State Parks and National Parks

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway follows mountain crests for 469 toll-free miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

The park features mile after mile of scenic beauty, historic sites and many recreational opportunities as it winds its way by grist mills, weathered cabins, split-rail fences and an abundance of wildlife.

There are four campgrounds in Virginia and five in North Carolina, open May through October.

Limited backcountry camping is available by permit only. For camping at Doughton Park, permits may be obtained from the Highlands district ranger office at Milepost 245.5.

To camp at Rock Castle Gorge, permits are available at the Rocky Knob Visitor Center during the summer or at Rocky Knob ranger office during the rest of the year, both at Milepost 169.

Hikers of all skill levels can explore more than 350 miles of trails. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not allowed on trails. Snowmobiling is permitted on the Parkway between Roanoke (Milepost 121) and Adney Gap (Milepost 136), when this section is closed to cars and other vehicles.

There is fishing for smallmouth bass and rainbow, brook and brown trout in ponds, lakes and creeks along the parkway.

Horseback riding trails are offered at the Moses Cone Memorial Park (Milepost 294) and in the Roanoke area (Milepost 120).

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Blue Ridge Parkway.