Blue Ridge Parkway
Everything You Need to Know

The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway: A Journey Through Nature’s Majestic Wonderland!
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a picturesque drive that winds through the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. Although the Parkway stretches 469 miles, Discover Charlottesville will be exploring the first 63 miles of its breathtaking views, and hotspots so you know where to find everything the Parkway has to offer within our region’s vicinity. The start of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a short distance from Charlottesville and is easily accessible for day trips or weekend excursions.
The Parkway is one of the most visited national parks in the United States and is a favorite among nature lovers, hikers, and photographers, with its scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and waterfalls. It is a perfect destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature.
One of the best ways to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway is by car. The parkway has several scenic overlooks that provide breathtaking views of the mountains especially during the fall when the leaves change colors, creating a stunning display of oranges, yellows, and reds. However, the parkway is open year-round, and each season has its unique charm.
While driving is the most convenient way to transverse the Blue Ridge the weather can be unpredictable, and it is best to check the forecast before planning your trip. It is important to keep in mind that the parkway is at a high elevation, and the temperatures can be much cooler than in the surrounding areas.
Once you have begun your journey along the Blue Ridge you can discover numerous hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, some of which lead to beautiful cascading waterfalls you will not want to miss. If you are looking for a weekend getaway there are some lodging options along the Blue Ridge Parkway which include cabins, campgrounds, hotels, and a few resorts.
Are you ready for an adventure? Pack your bags, hit the road, and explore the beauty and wonder of the Blue Ridge Parkway!
BRP ACCESS POINT/ENTRANCE
Milepost 0
- Iris Inn Bed and Breakfast and Cabins
- Afton Mountain Vineyard Cabins
Milepost 0.2 Afton Overlook
Milepost 1.5 Rockfish Valley Parking Overlook
Milepost 2.9 View Shenandoah Valley Overlook
Milepost 5.8 Humpback Rocks Visitor Center
Milepost 5.8 & 8.5 Humpback Rock
Milepost 5.9 Mountain Farm Trail: An Easy 0.25-mile out-and-back trail which follows a gravel pathway through an 1890’s mountain farm. This trail is wheelchair accessible. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Milepost 6
- Humpback Rocks Loop: Moderate 4.3-mile loop trail
- Albright Loop Trail: Easy 3.6-mile loop trail
Milepost 8.5
- Catoctin Trail: Easy .3 mile mini hike takes you to an overlook
- Humpback Rocks Picnic Area
Milepost 8.8
- Greenstone Overlook
- Greenstone Trail: Moderate 0.1 trail
Milepost 9.6 Dripping Rock Parking Area
Milepost 10.4 Rock Point Overlook
Milepost 10.7 Ravens Roost Overlook
Milepost 11.7 Hickory Spring Parking Area
REIDS GAP ACCESS POINT/ROUTE 664 ENTRANCE
Milepost 13.5 (Wintergreen/Sherando Lake Exit)
- Devils Back Bone Brewerey and Restaurants
- Fenton Inn: A Bavarian-style Inn/Bed and Breakfast
- Three Ridges Overlook
- Wintergreen Resort: The Lookout, The Edge, Checkerberry Cabin: Restaurants
- Winter Green Resort: Luxury resort and ski lodge with various stay options
- Cabins at Creekwood
Milepost 16
- Sherando Lake Access Point
- Loveridge Mountain Lodging
- Royal Oaks Cabins
Milepost 17.6
- The Priest Overlook
- The Priest Overlook Trail: Strenuous 9.0-mile hike
Milepost 18.5 White Rock Falls Trail Connection: Moderate 2.5-mile hike which leads to small cascading falls and water hole.
Milepost 19.0 Twenty Minute Cliff Overlook
Milepost 19.9 The Slacks Overlook
Milepost 20
- White Rock Gap Trail: Moderate .9-mile hike leads to a small waterfall.
- Slacks Overlook Trail: Easy 2.6-miles
Milepost 22 Torry Ridge Trail: Steep and moderate 4.3-mile loop trail.
Milepost 22.1 Bald Mountain Overlook
Milepost 23.0 View Fork Mountain Overlook
Milepost 25 Twelve Ridges Tasting Room and Vineyard
Milepost 26.3 Big Spy Mountain Trail: Moderate 5.9-mile out and back trail which leads to an overlook.
Milepost 26.4 Big Spy Mountain Overlook
TYE RIVER GAP ACCESS POINT RT 56
Milepost 27.2
- Crabtree Falls/Trail: Steep and moderate 3.3-mile hike leads to waterfall. (Go Hike VA)
- Montebello Resort Cabin Rentals
- Crabtree Falls Campground: Tent sites, pop-up / RV sites and cabins
- Sugartree Inn: A rustic lodge-style Bed and Breakfast
- Gas can be found 3 miles east on route 56
- Steeles Tavern: Manor house, with guest rooms and cabins.
