parkway offers the most convenient access to Downtown Roanoke. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs for 469 miles through twenty-nine Virginia and North Carolina counties, mostly along the Blue Ridge, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway starts in Skyline Drive of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and stretches all the way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cherokee, North Carolina. )From Roanoke, VA:From Interstate 81, at exit 143, take I-581/US 220 south to the Parkway at milepost 121.4 (about 5 miles from Roanoke). This scenic road passes through many popular points of interest in the region and can be easily reached from a variety of locations. There are many restaurants and shopping located near this exit in the Bonsack community. But, bus service does reach Parkway adjacent towns where vehicles can be rented. Milepost 431. Milepost 469.1. The junction for the Parkway and Route 24 provides the nearest access to Smith Mountain Lake via Routes 24 and 122. There is a complex road failure near Milepost 128 that will require extensive repairs. From north to south, you can fly in, rent a car, drive a ways and return to your arrival airport. Check out our blog for some more recommended sights you’ve got to see along the Blue Ridge Parkway! There are many recreational areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway that offer picnicking, swimming, hiking and camping. Along the Parkway’s winding stretches of roadway are mile-post-markers providing access to points of interest. Overlooks and amazing vistas the whole way. This exit is also a great spot for connecting back with Interstate 81, which is located near Buchanan. The southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway is at the junction with US-441 and the entrance to Smoky … Blue Ridge Parkway Temporary Closure, Repairs & Detour Route At exit 74, take US 441 north to Cherokee. While Mount Mitchell might be the highest peak east of the Mississippi, Richland Balsam is the highest point on the Parkway. A turn south starts the Parkway; go north to enter Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park. The Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park, near Waynesboro, VA (Milepost 0) with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Cherokee, NC (Milepost 469). They do not provide direct access, but have signage to lead you. This Blue Ridge Parkway map indicates the many convenient access points in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge. This Blue Ridge Parkway map indicates the many convenient access points in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge. ... From Blue Ridge travel 3.9 miles north on Hwy 5 to Hwy 2 and go west 10.5 miles to Watson Gap (dirt road at mile 9). The global appeal of this park is nicely reflected in easy access from major city airports along its length. Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge 101 Shenandoah Avenue NE Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 342-6025 (800) 635-5535, Parkway Section Between Milepost 115.5 & Milepost 121.4 Reopens >. Blue ridge parkway google map. About the Blue Ridge Parkway. Route 8 leads north to the Town of Floyd and its art studios, galleries, colorful specialty shops, popular restaurants, fresh local food, and music venues with live mountain and roots music, including the iconic Floyd Country Store. Situated at 6,053 feet, it's safe to say the views are more than stunning from the overlook, and the air thin and chilly! At the highest point on the parkway (6,047 feet in elevation), a self-guided nature trail leads through a first-growth spruce and fir forest. Interactive Parkway Map Blue Ridge Parkway This interactive map gives you the ability to view all 469 miles at a glance as well as navigate sections by zooming in. We pull off to take a trail which leads to a mountain brook which winds along mass boulders and rocks, and mossy creekbanks. Before You Go. You can access the Parkway from Maggie Valley along US 19, or take highway 23/74 south from Waynesville. Blue Ridge Parkway Temporary Closure, Repairs & Detour Route. Bass Lake is on 221 just outside of Blowing Rock and has great bank fishing access. Leave I-40 west of Asheville heading south on US 23/74 toward Waynesville area. One exception is the intersection of Interstates 40 and 26. The exit at Milepost 106 is nine miles east of Roanoke and 21 miles west of Bedford. From Cumberland Knob to Craggy Gardens, you’ll pass plenty of Blue Ridge Parkway highlights along the way. This guide shows access points. Detour Directions. Arcing along the peaks on our southern border, this is the highest and most scenic portion of the 469-mile long ride and is Haywood County’s crowning jewel. Brought to you by the Blue Ridge Parkway Association in cooperation with the Blue Ridge Parkway, National Park Service. Blue Ridge Parkway Interactive Map. This exit is also located near the charming shopping, restaurants and events in the Town of Vinton. Here is a quintessential American motorway that gives cultural meaning to the term “road trip.”. On US 52, Fancy Gap is about 5 miles south of Hillsville, VA and 21 miles north of Mount Airy, NC.From US 421 at Deep Gap, NC (Boone/Blowing Rock area):The Parkway’s Deep Gap entrance, at milepost 276.4, is about 42 miles west of Interstate 77 (26 miles from Wilkesboro), and about 10 miles east of Boone. U.S. Route 460 connects the Roanoke Valley to the northeast communities of Bedford, Lynchburg and Appomattox. There's also this downloadable map that focuses on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the area around the Roanoke Valley. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, noted for its scenic beauty. Navigate the map by taking advantage of the zoom feature in the bottom right corner of the map to pinpoint an exact location for entering and exiting the Parkway. Fox Hunters Paradise, at Mile 218.6, provides a short walking path, to a spot where hunters could listen to their hounds baying in the valley below, and its beautiful view. There are entrances and exits at all major federal and state highways. You can also fish at Doughton Park. Interactive Map includes Blue Ridge Parkway Access Points, lodging, dining, attractions, and what to do along the Parkway. The Town of Buchanan is located only four miles north of the Parkway exit at Milepost 90 for Route 43. These qualify as major entrances because they break up the road into multi-day sections.From north to south, these are—Northern terminus:From Interstate 64, west of Richmond, or east from I-81 and the towns of Staunton/Waynesboro, VA, take exit 99 atop Rockfish Gap for the northern starting point of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Planning a Trip in Blue Ridge Parkway Access Points & Orientation -- Unlike the Skyline Drive, which has only four entry points, you can get on and off the Blue Ridge Parkway at numerous places. Where exactly can you access The Blue Ridge Parkway in Ashe, Watauga and Alleghany County? Its southern terminus is at U.S. Route 441(US 441) on the boundary between Gr… More Parkway … Take exit 8 onto US 52 and follow signs to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance at milepost 199.4.