Sight guide · Asheville · United States
Visiting Blue Ridge Parkway
The 755-km scenic road from Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains curves around Asheville, with stone tunnels, overlooks across layered blue ridges and trailheads near the city.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Asheville · Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Blue Ridge Parkway is a nature spot in Around Asheville, Asheville. Allow half a day; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Around Asheville
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, views, nature and outdoors
- Best months
- April and September–October
Plan a trip to Asheville
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About Blue Ridge Parkway
The 755-km scenic road from Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains curves around Asheville, with stone tunnels, overlooks across layered blue ridges and trailheads near the city. The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center at milepost 384 explains the route, and sections south of the city climb towards Mount Pisgah.
Tip: Sections of the parkway close for winter weather and storm repairs, and some were damaged by Hurricane Helene; check the National Park Service road status before you set off.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Half a day.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not needed; you can simply turn up.
- Where: Around Asheville.
Best time to visit Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- October: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- September: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, busy crowds.
- April: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, moderate crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-October the sun sets at about 18:55 local time (calculated for Asheville).
When to visit Asheville has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Asheville itinerary visits Blue Ridge Parkway on day 2, together with Folk Art Center, Grove Arcade and Pritchard Park drum circle.
- No. 2 of the 14 sights in our Asheville things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Asheville.
- A family favourite in Asheville with kids.
If you like Blue Ridge Parkway
- Downtown Art Deco walk — Downtown Asheville, 1–1.5 hours
- North Carolina Arboretum — Bent Creek, 2–3 hours
- Omni Grove Park Inn — North Asheville and Grove Park, 1 hour
Staying near Blue Ridge Parkway
Where to stay in Asheville compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Blue Ridge Parkway?
Plan half a day.
+Is Blue Ridge Parkway free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Blue Ridge Parkway?
April and September–October for the most comfortable weather. Sections of the parkway close for winter weather and storm repairs, and some were damaged by Hurricane Helene; check the National Park Service road status before you set off.
+Do I need to book Blue Ridge Parkway in advance?
No: it is free to visit, so you can decide on the day.
+Is Blue Ridge Parkway good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Asheville. Asheville works for families who like the outdoors, with Biltmore's gardens and farm, the arboretum, the parkway's overlooks and the Great Smoky Mountains nearby.