- Fox Hill B&B Suites
- Ecco Adesso Vineyards
Milepost 29 Whetstone Ridge: Restrooms and exterior water fountain available year-round
Milepost 31.4 Stillhouse Hollow Parking Area
Milepost 34.4
- Yankee Horse Parking Area
- Yankee Horse Trail: Moderate .1-mile which leads to Wigwam falls.
Milepost 38.8 Boston Knob Trail: Easy .1-mile stroll to an overlook.
Milepost 42.2 View Irish Creek Valley Overlook
Milepost 44.4 White’s Gap Overlook
Milepost 44.9 Chimney Rock Mountain Overlook
BRP ACCESS POINT RT 60
Milepost 45.6
- Glen Muray Park and Campground: RV’s and camping
- Gas can be found 5 miles west on route 60
- Brierly Hill B&B
Milepost 45.7 View Buena Vista Overlook
Milepost 47.5
- Indian Gap Parking Area
- Indian Gap Trail: Moderate.3-mile loop which leads to large rock formations.
Milepost 49.3 View House Mountain Overlook
Milepost 52.8 Bluff Mountain Overlook
Milepost 55.1 White Oak Flats Overlook
Milepost 55.2 White Oak Flats Trail: Easy .1-mile walk leads to a scenic view of a creek
Milepost 60 Ottercreek Campground
Milepost 60.8 Otter Creek Trail: Moderate 3.5-miles trail begins at Otter Creek Campground
MILEPOST 61.4 ACCESS POINT RT 130
- Pink Cadillac: 50’s style eatery
- Virginia Safari Parks
- Natural Bridge Historic Hotel and Conference Center
- Natural Bridge
- Natural Bridge Zoo
- Highway Budget Inn Natural Bridge
- Relax Inn Natural Bridge
- Natural Bridge Lexington KOA: RV sites, cabins and spaces for tents
- Lynchburg NW/Blue Ridge Parkway KOA
Milepost 63.6
- James River Visitor Center & Picnic Area
- Gas can be found 1 mile south on route 501
MILEPOST 63.9 ACCESS POINT RT 501
Milepost 5.8 Humpback Rocks Visitor Center
Milepost 8.5 Humpback Rocks Picnic Area
Milepost 29 Whetstone Ridge: Restrooms and exterior water fountain available year-round
Milepost 63.6 James River Visitor Center & Picnic Area
Milepost 6.0: Humpback Gap Parking Area
Milepost 5.8: Humpback Rocks Visitor Center
Milepost 8.5: Humpback Rocks Picnic Area
Milepost 29: Whetstone Ridge- Restrooms and exterior water fountain available year-round
Milepost 63.6: James River Visitor Center & Picnic Area
Milepost 9.6: Dripping Rock Parking Area
Milepost 11.7: Hickory Spring Parking Area
Milepost 31.4: Stillhouse Hollow Parking Area
Milepost 34.4: Yankee Horse Parking Area
Milepost 47.5: Indian Gap Parking Area
Milepost 0 Iris Inn Bed and Breakfast and Cabins: This is a luxury high-end boutique hotel. If you are looking for something more private there are nearby cabins and cottages a short walk away from the main building.
Milepost 0 Afton Mountain Vineyard Cabins: Simple yet elegant one–bedroom cottages and a two–bedroom guest house situated on Afton Winery grounds.
Milepost 13 Fenton Inn: A Bavarian-style Inn/Bed and Breakfast complete with its own village, town square and clock tower.
Milepost 13.6 Winter Green Resort: Luxury resort and ski lodge with various stay options
Milepost 13.6 Cabins at Creekwood: Three unique pet friendly cabins that come with multiple amenities.
Milepost 16 Loveridge Mountain Lodging: Quant luxury cabins scattered along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Milepost 27.2 Montebello Resort Cabin Rentals: Rental Cabins, Camping, and a Country Store are all available at this mountain top resort.
Milepost 27.2 Crabtree Falls Campground: Tent sites, pop-up / RV sites and cabins are all available on these picturesque grounds.
Milepost 27.2 Sugartree Inn: A rustic lodge-style Bed and Breakfast where you can unplug from everyday life and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
Off Route 151 Rockwell Ridge: Hosts 3 different domiciles which consist of a three-bedroom home, and two suites on a 20-acre lot surrounded by a meadow, gardens, woods, and a creek.
Milepost 45.6 Glen Muray Park and Campground: A sprawling open space at the foot of the mountains for RV’s and camping.
Milepost 60 Ottercreek Campground: This primitive campground lies at one of the lowest levels of the Blue Ridge Parkway amongst the woods and a beautiful creek.
Milepost 61.4 & 63.7 Natural Bridge Historic Hotel and Conference Center: Steeped in history and located near Virginia’s natural bridge is this 152-room historic hotel. Private Villas are also available for overnight stays.
Right off Lee Highway Budget Inn Natural Bridge: Affordable, comfortable, and pet friendly located near Natural Bridge.
Right off Lee Highway Relax Inn Natural Bridge: On the southern side of Natural Bridge this simple, yet affordable motel offers free Wi-Fi and access to Dinosaur Kingdom, one of many Natural Bridge attractions.
