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The top things to do on a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip

Our favorite stops along the most famous scenic byway in the U.S.

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  • 27:53
  • 976 mi
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Created by Kevin - June 3rd 2022

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.

Skyline Drive, Luray, VA, US

Skyline Drive

Whether you're starting or ending your drive in Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive is sure to be one of the most unforgettable parts of the trip. The 105-mile (169-km) road is particularly popular in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. Designated a National Scenic Byway, the road takes a winding path along the mountaintops of the Blue Ridge Mountains east of the Shenandoah River. There are nearly 75 overlooks that provide views of the surrounding valleys and local wildlife. Numerous trails can be accessed along the drive, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail. The southern end of Skyline Drive is located in Rockfish Gap, where it connects to the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a free-access road that continues southward along the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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4mi 00h 09m
Photo of Dickey Ridge Visitors Center
4.0

Skyline Dr., Front Royal, VA, US

Dickey Ridge Visitors Center

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While you're in Front Royal, stop by the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center and head out on a hike across from the Parkway. You can visit Fox Hollow and Snead Farm, and you'll pass by a historic graveyard. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local area's history.

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32mi 00h 43m
Photo of Shenandoah National Park
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3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA, US

Shenandoah National Park

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Just 75 miles outside of Washington, D.C., the pristine 200,000 acres of Shenandoah National Park offer 500 miles of trails through dense forests, ancient caves, towering mountains, and misty waterfalls.

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15mi 00h 22m
Photo of Luray Caverns
4.5

101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA, US

Luray Caverns

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Take your Blue Ridge Parkway adventure underground at Luray Caverns. You can rock out to the one-of-a-kind “Great Stalacpipe Organ,”' and make sure to toss some money into the wishing well and make a wish. All of the change tossed into the well goes to charity.

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18mi 00h 28m

Sperryville, VA, US

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Sperryville is a historic river town along the Thornton River. It was founded in the early 19th century and is currently listed on the Virginia Landmarks Registry and National Registry of Historic Places. The town is located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and includes another access point for Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive.

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27mi 00h 50m
Photo of Big Meadows Lodge
3.7

Skyline Drive Mile 51, VA, US

Big Meadows Lodge

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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.

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61mi 01h 29m
Photo of Humpback Rocks
3.7

Blue Ridge Parkway, Nellysford, VA, US

Humpback Rocks

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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.

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24mi 00h 40m

11581 Crabtree Falls Hwy Route 56, Montebello, VA, US

Crabtree Falls

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Crabtree Falls, located in the George Washington National Forest, is one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.

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via Blue Ridge Pkwy & Blue Ridge Pkwy

27mi 00h 38m

Amherst, VA, US

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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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via Blue Ridge Pkwy & Blue Ridge Pkwy

9mi 00h 30m
Photo of Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area
3.7

67 Cave Mountain Lake Rd, Natural Bridge Station, VA, US

Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area

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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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via Blue Ridge Pkwy

31mi 00h 46m
Photo of Natural Bridge Park
4.0

6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA, US

Natural Bridge Park

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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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0mi 00h 03m
Photo of Natural Bridge Hotel
3.3

15 Appledore Ln, Natural Bridge, VA, US

Natural Bridge Hotel

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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.

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via Blue Ridge Pkwy & Blue Ridge Pkwy & Blue Ridge Pkwy

11mi 00h 19m

2522 Colonial Ave SW, Roanoke, VA, US

The Roanoker Restaurant

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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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via Monet Dr & Blue Ridge Pkwy & Skyline Hwy & Elk Ridge Rd & Cone Rd & Holloway Mountain Rd

5mi 00h 18m
Photo of Grandfather Mountain State Park
4.8

9872 North Carolina 105, Banner Elk, NC, US

Grandfather Mountain State Park

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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.

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5mi 00h 09m
Photo of Sugar Creek Gem Mine
4.0

3045 Tynecastle Highway, Banner Elk, NC, US

Sugar Creek Gem Mine

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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.

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via Staceys Creek Rd & Orchard Rd & Blue Ridge Pkwy & Blue Ridge Pkwy

53mi 01h 16m

In Asheville, North Carolina, you'll find plenty of historic bed and breakfasts and cozy campsites, in addition to old-school diners and restaurants serving up the next great food trend. Asheville is full of unique characters, quirky galleries and boutiques, and dozens of microbreweries scattered around town.

39 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC, US

Lexington Avenue Brew

A favorite Asheville stop for road travelers is the Lexington Avenue Brew. The pub food is locally sourced, and there's often live music.

48 College St, Asheville, NC, US

Table Asheville

If you have time, grab a bite at Table, a small, seasonal restaurant in the heart of Asheville's vibrant downtown. It offers an innovative menu that is constantly changing.

91 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC, US

Wicked Weed Brewery

You absolutely cannot visit Asheville and skip Wicked Weed. Wicked Weed Brewing specializes in West Coast-style hoppy ales, open fermented Belgian beers, and barrel aged sours. King Henry VIII declared hops “a wicked and pernicious weed” destined to ruin beer. That rebel integrity drives Wicked Weed's "defiant beer," which also happens to be delicious.

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6mi 00h 18m
Photo of Inn On Biltmore Estate
4.5

1 Antler Hill Road, Asheville, NC, US

Inn On Biltmore Estate

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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.