Blue Ridge Parkway

About

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that spans 469 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia. It connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, offering breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. The parkway features numerous bridges, viaducts, and tunnels, including 26 tunnels in North Carolina. It passes through diverse landscapes, including national forests and the Cherokee Indian Reservation. The parkway is known for its natural beauty, with varied elevations and climates. It hosts a wide range of flora and fauna, attracting millions of visitors annually. The route includes many scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and historic sites, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Managed by the National Park Service, the parkway is designed for leisurely travel, avoiding major population centers to emphasize scenic views and wildlife observation.