Five Day Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip Itinerary (and Skyline Drive)
The famous Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s most visited National Park sites every year and it doesn’t take but a short few minutes to figure out why. For the past few years, I’ve wanted to travel this beautiful and historic road from end-to-end and recently I was finally able to accomplish this. Whether you seek fall colors, Appalachian history, great food or simply beautiful mountain scenery, this drive is one everyone should take. I’ve created this itinerary with the goal to inspire and assist those wanting to make this road trip themselves. There are countless things to do and see on the Blue Ridge Parkway and I have outlined what, in my opinion, cannot be missed! It should be noted that there are plenty of awesome activities not cited in this itinerary and as always, I encourage you all to do you your own research in addition. So let’s grab the keys, grab the camera and start one of the best Blue Ridge Mountain road trips you’ll ever have!Quick Day-to-Day Summary:
Day 1: Front Royal, VA to Big Meadows, VADay 2: Big Meadows, VA to Rocky Knob, VADay 3: Rocky Knob, VA to Linville Falls, NCDay 4: Linville Falls, NC to Asheville, NCDay 5: Asheville, NC to Cherokee, NC
Day 1: Front Royal, Virginia to Big Meadows, Virginia
Before reaching the Blue Ridge Parkway’s northern most end, you have the option of driving the 105-mile Skyline Drive located within Shenandoah National Park. I know what you’re thinking, “Geez, you’re already driving over 400 miles on the parkway, why add even more?” Well my friends, I’m about to tell you why because that’s exactly how we began our 5 day road trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Day 1 Activities & Stops: Shenandoah Valley Overlook (between milepost 2 and 3) – This was the first overlook we stopped at after entering Skyline Drive. It offers a stunning view of Massanutten Mountain, which separates the Shenandoah Valley and the Shenandoah River.Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (between milepost 4 and 5) – The first visitor center you come to while traveling Skyline Driver, you're able to learn about the history of the park and shop in the gift store. The best thing though? The fantastic view behind the center. The photo op was simply breathtaking (photo above).Hogback Overlook (at milepost 21) – Normally this overlook offers views of the Shenandoah River bending and winding through the valley. For us however, it marked the first overlook where we were able to see the famous fall colors that overtake the Blue Ridge Mountains in October and November.Mary’s Rock Tunnel (at milepost 32) – This tunnel was built in 1932 and to this day remains a staple for anyone traveling through the Shenandoah. You can’t help but to pull over after driving through it to snap a few photos.Crescent Rock Overlook (right past milepost 44) – Because of the overcast weather that seemingly came out of nowhere, this was the last overlook we stopped at on day one. It was a great view to end the day and offered the perfect chance to see Hawksbill Mountain, the highest point in Shenandoah National Park.Big Meadows Lodge (at milepost 51) – For the first night of the road trip, we decided to stay in one of Shenandoah’s Park hotels that sit right on Skyline Drive. Big Meadows Lodge was the perfect place to rest and keep warm after the first day of driving. The room was simple yet cozy with a cabin-like feel and I’m totally kicking myself right now for not taking photos!Spottswood Dining Room & New Market Taproom – Located on the Big Meadows Lodge property are two places where you can grab some food and maybe even a pint. The New Market Taproom offers local beers on tap, traditional bar food and nightly live music. Then right above the taproom sits Spottswood Dining Room which offers a full menu prepared by their executive chef. The meatloaf was delicious and the chocolate chip cookie skillet I got for dessert should definitely be renamed heaven in a skillet!
Day 1 Notes:Driving mileage: 51Entry fees: $30.00 per vehicle to enter Shenandoah National ParkLodging Cost: We stayed in one of the lodge’s “Lodge Rooms” and it cost around $132 for one night.Gas: Make sure to fill up before entering Skyline Drive. Gas prices inside the National Park were around $.20 higher than outside the entrance stations.
