“America’s Favorite Drive”
For four generations, the Blue Ridge Parkway has evoked more exclamations of delight than any other unit in the National Park System (NPS). “Breath-taking!” echoes from hundreds of voices standing atop the lofty heights of Mount Mitchell, North Carolina, the highest point east of the Mississippi. “How Picturesque!” is pronounced from behind a battery of digital cameras at Mabry Mill, a quaint Virginia farmstead, the water-wheel of which is reported to have been photographed more than any other location in the entire NPS. “Gorgeous” is whispered in a chorus from the bottom of thunderous Linville Falls, a waterfall so exemplary that it requires 4 different overlooks to be adequately appreciated from all of its comely angles.
With over 17 million visitors a year, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the by far the most-visited unit in the NPS, nearly doubling the next in line, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, at 9 million. The two units give each other a boost to stay at the top. The Parkway connects The Smokies to Shenandoa National Park to the northeast with 469 miles of scenic roadway through North Carolina and Virginia.
It’s twists and turns are designed not to speed the busy motorist to destinations in the most efficient way possible, but to thrill the sojourner with as many soul-stirring heavenly vistas as can be attained without the use of propeller and wings.
The speed limit on those high mountain passages which make up most of The Parkway is 35. But don’t expect to average even that extraordinary rate of speed. Over 200 scenic overlooks will beg you to stop at nearly every opportunity to get just one more amazing picture.
A Rope With Knots In It
The Parkway cannot be considered strictly linear in the literal or figurative sense. It has been called “a rope with knots in it,” the knots being comprised of recreational areas for the family-friendly enjoyment of camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and biking. 15 Visitor Centers offer interpretive information, meals and a handful of lodging opportunities.
If you are planning an overnight visit or enjoying some of the off-Parkway sites in the area, you will want to do some pre-planning as no billboards or advertising are visible on the Parkway. The Park Service enforces what is known as a “scenic easement” on private lands adjacent to the Parkway, restricting all forms of advertising and development within the “viewshed”. See our lodgings and attractions sections.