Virginia - Where to Picnic

Blue Ridge Parkway - Where to Picnic

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199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803-8686
Phone: (828) 298 0398

The motor road is marked every mile by concrete mileposts beginning at MP 0 near Shenandoah NP and ending at MP 469 at Great Smoky Mountain NP. The winding nature of the road and change in elevation means that large recreational vehicles will have to allow for lots of extra time. Personal vehicles, motorcycles, tour buses and bicycles are allowed. No commercial traffic is permitted!

The Blue Ridge Parkway, sometimes called “America's Favorite Drive”, is the most visited unit of America's National Park System. 

A drive down the Parkway provides stunning, long-range vistas and close-up looks at the natural and cultural history of the southern Appalachian Mountains. It is designed as a drive-awhile and stop-awhile experience, so please do not be in a hurry.

During the winter seasons, you may find sections of the road closed due to ice and snow, but there are always sections of the road that are open for travel. Year-round facilities include the Peaks of Otter Lodge and restaurant north of Roanoke, VA, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals at Spruce Pine, NC, and the Folk Art Center and Parkway Headquarters in Asheville, NC.

The park information number at (828) 298 0398 is your best source for up-to-date information on special events, blooms, or temporary closures due to weather conditions or construction.

The parkway’s primary objective is that each visitor would have a safe trip. Enjoy the view, but watch the road! If traffic lines up behind you, it is a good idea to pull over at one of the many overlooks to let others pass by. Keep up with the latest weather forecasts, know when summer thunderstorms are likely to hit, and carry a few emergency supplies with you just in case you have car trouble. The Parkway emergency-only number, 1-800-727-5928, is the best way to advise someone of any trouble you may be having or to let us know if you spot anything that needs our immediate attention.

A picnic lunch on the Parkway is one of the most traditional ways to enjoy this place. There are many developed picnic areas, individual tables at some overlooks, or you are welcomed to picnic on the side of the road as long as you are completely out of the Parkway and away from traffic.

Slow down and take your time as you enjoy this special place.