Day 2: Big Meadows, Virginia to Rocky Knob, Virginia
After getting a cozy night’s sleep, you’ll be ready to continue down the rest of Skyline Drive and to finally enter the Blue Ridge Parkway! But first you’ll need to fuel up with some breakfast back at the Spottswood Dining Room. Don’t even get me started on the French Toast! After cleaning your plates, it’s time to hit the road and continue your mountain adventure. The Virginia side of the parkway offers history, wineries, and of course beautiful views. So buckle up and let’s go!Day 2 Activities & Stops:Rocky Top Overlook (right before milepost 78) – After a few miles of driving once leaving Big Meadows, this will be the first large overlook you come to. Because of the stone wall located here, it makes for perfect portrait opportunities with the subject looking out over Shenandoah and the Big Run Watershed.Loft Mountain Wayside (halfway between mileposts 79 and 80) – Before ending your time in Shenandoah National Park, it’s a great idea to stop at one of the many waysides along Skyline Drive. Loft Mountain happens to be the last one you pass and is perfect for picking some last-minute essentials for your upcoming journey down the parkway. I highly recommend doing this and making sure there is nothing you need, because it is not always easy to get to a store once on the Blue Ridge Parkway.Calf Mountain Overlook (halfway between mileposts 98 and 99) – Your last stop before exiting Skyline Drive, so make sure to savor it and the fantastic 360 degree view it offers of the Blue Ridge Mountain range.Rockfish Gap Access Point (milepost 1) – This is it. The moment you’ve been waiting for since you began planning this road trip. You’re finally entering the famous Blue Ridge Parkway and about to begin your 469-mile journey. Make sure you get a selfie with the entrance sign; I know we did!Humpback Rocks Visitor Center (right before milepost 6) – The first of many visitor centers you arrive at on the parkway is Humpback Rocks. One of the most interesting reasons to make a stop here is to see the outdoor Mountain Farm Museum. This unique exhibit offers a look into the reality of farm life in mountain communities.Yankee Horse Parking Area (near milepost 34) – A perfect stop for any history lovers or train enthusiasts, as this area offers a Logging Railroad Exhibit. Did I mention the Virginia side offers plenty of history?Apple Orchard Mountain Overlook (right past milepost 76) – After a little bit of history, it’s time to get back into the amazing views found on the parkway. What better place than the highest point of the parkway in Virginia. Here you will be able to take in the scenery at an elevation of 4,229ft. See if you can spot the remnants of the apple orchard that once populated the side of the mountain.Peaks of Otter Visitor Center (right before milepost 86) – The Peaks of Otter area on the parkway is one of the most popular and any Blue Ridge road trip wouldn’t be complete without it. With multiple trails and exhibits to explore, you could spend all day at this center. If you decide to do this, you could potentially end your day here at the Peaks of Otter Campground. But we decided to explore something else that the Peaks of Otter area offered.Peaks of Otter Winery & Orchards (18 minutes off parkway) – Road tripping through the Virginia portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll see signs for local vineyards and wineries everywhere. One that is fairly easy to get to and not too far from the parkway is Peaks of Otter Winery. Here you’re able to do wine-tastings, shop local jellies and even go apple picking. Also, did you know that apple flavored donuts exist? Yeah, me either; but oh, they do, and they are delicious!Devils Backbone Overlook (at milepost 144) – Once back on the parkway, this overlook will be your next stop. At this point the sun will be setting, making this and the next overlook some of the most beautiful scenes of day 2. Devils Backbone viewed at dusk truly puts one in awe of the Appalachian Region (photo above).Pine Spur Overlook (right before milepost 145) – Named for the tree that is seen on the Blue Ridge Parkway’s emblem, this will be your last view of the day before continuing to your final stop of the day. Here, you can choose to watch the moon rise, making for a perfect way to end your first day on the parkway.Rocky Knob Campground (at milepost 167) – One of many campgrounds located and operated by the parkway, Rocky Knob offers tent camping, as well as a campground for campers and RV’s. For tent campers like us, there are bathhouse facilities and firewood is offered for sale at the entrance gate.
Day 2 Notes:Driving mileage: 222Entry fees: No entry cost for entering the Blue Ridge Parkway. Woo-hoo!Peaks of Otter Winery: A wine-tasting here was $15.00 per person.Lodging Cost: For tent camping in Rocky Knob, it was $10.00 for one night.
