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.
Crews working in March 2025 to repair and stabilize the Blue Ridge Parkway near Haw Creek Overlook, NC
Helene storm repair projects at Blue Ridge Parkway underway
ASHEVILLE, N.C. –  As a result of Hurricane Helene’s path through the southern Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina sustained significant damage. In addition to widespread damage to National Park Service facilities and resources, the park has identified at least 57 landslides of varying complexity impacting the Parkway itself across nearly 200 miles in North Carolina.
Motor vehicle collision near milepost 11 on the Blue Ridge Parkway results in two fatalities
MONTEBELLO, VA – On Sunday, March 23, 2025, at approximately 12:51 p.m., Blue Ridge Parkway dispatchers received a report of a single motor vehicle accident near milepost 11, in Nelson County, Virginia.
Fatality near milepost 58 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
James River, VA – On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at approximately 1:15 p.m., Blue Ridge Parkway dispatchers received a report of a deceased male on the side of the road near milepost 58, in Amherst County, Virginia. 
Fatality near Milepost 296 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
BLOWING ROCK, NC – On Sunday, November 24, 2024, at approximately 5:35 p.m., the Blue Ridge Parkway Communications Center received a report of a lost hiker at Price Lake Trail, near milepost 296 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Peaks of Otter Lodge, used with permission from Delaware North.
National Park Service selects Explor Peaks of Otter to operate visitor services at Peaks of Otter Lodge
The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Explor Peaks of Otter, LLC, a subsidiary of ExplorUS, to operate visitor services at Peaks of Otter Lodge on the Blue Ridge Parkway under a 10-year concession contract. The existing lodging, food service, retail, and shuttle bus services at Peaks of Otter will transition to the new concessioner in early 2025.
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