Blue Ridge Parkway

About

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic road that winds through the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia and North Carolina. It is the longest linear park in the U.S., managed by the National Park Service. The parkway connects Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering breathtaking views of mountain vistas and pastoral landscapes. Its route includes numerous scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and picnic areas, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The parkway is renowned for its vibrant fall colors, with leaves changing in October. It varies in elevation from 650 feet to over 6,000 feet, providing diverse ecosystems and wildlife habitats. The road is designed for leisurely driving, with controlled access and no commercial vehicles allowed. Construction began in 1935 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs and was completed in 1987. Today, it attracts millions of visitors annually, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.