Day 3: Rocky Knob, Virginia to Linville Falls, North Carolina
Waking up to the chilly mountain air when camping is one of the best experiences any adventurer can have. This morning, all you’ll need to do is pack up your campsite and continue down the parkway towards the North Carolina line. No need to rekindle the campfire from the night before because we’ll be skipping breakfast and making a stop for an early lunch in about 40 miles. So, let’s grab the keys and hit the road! Day 3 Activities & Stops:Mabry Mill (right past milepost 176) – Quite possibly one of the most popular attractions on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mabry Mill features a restored mill (photo above), a restaurant and gift store. When we arrived here, it was around 9am and the parking lot was already full. So, make sure to plan accordingly and be ready for crowds outside around the mill, as well as inside the gift store and restaurant. If you aren’t in the habit of skipping breakfast, this could be a good morning dining option for you.Puckett Cabin (right before milepost 190) – One more stop before lunch, and this is one for the history lovers again. This cabin was home to a famous midwife that helped deliver hundreds of babies throughout the Blue Ridge area. The cabin and its surrounding farm buildings have been restored and are super picturesque.The Gap Deli at the Parkway (off parkway at milepost 199) – Lunch time has arrived! This little deli offers delicious homemade soups, sandwiches and desserts. This was by far one of our favorite places we stopped at for food on this road trip. Highly recommend!Blue Ridge Music Center (at milepost 213) – This famous visitor center on the parkway takes you on a musical journey through Appalachia’s history. From modern day country and folk music to the music of the 1800’s, this museum showcases the roots of local music from the Blue Ridge Region. Also, they have live music almost every day of the week, which makes it a great place to relax on the parkway.Doughton Park & Brinegar Cabin (between mileposts 238 and 239) – So you’ve finally made it to the North Carolina side of the parkway and your first stop brings you to over 30 miles of hiking trails and a historic cabin that was built in 1880. This is a perfect stop for either a strenuous hike or a casual stroll.Northwest Trading Post (right before milepost 259) – A great stop for shopping local crafts and packaged foods which allows you to stock up for your second night of camping that’s coming up!E.B. Jeffress Park (at milepost 272) – It’s time to hike! This beautiful park offers a picnic area with a stunning view and a short hike to the Cascades. The 0.8-mile trail takes you through a winding forest and along-side a peacefully flowing creek.Lost Province Brewing Company (exit for Boone, NC at milepost 291) – Boone, North Carolina is the perfect town to stop at for a pint or two and a great dinner. Lost Province Brewing serves up great craft beer and excellent food. We ordered a charcuterie board and the bacon mac n’ cheese and it was all such a great way to end day number 3.Linville Falls Campground (at milepost 317) – Another campground located right on the parkway, Linville Falls offers bathhouses and sells firewood at the front gate. Fair warning, not all the campsites at this campground are very private. Many of them are out in the open, so if you value privacy while camping, make sure you choose wisely.
Day 3 Notes:Driving milage: 150Lodging Cost: For tent camping in Linville Falls, it was $10.00 for one night.
