Biue Ridge Parkway | ASHEVILLE Guide

Blue Ridge Parkway
Asheville

Blue Ridge Parkway: America’s Favorite Scenic Drive

The Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” stretches 469 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking views, scenic picnic spots, and access to hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. Running north to south from Asheville, this National Park Service-managed motor road provides a peaceful, commercial-free escape into nature, making it one of the most iconic scenic drives in the country.

Following the ridgeline of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Parkway connects Skyline Drive in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The milepost system (numbers increase as you drive south) makes it easy to find points of interest along the way—just don’t rely on GPS, as service can be spotty.

With no admission fee and plenty of free things to do along the route, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best ways to explore Western North Carolina’s natural beauty. Use this travel guide to plan your journey and discover the best overlooks, trails, and must-see stops along the way.

Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Area Mile-by-Mile

The Blue Ridge Parkway offers 175 miles of breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures, and historic landmarks through Western North Carolina, and Asheville sits at the heart of it all. Running north to south, this 469-mile scenic drive features mileposts that mark must-see attractions, hiking trails, waterfalls, and panoramic overlooks. With limited GPS service along the Parkway, it’s best to save this guide or print it before your trip.

Asheville’s Parkway exits are between Mileposts 382 and 393, making it easy to explore both north and south of the city. Along the way, you’ll find Moses Cone Park’s historic estate, the engineering marvel of Linn Cove Viaduct, the summit of Mount Mitchell, the waterfalls of Graveyard Fields, and the sweeping views from Waterrock Knob. Whether you’re hiking, picnicking, or simply taking in the scenery, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic road trips in America.

Use this mile-by-mile guide to plan your trip, including the best overlooks, hiking trails, visitor centers, and Parkway destinations near Asheville. For even more ways to explore, check out our guides to Asheville’s hiking trails, waterfalls, and outdoor adventures.

Guide to Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway: Hiking, Driving, and Biking Tips

The Blue Ridge Parkway isn’t just about the drive—it’s about getting out and experiencing the landscape. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or taking in the scenic overlooks, planning ahead ensures you make the most of your journey.

Hiking on the Blue Ridge Parkway

With hundreds of miles of trails, the Parkway offers access to some of the best hiking in Western North Carolina. Many scenic overlooks have trailheads, leading to panoramic views, waterfalls, and hidden gems. Because signage is limited, it’s essential to plan your route in advance.

Looking for a short hike? Check out our Top 15 Quick Parkway Hikes for easy, high-impact trails.
Want more options? Explore our Asheville Top 75 Hikes for the best trails near the Parkway.

Tips for Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway

This isn’t your typical road—it’s all about the journey. Take it slow, enjoy the overlooks, and follow these tips for a smooth ride:

Check for construction or closures before your trip, especially in winter. Some sections close between November and March due to snow and ice.
GPS is unreliable—many places along the Parkway don’t have an accurate street address.
For Parkway info and real-time conditions, call the Blue Ridge Parkway Information Line at 828-348-3400.

How to Get on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville

The Parkway runs north and south through Asheville, quickly climbing to elevations of 5,000+ feet. There are five entrances in the Asheville area, with the most popular being:

North Entrance: U.S. Highway 70 east of Asheville at Milepost 382
South Entrance: NC Highway 191 near I-26 at Milepost 393

While the Parkway is open 24/7, visitor centers and other facilities operate seasonally, so check ahead for availability. There are no direct exits from interstate highways onto the Parkway, so you’ll need to plan your route accordingly.

Biking on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Parkway is a popular route for cyclists, offering stunning views but challenging terrain. Drivers should be aware of bicyclists along winding stretches of road.

For safety tips and regulations, check out our Biking Tips for the Parkway before heading out.

With hiking trails, scenic drives, and biking opportunities, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best ways to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains. Plan ahead, take your time, and enjoy the ride.

Asheville Area Parkway Stops (MP 375–MP 393)

MP 375 – Tanbark Ridge Tunnel: Trail access to Rattlesnake Lodge.
MP 377.4 – Town Mountain Road Exit: Scenic drive into downtown Asheville.
MP 382 – Folk Art Center: Appalachian arts & crafts gallery. [Folk Art Center Guide]
MP 384 – Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center: Exhibits, info, and a high-definition film.
MP 393.6 – NC Arboretum & Bent Creek: Hiking, biking, and gardens. [NC Arboretum Guide]

Driving Tour Suggestions

From Asheville take a leisurely ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway north or south. Then take a "regular" highway for a fast return to Asheville.

The North Loop: Drive north from Asheville to Milepost 304.4 (about 80 miles - allow three hours), ride across the Viaduct and turn around to return to Milepost 317.4. Exit onto US 221 South to Marion, then take I-40 West to Asheville. The return trip is about 1.5 hours.

The South Loop: Drive south from Asheville about 50 miles to Milepost 443.1 (allow 2.5 hours). Take US 74 East/US 23 North to Waynesville, then I-40 East to Asheville. Return trip is about an hour.