The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States noted for its scenic beauty. It runs for 469.1 miles (755 km) through the famous Blue Ridge Mountains, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains. Land on either side of the road is maintained by the National Park Service, and in some stretches by the United States Forest Service.
Begun during the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the project was originally called the “Appalachian Scenic Highway.” Work began on September 11, 1935 and took over fifty-two years to complete. The last stretch (near the Linn Cove Viaduct) was laid around Grandfather Mountain in 1987.
The Parkway runs 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, North Carolina. There is no fee for using the Blue Ridge Parkway; however, commercial vehicles are prohibited, except for tour buses. The roadway is not maintained in the winter, and weather is extremely variable in the mountains, so conditions and closures often change rapidly.
Blue Ridge Parkway Guidebooks
A national treasure that was designed to be enjoyed from the seat of a car, the Blue Ridge Parkway reveals the beauty and splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you are planning a visit or are already on your way, you’ll want a copy of the Guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway to discover all that the Parkway has to offer.
Book Details Buy NowThis comprehensive guidebook provides a detailed description of every official trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway. But that’s just the beginning
Book Details Buy NowThe stunning wildlife along the Blue Ridge Parkway attracts more than 14 million annual visitors from near and far for viewing and photographing opportunities. This information-packed, pocket-size field guide features more than 200 species of mammals, birds, insects, fish, wildflowers, mushrooms and more in a convenient, portable package.
Book Details Buy NowAdditional Blue Ridge Parkway Resources
Blue Ridge Parkway - Official NPS.gov Website
(http://www.nps.gov/blri/)
Official website for the Blue Ridge Parkway provided by the National Park Service.
Blue Ridge Parkway Daily
(http://www.blueridgeparkwaydaily.com/)
Chronicles the daily Parkway experience through photographs, stories, and interviews.
Driving Through Time - The Digital Blue Ridge Parkway
(http://docsouth.unc.edu/blueridgeparkway/)
A digital collection provided by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's University Library includes historical materials and special features that will help you to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway as if you were "Driving Through Time."
FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway
(https://www.friendsbrp.org/)
Through volunteerism, giving and partnerships, FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway connects people with the park we love, helping to protect and promote an irreplaceable national resource.
The Blue Ridge Parkway Association
(http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/)
Visitor information for planning your trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway area including maps, lodging, camping, hiking, attractions and more.
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
(http://brpfoundation.org/)
A nonprofit organization founded in 1997 to provide private financial support for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Join their community of stewards, who are strengthening the Blue Ridge Parkway now and for future generations.