Day 4: Linville Falls, North Carolina to Asheville, North Carolina
After night number two of camping, I’m sure you’re ready to hit the road and get to Asheville where you’ll be sleeping in a real bed! But first, there are a few beautiful overlooks, visitor centers and maybe even a waterfall to see. Time to hit the road again! Day 4 Activities & Stops:Linville Falls Visitor Center (right after milepost 316) – This visitor center is your gateway to your first waterfall hike of the day. After a 1-mile hike, you reach Linville Falls which cascades from 45ft. This is the perfect hike to get your day started and get you excited for what’s to come!Famous Louise’s Rock House – When it comes to breakfast for day 4, the Rock House is perfection. I’m not exaggerating when I say this local restaurant had some of the best country style breakfast I’ve ever had!Chestoa View (right before milepost 321) – After your hike, you’ll be ready for more beautiful scenery. From this overlook you can see the mountain range of the Blue Ridge from the top of Humpback Mountain.Museum of North Carolina Minerals (at milepost 331) – For all you rock lovers out there, this stop will be sure to meet your needs! The Museum of minerals details the geology of the Appalachian Mountains and dives into the mining history of the area. If you’re like us, you’ll come home with a lot of cool rocks that you have no idea what to do with, but you bought them anyways!Crabtree Falls Trail (between mileposts 339 and 340) – It’s time for the next waterfall of the day. Crabtree Falls tends to be crowded, so prepare to meet a lot of fellow adventurers on the trail and you may have to wait your turn to view them and get your own photo memory. The wait however is very worth it, as these falls are stunningly beautiful (photo above).Mount Mitchell State Park (at milepost 355) – Being the highest point of elevation east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell is a must see when traveling the parkway. Once you pull of the parkway and into the state park, you drive about 3 miles up to the top of the mountain where the best view in NC awaits. You can read more about Mount Mitchell State Park in one of my previous blogs here: Five Must Visit NC State ParksCraggy Gardens Visitor Center (between mileposts 364 and 365) – If we’re being honest, you just need to stop here and get that National Parks Passport stamp.Folk Art Center (at milepost 382) – By far the largest visitor center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Folk Art Center houses a large exposition hall where local artisans can sell crafts and artwork.Asheville, NC (exit parkway at milepost 382) – So you’ve made it to Asheville and you’re ready to explore. Whether it’s dining in downtown, brewery hopping in the South Slope or exploring the Biltmore Mansion, there is something for everyone in this city. Asheville is your final stop for the night. We chose to book an Airbnb for our night, but there are also plenty of hotel, hostel and campground choices.
Day 4 Notes:Driving mileage: 67
Day 5: Asheville, North Carolina to Cherokee, North Carolina
Well, your journey is almost complete. You’ve made it to Asheville and you’re only about 80 miles from finishing the Blue Ridge Parkway road trip. If you’ve chosen to do this road trip in the fall, then today might just be the best day yet for viewing fall colors. So find a good breakfast place in Asheville to fuel your body and let’s accomplish some road tripping goals! Day 5 Activities & Stops:Mount Pisgah (right before milepost 409) – A perfect way to begin your day is stopping at Mount Pisgah and taking in the view. From here you can see Pisgah National Forest and in the fall the colors are extremely vibrant.Looking Glass Rock (at milepost 417) – This milestone of the Blue Ridge Mountains is an impressive natural landmark. Looking Glass towers over the trees with a unique granite face (photo above).Graveyard Fields Overlook (right before milepost 419) – If you’re in the mood for some more waterfall action, then this is the stop for you. From this overlook parking lot, you can hike 2.3 miles to Yellowstone Falls. The trail is a moderately difficult hike and can become even more difficult in the rain.Devil’s Courthouse Overlook (right after milepost 422) – Possibly the last hike of your road trip, the Courthouse Hike leads to a 360-degree view atop Devil’s Courthouse Mountain.Richland Balsam Overlook (right after milepost 431) – The highest point of the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. Worth stopping to take a photo at the sign displaying this. However, when we arrived at this overlook, it was completely shrouded in the fog, and you couldn’t see more than 50ft. in front of you. Nonetheless, it was a unique and cool experience.Waterrock Knob Visitor Center (right after milepost 451) – The last visitor center you come across as you travel south down the parkway. Here on clear days, you’re able to see four different states all at once!Big Witch Overlook (right before milepost 462) – The last overlook of the parkway. A great place to stop and take in the view and reflect on this epic road trip the last five days. After this stop, you’ve got seven more miles and you’ll complete the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Day 5 Notes:Driving mileage: 85Make sure to check for closings each day of your Blue Ridge Parkway trip, especially if traveling in the fall or winter.
I truly hope this itinerary has inspired and aided you in booking and planning your own Blue Ridge Parkway road trip. Please feel free to comment below with questions or let me know how you think my future blog entries could be better. I always welcome conversation with you guys. Thank you for reading and see you again soon on the next road trip!