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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!

The ROAD CLOSURES link has more detail on road construction and seasonal closures. 

 
Parkway in winter

Parkway in early Spring

Spring is a transition period as it relates to weather in this region of the country. A series of unusually harsh winter storms has left debris in several districts along the Blue Ridge Parkway and cleanup efforts are continuing. Be aware that snow at higher elevations can still occur this time of year. A jacket and a few emergency supplies are suggested.

The Museum of North Carolina Minerals (Milepost 331), the Folk Art Center (Milepost 382), and the Parkway Visitor Center (Milepost 384) are open year round. Check the park information line at (828) 298 0398 for the most up-to-date road closures, especially when major winter storms have impacted the area.

 
Peaks of Otter Lodge

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 is a year round facility. The FOOD & LODGING link at the top of this page will give you all of the details. We also encourage you to visit the adjacent Parkway communities to experience regional food and hospitality at its finest.

 
75th Anniversary Logo

Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary

Plans for the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2010 are well underway, providing an extraordinary opportunity to create awareness, initiate dialogue in local communities, and take action that will insure a strong future for the Parkway. Blue Ridge Parkway 75, Inc. is leading the way with a variety of events scheduled. Learn more at www.blueridgeparkway75.org.

 
 

Write to

199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803

Phone

Recorded Park Information
(828) 298-0398

Park Headquarters
(828) 271-4779

Fax

(828) 271-4313

Climate

Throughout the year, weather conditions high on the mountains can vary tremendously from the surrounding valleys or piedmont region. Check the forecasts for several nearby Parkway communities to get a general idea of what to expect along the Parkway. Always have a few emergency supplies and a jacket in the trunk of your car.
Communities Surrounding Blue Ridge Parkway
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Fancy Gap, VA (0 min. ) Pop. 260
Cana, VA (7 min. ) Pop. 1,228
Hillsville, VA (10 min. ) Pop. 2,607
Lambsburg, VA (12 min. )
Toast, NC (16 min. ) Pop. 1,922
Mount Airy, NC (17 min. ) Pop. 8,484
Dugspur, VA (21 min. )
Galax, VA (21 min. ) Pop. 6,837
Laurel Fork, VA (23 min. )
Austinville, VA (25 min. )
Lowgap, NC (27 min. )
Barren Springs, VA (28 min. )
Dobson, NC (29 min. ) Pop. 1,457
Vesta, VA (30 min. )
Ararat, VA (31 min. )
Fries, VA (33 min. ) Pop. 614
Westfield, NC (34 min. )
Indian Valley, VA (34 min. )
Ivanhoe, VA (37 min. )
Claudville, VA (39 min. )