Visiting Blue Ridge Parkway

There are faster routes between the great smokies and Shenandoah National park. But a leisurely drive along the 469 mile blue ridge parkway is not a journey to vacation, it is a vacation itself. Aside from the 45 mph speed limit, you may find this high road slower than you'd planned. Spectacular views of the southern Appalachian mountains demand halts and overlooks. Nature trails, historical exhibits, visitor centers, and picnic areas call you to park the car for a while. Lodges and campgrounds suggest a layover to fish in a mountain stream,

No neon signs or billboards assault you. Instead, there are deer browsing at roadside, gleaming waterfalls and dark tunnels, fascinating rock formations with such names as devils courthouse and wildcat Rocks, and ridge after ridge of rolling forested mountains. Once a western frontier, these ancient hills still cradle the weathered log cabins and split railed fences of mountain folk whose forefathers left the settled valleys to wrest a living from the highlands and secluded hollows.

Things to do while visiting

The parkway is open year round though snow and ice may cause temporary closings. But when you do get a chance to visit, there are many things you can do to enjoy your visit while in Blue Ridge. Camping is a traditional and enjoyable way for families to enjoy their National Parks. On the Blue Ridge Parkway, campgrounds serve the visitor from early May through the fall color season. Camping is $16 for all campgrounds. Note that Firewood from the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey and New York should not be brought onto Parkway lands. The US Department of Agriculture has quarantined firewood from these states to prevent the spread of highly destructive insects that may be in the wood.

The best way to experience this place is to take advantage of the opportunities. Short trails offer the chance to get away from the road and see the Blue Ridge up close and personal, even if just for a few minutes. Longer trails are also available for the more adventurous. Bicycling, photography, bird watching, and practically any other responsible outdoor activity is available for the Parkway visitor. Hundreds of overlooks allow opportunities to catch a glimpse of sunrises or sunsets, have a picnic, or just enjoy the view across the mountains and valleys of the region.

Looking for something to eat? Four lodges and six restaurants are scattered along the Parkway and open from spring through the fall season. The Peaks of Otter Lodge north of Roanoke, VA is open year round. Visit the many adjacent communities to experience regional hospitality and cuisine.

Weather conditions can vary tremendously on the Parkway depending on elevation and your north or south orientation. Check your favorite weather related web site for the forecast of the closest Parkway towns prior to your visit. Especially in the winter, it is always a good idea to have a few emergency supplies on hand.

If you like your breath taken away every second, you will love this place. You can drive for miles with no speeding cars, no honking horns and stop frequently at the magnificent overlooks to have a picnic, or just gaze out over the gorgeous blue hued mountains. If you are looking for unspoiled, undeveloped wilderness to enjoy for hours, then this is the trip to take.