The Blue Ridge Parkway isn't technically a national park, but it might as well be. It connects two—Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains—and each year, more people drive it than visit the Grand Canyon.
Honestly, you can't pick a bad time to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. In summer, the parks along the road are lush and green. In the fall, the entire drive is covered in fiery foliage (usually from early October to early November). In winter, the driving can be a tad precarious, especially if it's snowy, but in spring, flowers bloom across the route. No matter the time of year, here are a few of our favorite stops to see along the way.
424 Woodland Brook Drive, Canton, Georgia, United States
via Lee Mountain Dr & Murphy Road
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Get a true taste of luxury by visiting the largest house in the U.S., Biltmore Estate, with 250 rooms set on 8,000 acres. There’s no bad time to visit; winter means the famous Christmas decor is up (and Christmas pricing is in effect), autumn brings stunning foliage, and during spring, the gardens are in full bloom. You don’t need a tour to appreciate the massive grand house, grounds, and furnishings—but don’t miss the pool, the ballrooms, and the conservatory.
While in Asheville, visit the opulent Inn on Biltmore Estate, the perfect place to unwind amidst 19th-century luxury. Amenities include free Wifi, 24/7 room service, and an on-site fine-dining restaurant, spa, and bar.
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Blue Ridge Parkway, Spruce Pine, United States
via Staceys Creek Rd
If you're feeling lucky, stop by Sugar Creek Gem Mine and prospect for precious stones. The staff will help you identify anything of value and even set it into a custom jewelry piece for you to bring home.
Once you reach Banner Elk, North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain State Park is definitely worth a stop. It's a hiker's paradise with challenging trails for skilled hikers, and plenty of rocky cliffs offering breathtaking scenic views. You can also get a permit and camp in the park.
via Holloway Mountain Rd & Cone Rd & Elk Ridge Rd & Skyline Hwy & Blue Ridge Pkwy & Monet Dr
When you're ready for some hearty road food, the Roanoker Restaurant is a good bet. It opened in 1941 and has remained a local favorite ever since.
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The Natural Bridge Hotel is a charming hotel close to a lot of local attractions including a wax museum, caverns, and a zoo. Request a mountain view room and don't miss the on-site restaurant and bar.
Further south in Virginia—and another short detour off the Blue Ridge Parkway—you'll find the Natural Bridge, with its 20 stories of solid rock, carved out by nature. It has dazzled people for centuries, including founding fathers George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
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Nestled in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains is Cave Mountain Lake Family Camp, a rustic and relaxing camping getaway. Close to Natural Bridge and the Parkway, this is a great spot to relax after a long day of driving. The 7-acre campground was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
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Amherst, VA, US
Take a short side-trip to Amherst, Virginia, a scenic and bucolic town along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Don't miss the beautiful Sweet Briar College, several golf courses, the Monacan Ancestral Museum, and the historic James River.
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Crabtree Falls, located in the George Washington National Forest, is one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.
Located at the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Humpback Rocks is an area rich in history, scenic beauty, and abundant hiking trails. At an elevation of more than 3,000 feet, Humpback Rocks provides a breathtaking view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
via Elk Meadow Dr & Skyline Drive
If you're visiting Shenandoah National Park, Big Meadows Lodge is a fantastic place to spend the night. Located directly within the park, this historic lodge is close to the Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center and just over 3 miles from Dark Hollow Falls. The wood-paneled rooms are charmingly rustic—but be warned, the cabins don't have TVs or phones. There's an on-site restaurant and taproom, as well as free WiFi in the lodge.
