Blue Ridge Parkway

Things To Do Near Blue Ridge Parkway

While the Blue Ridge Parkway is a road, you can find terrific things to do and places to explore along it. You can think of the Blue Ridge Parkway as divided into four major segments. Starting from the north, the ridge section runs about the first 109 miles, and you can visit the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center & Mountain Farm to see a traditional American farm, along with exploring the Washington and Jefferson National Forests. The Plateau region running from near mile marker 106 to 217 offers the chance to explore rural history. The Highlands District follows, and it is a fantastic place to see waterfalls on hikes. The last section is where this road connects to those entering the Great Smoky Mountains. 

Hiking Trails

• Graveyard Fields

  Put on your swimsuit when you hike Graveyard Fields near mile marker 419 as there are several swimming holes along this trail. You will also love seeing the waterfalls. Seasonally, do not forget a basket so that you can pick blackberries. This trail is also a fantastic option to hike in the fall when the leaves are turning colors. 

  Location

  Mile Marker 419 Blue Ridge Parkway Waynesville, North Carolina 28738

  Length

  3.2 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Mount Pisgah Trail

  This hiking trail near marker 408 offers stunning views of the entire area. Be forewarned that this trail can be steep, especially in its second half. Be sure to wear suitable footwear as the soil is rocky and full of twisted tree roots. 

  Location

  Mile marker 408, Canton, North Carolina 28716

  Length

  3 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Crabtree Falls Trail

  See the water tumble 70 feet at the Crabtree Waterfalls. This trail is beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming. It is also a great place to hike in the fall when the trees are putting on their fall colors. 

  Location

  Mile marker 340 Asheville, North Carolina 28715

  Length

  3.5 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Blue Ridge Music Center

  If you are making your trip between the months of May and October, take a free afternoon concert at the Blue Ridge Music Center. Local musicians will help you understand the roots of Bluegrass music through their performances. There are also exhibits that you will want to view. 

  Location

  700 Foothills Road, Galax, Virginia 24333

• Southern Highland Craft Guild, Folk Art Center

  See a variety of folk arts made in the Folk Arts Lobby at the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center. Demonstrations occur from May to December. Shop in the gift store, and get your questions answered by the helpful staff. There is also an auditorium where special events often occur. 

  Location

  382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, North Carolina 28805

Museums

• Blowing Rock Art & History Museum

  The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum's goal is to forge relationships between artists and the general public. Stop and see the many Blue Ridge-focused art exhibits. You can learn more about the history of this area through the permanent and temporary exhibitions. 

  Location

  159 Ginny Stevens Lane, Blowing Rock, North Carolina 28605

• Museum of the Cherokee Indian

  Step back in time through the magic of interactive videos, audio, and sensory experiences to a time when the Cherokee Indians roamed this area. Learn about Cherokee myths in the storytelling area near this museum's entrance and experience Cherokee Indian celebrations. 

  Location

  589 Tsali Boulevard, Cherokee, North Carolina 28719

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Meadows Mercantile

  Find a vast variety of merchandise, including Boyds Bears and McCall's Candles, at Meadows Mercantile. This store is also a fantastic place to shop for products made in the Blue Ridge Mountains. They also offer tees and other souvenirs. 

  Location

  2577 Jeb Stuart Highway, Meadows of Dan, Virginia 24120

• Medicine Man Gallery

  Discover the beautiful artwork of people of the Cherokee tribe at Medicine Man Gallery. Wood, stone, pottery, and many other art forms are available. This location is also a fantastic spot to buy books about the local area. 

  Location

  482 Tsali Boulevard, Cherokee, North Carolina 28719

• Gamekeeper Restaurant

  Select elk, bison, boar, or venison from the seasonally changing menu at Gamekeeper Restaurant. Alternatively, their mountain trout is outstanding. You will love the rustic charm of this location. 

  Location

  American

• Mabry Mill Restaurant & Gift Shop

  You will love the small heritage mill setting of Mabry Mill Restaurant & Gift Shop. They serve your favorite Southern comfort foods, along with breakfast all day. Keep in mind that his restaurant is only open seasonally from late April through October. 

  Location

  266 Mabry Mill Road Southeast Meadows of Dan, Virginia 24120

How To Get To Blue Ridge Parkway

It is easy to get to the southern end of Blue Ridge Parkway from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Get on North Carolina 441 and follow it until you see the Blue Ridge Parkway turn off in about 0.5 miles. You can also access the Blue Ridge Parkway at numerous points along its path. 

Address

Virginia and North Carolina

Fee: Entry fee $0

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah Valley National Park. Along its 469 miles, there are many fantastic places to explore in Virginia and North Carolina. You can access the parkway at numerous locations, so it is easy to get on and off to explore this Appalachian region. The best way to make sure you see the most important sites is to bring your RV. If you do not have an RV, then rent one on RVshare.com. Many different sizes are available, and you can find trailer-hitch options along with options that you drive. The RVs for rent are covered by 24/7 roadside assistance should anything happen during your adventure. Build memories that will last a lifetime by RVing along the Blue Ridge Parkway.