The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile National Parkway connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, managed entirely by the National Park Service. The Virginia section runs approximately 217 miles from Rockfish Gap near Waynesboro — where Skyline Drive ends — south to the North Carolina state line, passing through the hills and ridgelines of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. The Parkway is free to drive and carries no traffic signals, no commercial vehicles, and enforces a maximum 45 mph speed limit throughout, creating an intentionally unhurried corridor through some of the most dramatic Appalachian scenery in the Southeast. Otter Creek, among the first major stops south of Rockfish Gap, offers a campground, picnic area, and a scenic trail along one of the parkway's most tranquil streams. The James River Visitor Center at milepost 63.6 marks the point where the parkway bridges the James River at just 649 feet — the lowest elevation on the entire route. Mabry Mill at milepost 176.1 is a picturesque 19th-century gristmill and sawmill complex set beside a millpond, and is the single most photographed structure on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. Smart View Overlook and Rocky Knob Recreation Area near Meadows of Dan offer rewarding hiking and camping options. The Virginia section passes near Roanoke with multiple access points and intersects the Appalachian Trail at numerous crossings, making it an ideal base for multi-activity outdoor itineraries.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open year-round (closures during severe weather)
- Best time
- Mid-October foliage; May–June wildflowers
Location
Blue Ridge Pkwy Visitor Center, 199 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC (Virginia sections enter near Roanoke off I-581)
37.3519, -79.9381 View on map
Highlights
- Mabry Mill (milepost 176.1) — the most photographed feature on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway
- Free to drive — no admission charge on the National Parkway, with a 45 mph maximum speed
- James River Visitor Center (milepost 63.6) at the lowest elevation point on the Parkway
- Rocky Knob Recreation Area with camping, hiking, and ridge-top views near Meadows of Dan
- Multiple Appalachian Trail crossings throughout the Virginia section
Tips for visiting
- No fuel stations exist on the Parkway — fill up in Waynesboro, Roanoke, or any town access point first
- Mabry Mill at milepost 176 is best photographed in early morning light before visitors arrive
- Fall foliage typically peaks in mid-to-late October along the Virginia section; higher elevations turn first
- The Parkway closes in sections during winter ice and snow — check nps.gov/blri before a winter trip
- Rocky Knob campground (milepost 167) is first-come, first-served — arrive early on fall weekends
When to visit
Mid-October fall foliage is the most spectacular window for the Virginia section of the Parkway. May and June offer blooming mountain laurel and rhododendron with far fewer visitors than the October peak.
Accessibility
Overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway are paved and accessible by vehicle with no hiking required. Several visitor centers and picnic areas have accessible restrooms and parking. Most adjacent hiking trails are not wheelchair accessible, but many overlooks provide meaningful views from the vehicle or immediately adjacent paved areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Blue Ridge Parkway free to drive?
Yes — there is no admission fee for driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. A fee applies if entering adjacent Shenandoah National Park via Skyline Drive at the northern end.
How long does it take to drive the Virginia section of the Blue Ridge Parkway?
The 217-mile Virginia section takes 4–6 hours to drive at the 45 mph speed limit with brief stops; a full day allows for scenic detours, short hikes, and a proper lunch break.
When does fall foliage peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia?
Fall color typically peaks from mid-October through early November in the Virginia section, with higher elevations turning first. The National Park Service publishes real-time foliage reports each autumn.