Table of Contents
Google Maps Blue Ridge Parkway
Introduction
Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in America, stretching for 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and adventure seekers. Google Maps is a great tool to plan your trip and explore the area. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports. Let’s start exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway!
Top Attractions
Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain is a popular attraction on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering stunning views, hiking trails, and wildlife encounters. You can hike to the top of the mountain or take a scenic drive to the summit, where you can walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge and see the wildlife habitats. The admission fee is $22 for adults and $9 for children.
Linville Falls
Linville Falls is a must-see waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with several overlooks and hiking trails to explore. The trails range from easy to strenuous, so you can choose the one that fits your level of fitness. The admission fee is free, and the park is open year-round.
Mount Mitchell State Park
Mount Mitchell State Park is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, offering breathtaking views and hiking trails. You can drive to the summit or hike the trails, which range from easy to strenuous. The admission fee is $5 per person, and the park is open year-round.
Hidden Gems
The Orchard at Altapass
The Orchard at Altapass is a hidden gem on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering a unique blend of history, nature, and culture. You can explore the orchard, pick your own apples, attend a music or storytelling event, or learn about the local history and heritage. The admission fee is free, and the orchard is open from May to October.
Craggy Gardens
Craggy Gardens is a hidden gem on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering panoramic views, hiking trails, and wildflowers. You can hike to the summit or take a scenic drive to the picnic area, where you can enjoy the views and the fresh mountain air. The admission fee is free, and the park is open year-round.
The Blowing Rock
The Blowing Rock is a natural wonder on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering stunning views, hiking trails, and legends. You can hike to the rock or visit the gift shop and museum, where you can learn about the history and folklore of the area. The admission fee is $7 for adults and $2 for children, and the attraction is open year-round.
Food Scene
Asheville
Asheville is a foodie paradise on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering a diverse range of cuisines and flavors. You can try the farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, artisanal bakeries, and food trucks, or attend the food and wine festivals. Some of the top restaurants in Asheville are Curate, Buxton Hall Barbecue, and The Admiral.
Boone
Boone is a college town on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering a lively food scene and a mix of cultures. You can try the Southern comfort food, the international cuisine, the vegetarian and vegan options, or the craft beer and wine. Some of the top restaurants in Boone are Vidalia, Proper, and Capone’s Pizza.
Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock is a charming town on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering a quaint food scene and a scenic backdrop. You can try the local specialties, the seafood and steaks, the pub fare, or the sweet treats. Some of the top restaurants in Blowing Rock are The Gamekeeper, Bistro Roca, and Kilwin’s Chocolates.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Camping
Camping is a budget-friendly option on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering scenic campsites and affordable rates. You can choose from the public or private campgrounds, which offer amenities such as showers, toilets, and fire pits. Some of the top campgrounds on the Blue Ridge Parkway are Julian Price Park, Linville Falls, and Mount Pisgah.
Picnicking
Picnicking is a budget-friendly option on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering scenic picnic areas and free admission. You can pack your own lunch or buy the groceries from the local markets, and enjoy the views and the fresh air. Some of the top picnic areas on the Blue Ridge Parkway are Craggy Gardens, Waterrock Knob, and Moses H. Cone Memorial Park.
Hiking
Hiking is a budget-friendly option on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering scenic trails and free admission. You can choose from the easy or strenuous trails, which offer views of waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife. Some of the top hiking trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway are Crabtree Falls, Rough Ridge, and Black Balsam Knob.
Outdoor Adventures
Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting is a thrilling adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering rapids and scenery. You can choose from the guided or self-guided tours, which offer different levels of difficulty and duration. Some of the top whitewater rafting companies on the Blue Ridge Parkway are French Broad Adventures, Nantahala Outdoor Center, and Carolina Outfitters.
Ziplining
Ziplining is a fun adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering views and adrenaline. You can choose from the canopy or mountain ziplines, which offer different heights and speeds. Some of the top zipline companies on the Blue Ridge Parkway are Navitat Canopy Adventures, Sky Valley Zip Tours, and High Gravity Adventures.
Fishing
Fishing is a relaxing adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering streams and trout. You can choose from the fly or spin fishing, which offer different techniques and catches. Some of the top fishing spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway are Davidson River, South Toe River, and Linville River.
Historical Landmarks
Biltmore Estate
Biltmore Estate is a historical landmark on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering architecture and art. You can tour the mansion, gardens, and winery, or attend the special events and exhibits. The admission fee starts at $65 for adults and $30 for children, and the estate is open year-round.
Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock State Park is a historical landmark on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering geology and ecology. You can hike to the rock or visit the museum and gift shop, where you can learn about the natural history and conservation efforts. The admission fee is $17 for adults and $8 for children, and the park is open year-round.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is a historical landmark on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering architecture and art. You can tour the mansion, carriage trails, and craft center, or hike the trails and picnic in the meadows. The admission fee is free, and the park is open year-round.
Family-Friendly Activities
North Carolina Zoo
North Carolina Zoo is a family-friendly activity on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering wildlife and education. You can see the animals up close, attend the keeper talks and feedings, or ride the tram and skywalk. The admission fee starts at $15 for adults and $11 for children, and the zoo is open year-round.
Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie Railroad is a family-friendly activity on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering train rides and entertainment. You can ride the steam locomotive, see the cowboy shows and petting zoo, or play the carnival games and rides. The admission fee starts at $49 for adults and $32 for children, and the park is open from May to October.
Appalachian Ski Mountain
Appalachian Ski Mountain is a family-friendly activity on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering winter sports and fun. You can ski, snowboard, or ice skate, or take the lessons and rentals. The admission fee starts at $40 for adults and $30 for children, and the mountain is open from December to March.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Cataloochee Valley
Cataloochee Valley is an off-the-beaten-path experience on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering wildlife and history. You can see the elk and other wildlife, visit the historic buildings and churches, or hike the trails and picnic in the meadows. The admission fee is free, and