The Best Stops on Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountain National Park with a single, continuous road. While it only takes about 12 hours to drive from end to end, the best way to experience the Blue Ridge Parkway is to take your time — we recommend at least a weekend. In this article, we’ll go over the essential stops and side trips for your cruise down the Blue Ridge Parkway.


Map of Blue Ridge Parkway

With more than 460 miles of roadway full of mountain views, scenic overlooks, and hidden treasures to explore, take a look at this interactive map to help you plan you r perfect road trip.




Crabtree Falls Trail

  • Near milepost 340 


Crabtree Falls is the tallest waterfall you’ll encounter along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This route can be deceptively challenging, despite its short length and relative lack of elevation gain, there are large sections of rocky trail that can become quite slippery. Make sure you bring good shoes and watch your step as you set out to see this spectacular waterfall. 


Yankee Horse Ridge Overlook

  • Near milepost 34


Yankee Horse Ridge Overlook is home to two popular attractions along the Blue Ridge Parkway: Irish Creek Railroad and Wigwam Falls. A narrow gauge railroad was built to haul timber out of the area in the early 20th Century. The railroad has since been abandoned and the forest has slowly reclaimed the land, and visitors can explore the abandoned tracks.

Mabry Mill

  • Near milepost 176


Mabry Mill is considered one of the most picturesque stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This historic gristmill and sawmill has been restored to give visitors a taste of what life was like in rural Appalachia more than a century ago. Mabry Mill features a series of hiking trails, a gift shop, and a restaurant for you to enjoy. The restaurant is known for its pancakes, and you can choose from buckwheat, cornmeal, sweet potato, or traditional buttermilk with all kinds of fresh toppings. 

Linn Cove Viaduct

  • Near milepost 304 


One of the most famous images of the Blue Ridge Parkway is of the Linn Cove Viaduct. The Viaduct was one of the last stretches of the Parkway to be completed; it took engineers, environmentalists, and landowners nearly 20 years to find a design that would protect Grandfather Mountain. Be sure to stop and ask a Ranger the secret to getting the “Souvenir Store Photo” of the viaduct. 



Stay at Misty Mountain Camp Resort

If you’re starting your trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway at Shenandoah or if you’ve just come up from Great Smoky Mountain, no journey along the Parkway is complete without a stay with us at Misty Mountain Camp Resort. 


Here at Misty Mountain Camp Resort, we have cabins, campsites, and full RV hookups spread out over 50 acres of beautifully cultivated grounds – giving you plenty of room to stretch out and relax without feeling crowded. 


The opportunities for fun never end with our wide collection of outdoor games, a pool, and a fully stocked fishing pond for you to enjoy. Start your trip off on the right foot or end it on a high note by booking your stay with us today.