Anytime is the time to explore the South’s most iconic road.
America’s longest linear park encompasses 469 miles of picturesque highway winding through Virginia and North Carolina.
Enthusiasts travel this road to capture a photo of the perfect sunrise or sunset.
Credit: Art Meripol
Every journey can lead to someplace new.
The road gets more travelers than any park, in fact, yet it rarely feels crowded.
Stop awhile, and then drive awhile.
Credit: Art Meripol
You won’t see many signs or much development.
Every turn reveals something speciala split rail fence, an awe-inspiring vista, a stacked-stone bridge.
Driving the parkway can be overwhelming.
Credit: Art Meripol
After all, it covers 469 miles across two statesVirginia and North Carolina.
These don’t-miss spots will give you the best of this scenic road.
It takes about three days to drive it at a leisurely 45 mph pace with time for stops.
Credit: Bruce Henderson / Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
James River & Otter Creek
The James River Gorge is the lowest elevation on the Parkway.
The unobstructed views are ideal for leaf-peeping in autumn.
The Peaks of Otter Lodge is the Parkway’sonly year-round hotel, with mountain and lake views.
Credit: Art Meripol
Hiking trails near this stop include the one-mile path circling Abbott Lake.
Refreshment Stops
During springtime, blossoming dogwood trees surround the area overlooking the meadowland.
The wooded picnic area and a moderately challenging 2.6-mile trail encompass the “Smart View Picnic Area.”
Credit: Art Meripol
Stop in theMabry Mill Restaurantfor a taste of country cooking.
The historic water-powered mill is one of the top photographed establishments along the Parkway.
Restoration of the mill allows visitors to discover how an authentic mill operates.
Credit: Art Meripol
During the summer, musicians and dancers gather at The Mill for weekend celebrations.
Horseback riding and the golf course provide ways to stretch your legs during your trip.
The Fancy Gap exit positions you in the center of Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail.
Credit: Louise Heusinkveld / Getty Images
The stop has various shops, boutiques, and dining options for wayward travelers.
you’ve got the option to still shop here today, as the Post sells apple butter.
In the fall, The Mayberry Post entertains visitors by making apple butter.
Credit: Kate Silvia / Alamy Stock Photo
There are jams on the deck, and concerts fill the theaters when musicians come to perform.
The Blowing Rock is a 4,000-foot cliff overlooking a gorge.
The expansive views are highly photographable.
Credit: Art Meripol
The 23-room Colonial Revival mansion is a lovely place for hiking and visiting the apple orchards.
Locals frequent the area to utilize this developed space.
This concrete bridge’s mission was the conserve the habitat surrounding the mountain.
Credit: Gary Clark
The result was an S-shaped curve around the mountain’s circumference.
This stop will lead you to a stunning waterfall trailing down Grandfather Mountain.
In season, visitors can pick their own apples.
The Orchard General Store sells homemade apple treats and honey from their bees and local beekeepers.
The highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains has an observation deck to take in lush, green forest.
Modern folk art displayed through furnishings, textiles, hand-made jewelry, and pottery highlights the artist’s craftsmanship.
Enjoy daily crafting demonstrations from artisans in all fields.
Sliding Rock is nature’s waterpark, with gallons of water spilling down the ridge each minute.
