// scenic road
Blue Ridge Parkway
469 miles of high-elevation ridge riding from Shenandoah to Great Smoky Mountains.
- Category
- scenic road
- Region
- north carolina
- Latitude
- 35.5830
- Longitude
- -82.5610
The Blue Ridge Parkway is the longest linear park in America — 469 miles connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. No commercial traffic, 45 mph speed limit, and overlooks every few miles.
What to know
- No gas on the parkway itself. Exit at any milepost intersection to fuel up. Plan stops every 100 miles.
- Closed in winter. Check NPS for current closures. Ice and fog close sections frequently.
- The southern half (NC) is curvier than the Virginia stretch. Asheville to Cherokee NC is a riding highlight.
Pace
The 45 mph limit is real — both for safety (deer, fog) and enforcement. The road is meant to be enjoyed, not raced. Ride it slow.