Best Stops Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Where to Stop Along Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway, often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” connects the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers 469 miles of beautiful scenery and rich biodiversity. Since 1941, the Parkway has exceeded 963,441,733 total visitors, proving its popularity. There’s no entry fee to drive along the Parkway, and multiple access points allow you to choose one section at a time to explore. Make sure to allocate enough time—you can drive the parkway in as little as three days, but most visitors opt to explore for a week or more! 

Today we’ll explore some of the best areas to stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway that you won’t want to miss, arranged from north to south: 

Waynesboro, VA

The northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway begins at mile marker 0 in Rockfish Gap near Waynesboro, VA. 

Waynesboro offers something for almost everyone, from those looking to spend a day shopping to someone looking for outdoor adventure. The historic downtown area has a variety of local boutiques and shops, restaurants, and museums. Downtown Waynesboro is also home to the Wayne Theatre, which hosts local musical productions and shows year-round. 

Lynchburg, VA

Exit the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 63.7 and travel along route 501 for about 30 minutes to arrive in the center of Lynchburg. 

Looking to be active during your stay? Consider renting a bike from Bikes Unlimited to explore local trails or take advantage of one of the many hiking destinations in the area like Sharp Top Mountain. Lynchburg also boasts many local parks like Hollins Mill Park, Riverfront Park, and Jefferson Park. 

After your adventure, head downtown to find a variety of local shops and boutiques including Art Box, Buzzard’s Roost, Lexie and Lee, and Mosaic Collective. Lynchburg is also home to numerous historical attractions to enjoy like Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, the Anne Spencer House, and Lynchburg Museum. 

If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of attractions in the area to keep them entertained. Liberty University offers the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center which provides year-round mountain activities like skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and trampolining. The River Ridge Mall is home to the Hill City AquaZoo, an indoor zoo with animals from around the globe. 

After a day of exploring, grab a bite to eat at one of Lynchburg’s local dining spots like Depot Grille, Water Dog, or Bootleggers. 

Neighboring the City is Bedford County. Just a short drive to mountain views, access to many kinds of hikes, and campgrounds. The Peaks of Otter is the perfect stop along milepost 85.6, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Jefferson National Forest. 

Roanoke, VA

Hop off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 136 to travel along the U.S. Route 221 for less than 10 minutes to downtown Roanoke. 

Roanoke is nestled in the center of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has a variety of local boutiques in the downtown area. Hungry? Stop by one of the local eateries like Alexander’s or Hangry Bulldog. Want a more active adventure? Roanoke is located near the Upper James River Water Trail where you can kayak, as well as less than 45 minutes from Smith Mountain Lake where you can fish, swim, or rent a boat for the day. If you want to stay in luxury, the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center offers world-class lodging just a few blocks from downtown. 

Boone, NC

Hop off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 291 to visit the town of Boone, named for frontiersman Daniel Boone. The historical drama Horn in the West even tells his story! 

Boone’s area of the Blue Ridge Parkway is home to over 50 hiking trails and over 20 overlooks, offering a variety of scenery for visitors. Looking to take advantage of the mountainous terrain? Boone also has a multitude of ski resorts nearby for those wanting to spend time skiing, snowboarding, or tubing. 

Blowing Rock, NC

Take the exit at milepost 294 to take a short drive to Blowing Rock, NC.

Blowing Rock boasts a variety of attractions from local shopping experiences to outdoor adventures. While you’re in the area, make sure to check out The Blowing Rock, a cliff more than 4,000 feet above sea level that’s known as the “only place where snow falls upside down.” Within less than a 30-minute drive from Blowing Rock, you can also spend time in nature at Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls, and Linville Caverns. 

Asheville, NC

Exit the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 382 to visit the town of Asheville, NC.

Asheville is home to various local shops, restaurants, and artist studios ready to welcome guests. While you’re in the area, consider visiting the historic Biltmore Estate, located less than 10 minutes from downtown Asheville. Due to ongoing damage from Hurricane Helene in 2024, parts of the parkway around Asheville may be closed. However, as of January 2025, downtown Asheville is open again! Click here for up-to-date travel information. 

Lynchburg is the perfect home base for your Blue Ridge Parkway trip. 

If you’re planning to take a tour of the parkway, Lynchburg is the perfect place to stay. The Virginian and Craddock Terry are local hotels known for their upscale rooms, various dining options, and rich history. LYH offers a central, convenient location with many local and statewide historical sites nearby. Whether you’re hoping to kick back and relax after a long drive or you’re ready to hit the town, LYH has something for everyone.