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The Headwaters at Banner Elk Gated Community at Milepost 304 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway Guide by Virtual Blue Ridge

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States noted for its scenic beauty. The Parkway winds for 469.1 miles (755 km) from the southern terminus of Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive in Virginia to U.S. 441 at Oconaluftee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, NC. It runs through the famous Blue Ridge Mountains, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains. There is no fee for using the Blue Ridge Parkway.


Featured Blue Ridge Parkway Destination :: Beacon Heights

Beacon Heights overlook sits at the base of Grandfather Mountain on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A trailhead across the small gravel road parallel to the parking lot leads to the top of Beacon Heights, some 1400ft above the overlook. From the top view platform of bare quartzite you can see Table Rock, Hawksbill, Grandmother and Grandfather Mountain easily. Read more in our virtual Blue Ridge Parkway tour.

Go Blue Ridge Card

Save on multi-day visits to your favorite Blue Ridge attractions with the Go Blue Ridge Card.

Go Blue Ridge Card

Waterfalls of the Blue Ridge

Waterfalls of the Blue Ridge by Nicole Blouin, Steve Bordonaro, and Marilou Wier BordonaroThis guidebook provides all the information you need to locate the best waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Read more now...

Other Recommended Books

» Best Easy Day Hikes: Blue Ridge Parkway by Randy Johnson

» Blue Ridge Parkway: America's Favorite Journey by J. Scott Graham and Elizabeth C. Hunter

» Guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway by Victoria Logue, Frank Logue, and Nicole Blouin

» Building the Blue Ridge Parkway by Karen J Hall and FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway

» The Blue Ridge Parkway by Foot: A Park Ranger's Memoir by Tim Pegram

» More information on the Blue Ridge Book Club

Latest News Updates

7/2/2009 Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflower Report for July 2nd, 2009
7/2/2009 Firework Displays from the Blue Ridge Parkway
7/1/2009 Grandfather Mountain Volunteer Weekend July 18-19
6/26/2009 Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflower Report for June 26, 2009
6/25/2009 Rough Ridge Trail Fund Established for Trail Preservation


  » Read the full transcript now...


Speak Out! Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway Blog

Blue Ridge Parkway Road Closures

North Carolina

MP 269.8 Phillips Gap - MP 280.9
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MP 285.5 Bamboo Gap - MP 291.8
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MP 330.9 NC Route 226 at Gillespie Gap - MP 382.5 US 70 now open to one lane traffic only.
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Additionally, there is a rock slide at:
MP 423 at Highway 215 - MP 443 Balsam Gap at Highway 70/423

Virginia

No closures in Virginia.

Call 828-298-0398 for daily updates.

Trip Planning Information

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Blue Ridge Parkway Store - Books, Videos, Souvenirs and More

The Inn at Crestwood - Luxury Accomodations in Blowing Rock, NC

Blue Ridge Parkway Lodging From Coakley Williams at Mileposts 121, 159, 276 and more

Old Hampton Store and Grist Mill

Hotel Floyd at Milepost 165 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Foscoe Fishing Company at Milepost 298 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Baird House Bed and Breakfast at Milepost 292 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

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