The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile road that was designed to join Shenandoah National Park with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The longest linear park in the United States, the route is incredibly beautiful and known for stunning vistas, beautiful wildflowers, and stately forests. The forested land is made up of oak, hickory and tulip trees, with fir and spruce at higher elevations.

The Blue Ridge is part of the Appalachian Mountain chain, and the sights of Appalachia are still present; there is a self-guided trail at Humpback Ridge which takes visitors through old Appalachian farm buildings. At Raven’s Roost, visitors photograph the incredible views, hang-glide off the cliff, or climb the sheer cliff face. Sherando Lake is a National Recreation Area with swimming, picnicking, and camping. Hikers will find magnificent trails up Onion and Roanoke Mountains, and restaurants and lodging can be found all along the parkway.

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.