The road trip is an American tradition, and there are few routes more majestic than the Blue Ridge Parkway. These 469 miles through North Carolina and Virginia offers breathtaking mountain vistas, richly colored fall foliage, and ecologically protected animal and plant species. The Parkway is managed by the National Park Service and safeguarded by measures that limit the speed and composition of traffic. You can, therefore, experience a relaxing and peaceful drive through some of America's most precious natural beauty.

If you drive straight through, you can complete the route in about 12 hours. But to truly enjoy the Parkway, you may want to stretch out your trip for three to five days. On the way, you can camp or stay in one of the communities near the Parkway. Towns such as Asheville, Blowing Rock and Boone in North Carolina, and Galax and Roanoke in Virginia offer the amenities and charm that will make your vacation both comfortable and interesting. (Just a quick note that you should always check to see what’s open before you go, as well as any guidelines you’ll need to follow during your visit.) 

The Blue Ridge Parkway Route

Going through 29 counties of Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in the north and Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the south. The southern terminus is at the boundary between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee Indian Reservation. The route ends at Shenandoah National Park, but if you want to keep going, you can connect to Skyline Drive and drive 105 miles farther into Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Mileposts, starting with Mile 0 at Rockfish Gap, Virginia, mark the sites along the way.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is open year-round, but hazardous road conditions often lead to winter closures in certain sections. You can find road closure notices on the National Park Service's official website. Many of the Parkway's amenities are open only in spring, summer, and fall, including picnic areas, campgrounds, and most visitor contact stations. There are no gas stations on the Parkway, so remember to check your gas levels before you head off or be prepared to take a side trip off specific exits to fill up.

Activities

Opportunities for nature-loving activities abound along the route, whether you're into hiking, taking in the summer air around a campfire, or learning more about the natural wonders of the Parkway.

Julian Price Park Campground at Milepost 297 has spectacular trails and fishing and Moses Cone Memorial Park at Milepost 294 lets you wander the grounds of Moses Cone's "Flat Top Manor," a beautiful country estate built by Moses H. Cone, a German immigrant who became one of the leading industrialists of America’s Gilded Age.  

There are 369 miles of hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway, ranging from the easy to difficult. Humpback Rocks near Milepost 6 is a short but challenging hike, about 1 mile to the rocks but gaining 800 feet in elevation. Portions of the North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which is 1,150 miles in length, follow along the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it an ideal stop for a day hike.

Places to Stay

If you want to rough it, set up camp at one of the Parkway's eight campgrounds, open from May to October. Group camping is only available at Linville Falls, at Milepost 316.4. Depending on where you're planning to stop, you may be able to reserve in advance on the government's official website for reservations and permits.

There are slightly more comfortable overnight accommodations on the Parkway at The Peaks of Otter Lodge at Milepost 86 and Pisgah Inn at Milepost 408.6, near Asheville. Visitors to Peaks of Otter Lodge enjoy nearby Abbott Lake and Sharp Top Mountain, and every room has a view. Pisgah, at 5,000 ft., is the highest elevation lodging on the Parkway, offering superb panoramic vistas.

If you want to get off the Parkway itself, there are numerous options for cabins, bed & breakfasts, and resorts in the surrounding area. Travel & Leisure recommends  , a bed & breakfast in a two-story house in Staunton, Virginia.

Places to Eat

Picnicking is popular with Parkway visitors, who enjoy using the tables at any of 13 designated areas along the route. The NPS permits picnicking along the roadside, as long as you're pulled completely over and avoid soggy areas after a heavy rain. Peaks of Otter Lodge has a restaurant with dining room, lounge, and "grab and go" options. If you venture off the Parkway, you'll have your pick of restaurants in the regions' local communities. Travel & Leisure has high praise for in Asheville, for example.

Renting a Car

Many visitors who make the drive up the Parkway like to a rent a vehicle in order to see the sights. If you’re considering a rental vehicle, you’ll also want to consider rental car insurance—like OneTrip Rental Car Protector, which, at $11 per calendar day, can be a much cheaper option than what you get at many rental counters. And because it provides primary coverage for covered collision, loss, and damage to your rental, it saves you from having to use your personal car insurance if something goes wrong on the road. It also comes with our 24-hour assistance for any medical- and travel-related issues you may encounter, which can really help you breathe easier behind the wheel.

No matter when you plan to take your vacation on the Blue Ridge Parkway, it's a good idea to start planning now so you'll have a list of what you want to see and experience. With the right maps, itinerary, and travel insurance, you may only need to pack a picnic basket, a camping stove, a tent and a camera to make your vacation something you and your family will always remember.

Related Articles

• Road Trip Guide: Free Festivals
• National Parks Road Trip
• Insurance 101 Round-Up