The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s most scenic drives. The road winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and North Carolina for 469 gorgeous miles, making it a perfect road trip destination. Plan the ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway road trip with these 15 essential stops between milepost 0 and 469.

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Milepost 0: Shenandoah National Park

The start of the Blue Ridge Parkway borders the southern edge of Shenandoah National Park, home to its own scenic drive. Skyline Drive ends where the Blue Ridge Parkway takes over, creating the opportunity to extend the road trip with another 105 scenic miles. Our frequent camping trips to Shenandoah resulted in this guide to Virginia’s only national park.

Milepost 5.8: Humpback Rocks

The short 1.7-mile trail to Humpback Rocks was our real introduction to the Blue Ridge Parkway. After traveling just five miles, we were already in awe. The parkway is known as one of the best places for fall foliage in the United States. From Humpback Rocks, we took in gorgeous hues of yellow and orange for as far as the eye could see. A couple of miles down the road, the views from 20-Minute Cliff Overlook (MP 19) resemble a work of art.

Milepost 25: 12 Ridges Vineyard

One of our favorite wineries in Virginia is 12 Ridges Vineyard. When we came upon the winery in 2022, their first wines were still aging and thus not ready for sale. The unique location right on the parkway and stunning 360-degree views more than made up for that. In addition to the national and international selection of wines, the first 12 Ridges wines are now available. The wines can be enjoyed with a homemade picnic on the beautiful outdoor terrace.

Milepost 72-76: Terrapin Mountain & Arnold Valley Overlook

The Blue Ridge Parkway counts a total of 272 overlooks, scenic pull-offs designed to take in the view. With an overlook every 1.7 miles on average, stunning views are always around the corner. Part of the parkway’s charm is to let the road surprise you, but certain overlooks shouldn’t be overlooked. Terrapin Mountain Overlook (MP 72.6) has beautiful views of Terrapin Mountain and the valley below. Arnold Valley Overlook (MP 75.2) offers panoramic vistas to the west, making it a great spot to watch the sunset.

Milepost 85.6: Peaks of Otter

The Peaks of Otter area is named after three mountain peaks around a scenic lake. One of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s eight campgrounds is located at Peaks of Otter, as well as a basic lodge on the lake. We stayed at the campground twice and hiked to the top of Sharp Top Mountain – twice. The trail is short but sweet, climbing non-stop to the top in just 1.5 miles. Our first hike ended in a blanket of clouds, but our perseverance was rewarded with stunning views on the second attempt.

Detour: McAfee Knob Trail

One of the most recognizable stretches of the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail is located just 20 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The McAfee Knob Trail climbs 1,700 feet along two miles of the AT to a much-photographed outcrop with stunning views. The NPS volunteer at the top offering to take your picture shows just how popular this trail is. There is a shuttle system in place from a park & ride nearby, since the trailhead parking lot fills up quickly.

Milepost 167.1: Rocky Knob Campground

Rocky Knob is more than just a campground. Every Saturday night, the Blue Ridge Mountains make up the backdrop in the amphitheater during a live music performance. Listening to beautiful Americana music and great stories on a warm summer night was one of our favorite experiences on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The musical heritage of the region is honored in the Blue Ridge Music Center (MP 213), an interactive educational center.

Milepost 176: Mabry Mill

A visit to Mabry Mill offers a peak into life on the parkway in the early 1900s. The now scenic water wheel used to power a gristmill and sandmill. The mills served as a center of commerce for the region, attracting people from as “far” away as eight miles. After visiting Mabry Mill, it really dawned on us how drastically life has changed in just a little over 100 years. Nowadays, the restored watermill is one of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s iconic sights with a gift shop and restaurant.

Milepost 227.9: Osborne Mountain Overlook

From Osborne Mountain Overlook, you can admire the mystical blue haze that surrounds the Blue Ridge Mountains. This unique effect, created by natural emissions from the trees, is what earns the Blue Ridge Mountain range its name. We got our camping chairs out and enjoyed a road-side picnic, setting the tone for fellow travellers to do the same.

Milepost 302.8: Rough Ridge Lookout

Rough Ridge Lookout is located on the 13.5-mile Tanawha trail, but there is no need to pack for a day hike. The most popular viewpoint on the trail can be accessed by a short walk from the parking lot at mile marker 302.8. The trail leads to a wooden platform, continuing to a series of boulders where each view seems to be better than the last. On top of the sweeping mountains vistas, you get a good view of Linn Cove Viaduct from a distance. The trailhead parking lot does fill up quickly – even on a chilly Thanksgiving morning.

Milepost 304: Linn Cove Viaduct

If the Blue Ridge Parkway was to be captured in one picture, chances are likely it would be Linn Cove Viaduct in fall. As the drive on the viaduct is over before you can blink, the best views are enjoyed from a distance. Driving from north to south, the Yonahlossee Overlook has a small parking lot right before the viaduct. A short and safe path next to the road brings you up close with the Blue Ridge Parkway’s engineering marvel.

Milepost 317.4: Linville Falls Winery

Linville Falls Winery is worth the quick half-mile detour from the parkway. What some wineries lack in the art of wine, they make up for with beautiful outdoor settings and great ambiance. Many seem to agree, as the winery was completely packed when we visited on Labor Day weekend. A steep walk through the vineyards leads to a wooden deck with panoramic views of the winery.

Milepost 339.5: Crabtree Falls

It comes as a surprise to most out-of-staters that North Carolina is known as the Land of Waterfalls. The mountains in the western part of the state house hundreds of waterfalls of all sizes. The impressive 70-foot Crabtree Falls is accessed by a 2.5-mile round trip hike. The trailhead is located at the Crabtree Falls Campground, which was our stay for one night. The view at sunset from nearby Three Knobs Overlook shouldn’t be missed.

Milepost 384: Asheville

Asheville is a small and charming city surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Downtown Asheville is lined with craft breweries, earning it a spot as one of the top beer cities in the US. Many restaurants and hotels offer scenic views of the mountains. Asheville’s green surroundings also make it a popular area for cabin rentals. This enchanting cabin in the woods just south of Asheville made our cabin dreams come true.

Milepost 469: Great Smokey Mountains National Park

The endpoint of the Blue Ridge Parkway is another National Park System treasure. Great Smokey Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the US. It’s also the most biodiverse of all parks, home to over 19,000 unique species. The scenery changes completely with each season, from blooming wildflowers in spring to a stunning display of fall colors and snowcapped peaks in winter.

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