Best Stops on Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway is referred to as "America's favorite drive" for good reason. The parkway runs for 469 miles between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park. Planning all of your stops on such a long road trip can be daunting, which is why we've come up with the five best stops to make along Blue Ridge Parkway.

Grandfather Mountain

Near milepost 305

There are two ways to experience Grandfather Mountain:

Grandfather Mountain State Park offers a backcountry experience full of hiking trails that will have you scrambling up cliffs, white-knucking cables, and climbing ladders.

Grandfather Mountain, a privately-owned destination, is home to a wildlife refuge, a visitor's center, and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge.

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Linn Cove Viaduct

Near milepost 304

The Linn Cove Viaduct is the most photographed section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Instead of being built into Grandfather Mountain, the road wraps around it, helping to preserve the mountain's natural beauty.

If you want to get the best picture of the Viaduct, stop by the Linn Cove Visitor Center. This lesser-known spot is tricky to get to, so be sure to stop and ask a Ranger how to get the "Souvenir Store Photo" of the viaduct.

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Linville Falls

Near milepost 316

Linville Falls is one of the most popular areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and a series of trails here lead to incredible views of all three tiers of these falls.

It's easy to spend a whole day at Linville Falls, with multiple hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging. Some of the best trails include:

Flat Rock
Camp Creek
River Bend
Duggers Creek
Linville River Bridge Trails

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Mount Pisgah

Near milepost 411

Mount Pisgah offers panoramic views of Pisgah National Forest sprawling over the Blue Ridge Mountains. The hike to the summit is moderately challenging, and can be quite steep. If you're looking for a wider variety of hiking options, Pisgah National Forest is full of incredible trails.

The base of the mountain is home to picnic areas and campgrounds. There are also seasonal country stores and the Pisgah Inn Restaurant that make great spots for a scenic and delicious meal.

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Crabtree Falls

Near milepost 334

Crabtree Falls is known for its impressive displays of wildflowers during the spring, but these 60-foot waterfalls are worth a visit year round. If you're interested in visiting the tallest waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway, come prepared with good shoes. Although it looks simple, this trail is notoriously slippery due to the large sections of rock and wet conditions.

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Stay at Blue Bear Mountain Camp

Take your Blue Ridge Mountain experience a little deeper by booking a stay at Blue Bear Mountain Camp. Located just a few miles off Blue Ridge Parkway near Todd, NC, Blue Bear Mountain Camp has all of the serene beauty of the Parkway with none of the traffic.

Whether you're touring the Parkway in an RV or looking to sleep under the stars, Blue Bear Mountain Camp has all the amenities you need to be comfortable while being fully immersed in nature. If you're the kind of traveler who likes a roof over your head at night, book a stay in the cabin or one of our stargazer domes that will keep you warm and cozy all night long.

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