Blue Ridge Parkway

Black bears are among the many mammals found across the Blue Ridge Parkway.
A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals, and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region of the country so special.
Map showing location of park.
Newly opened section of the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 380in Asheville, North Carolina on a sunny day.
Blue Ridge Parkway opens 26-mile section from Asheville to Craggy Gardens
On September 15, the National Park Service announced completion of two landslide repair projects located at milepost 375 and 380 and reopened a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 382, in Asheville, NC, to milepost 355.3 at the Ridge Junction Overlook, near NC 80 and the entrance to Mount Mitchell State Park.
Newly rehabilitated section of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Laurel Springs, NC. Photo courtesy FHWA.
Seven miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, from milepost 241.1 to 248.1, now open near Sparta, North Carolina
LAUREL SPRINGS, NC – On September 9, the National Park Service reopened seven miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 241.1, just south of Doughton Park and The Bluffs restaurant, to milepost 248.1, at NC 18 near Laurel Springs. Opening this road section signifies the completion of another section in a 75-mile road reconstruction project underway in northwest North Carolina.
View of James River Bridge with the James River passing under it on a clear day with trees in the background.
Critical repairs to James River Bridge begin on the Blue Ridge Parkway
A section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 63.5 to 63.9 will close on or around September 9, for a significant rehabilitation of the multi-level James River Bridge at milepost 63.7. Planned repairs include bridge deck rehabilitation, new asphalt overlay on the bridge, bridge bearing replacement, as well as parking area repairs and rehabilitation. The work is expected to be complete by Fall of 2026.
Road Reopening at Devil's Courthouse From Helene Repairs
Blue Ridge Parkway completes southernmost Helene recovery road project at milepost 422
On August 29, the National Park Service announced completion of a landslide repair project located at milepost 422, near Devil’s Courthouse.
Newly completed road section and slide repair at Ferrin Knob Tunnel No. 3.
Completion of road project at milepost 401.5 provides access to a 38-mile corridor on the Blue Ridge Parkway between Asheville and Mount Pisgah
On August 22, the National Park Service announced completion of a landslide repair project located at milepost 401.5, near Ferrin Knob Tunnel No. 3, on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Completion of this project restores access from milepost 393, near US191 in Asheville, NC, to milepost 420, two miles south of the Graveyard Fields area.
A long pine tree stands in front of distant mountain ridges beneath an orange sunset
Photo by Harold Blackwood Photo
Mountain vista and clouds on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Photo by David Smart
Storm clouds breaking over the mountains at sunset, with fog hugging the valleys
Photo by Jim Ruff Photo
A roadway on piers follows the curve of a mountainside, running toward distant mountains.
Photo by Harold Blackwood Photo
Black Bear sitting on large rocks at the edge of a forest
Photo by Harold Blackwood Photo
Summer colors at Mabry Mill
Photo by NPS Photo
water cascading into Linville Falls plunge basin
Photo by NPS Photo