Natural Bridge Lexington KOA: RV sites, cabins and spaces for tents are all available here in addition to a multitude of amenities such as a game room, playground, and swimming pool.
Milepost 13 (Wintergreen Exit) Devils Backbone: A festive vibe with lots of food and drink options for either indoors or out.
Milepost 13.6 Wintergreen Resort: The Lookout, The Edge, Checkerberry Cabin: Open to the public these three different restaurants with varying food options reside on Resort grounds.
Milepost 27.7 Gerties: Country/Biker Bar vibe that serves up country and local fare.
Milepost 27.7 Montebello Country Store: Chips, candy, gourmet snacks, a variety of groceries, and drinks to go can all be found at this eclectic shop.
Right off Lee Highway near Milepost 61.4 Pink Cadillac: 50’s style eatery featuring Americana fair at affordable prices.
EASY
Milepost 5.9 Mountain Farm Trail: An Easy 0.25-mile out-and-back trail which follows a gravel pathway through an 1890’s mountain farm. During the summer customed actors are there to demonstrate life at the turn of the century. This trail is wheelchair accessible. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Milepost 6 Albright Loop Trail: An Easy 3.6-mile loop trail which is an immensely popular area for birding and hiking. The best times to visit this trail are April through September.
Milepost 8.5 Catoctin Trail: This .3 mile mini hike takes you to an overlook of the Shenandoah Valley and the western horizon.
Milepost 20 Slacks Overlook Trail: This 2.6-miles long hike is relatively easy. Although it runs near the White Rock Gap Trail you will not bypass the falls on this trail.
Milepost 38.8 Boston Knob Trail: An easy .1-mile stroll to an overlook.
Milepost 55.2 White Oak Flats Trail: This easy .1-mile walk leads to a scenic view of a creek, not a mountain vista. There is a trail you can take down to the creek for closer inspection.
MODERATE
Milepost 6 Humpback Rocks Loop: A moderately challenging 4.3-mile loop trail which is an extremely popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, The best times to visit this trail are April through September. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Milepost 8.8 Greenstone Trail: This is a very short 0.1 yet moderate self-guided walking trail.
Milepost 18.5 White Rock Falls Trail Connection: This is a moderate 2.5-mile hike which leads to small cascading falls and water hole.
Milepost 20 White Rock Gap Trail: This is a moderate .9-mile hike which follows a stream leading to a small waterfall.
Milepost 22 Torry Ridge Trail: This is a steep and moderately challenging 4.3-mile loop trail. Considered a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Milepost 26.3 Big Spy Mountain Trail: A moderate 5.9-mile out and back trail which leads to a spectacular 360-degree overlook. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Milepost 27.2 Crabtree Falls Trail: This is a steep and moderate out-and-back 3.3-mile hike which includes a stairway. These stunning cascading falls are considered among the highest in Virginia. Almost every step of your hike resides along cascading falls.
Milepost 34.4 Yankee Horse Trail: A moderate yet short trail (.1-mile long), which begins with an historic logging railroad exhibit and ends at Wigwam falls.
Milepost 47.5 Indian Gap Trail: This is a short .3-mile moderate loop which leads to large rock formations. A picnic table is conveniently located 100 feet up the trail.
Milepost 60.8 Otter Creek Trail Otter: This moderate 3.5-miles trail begins at Otter Creek Campground meandering to the James River Visitors Center.
STRENUOUS
Milepost 17.6 The Priest Overlook Trail: This 9.0-mile strenuous hike is almost entirely uphill going toward the summit.
Milepost 18.5 White Rock Falls: White Rock Falls Trail (a is a moderate 2.5-mile hike) leads to small cascading falls and water hole.
Milepost 27.2 Crabtree Falls/Trail: (a steep and moderate 3.3-mile hike) will take you along five descending falls as you ascend the many steps to the top of the waterfall.
Milepost 34.4 Wigwam Falls: Take Yankee Horse Trail (a moderate yet short trail .1-mile-long hike) which begins at an historic logging railroad exhibit and ends at Wigwam falls.
Milepost 0.2 Afton Overlook
Milepost 1.5 Rockfish Valley Parking Overlook
Milepost 2.9 View Shenandoah Valley
Milepost 8.8 Greenstone Overlook
Milepost 10.4 Rock Point Overlook
Milepost 10.7 Ravens Roost Overlook
Milepost 13.1 Three Ridges Overlook
Milepost 17.6 The Priest
Milepost 19.0 Twenty Minute Cliff
Milepost 19.9 The Slacks Overlook
Milepost 22.1 Bald Mountain Overlook
Milepost 23 View Fork Mountain
Milepost 26.4 Big Spy Mountain Overlook
Milepost 38.8 Boston Knob Overlook
Milepost 42.2 View Irish Creek Valley
Milepost 44.4 White’s Gap Overlook
Milepost 44.9 Chimney Rock Mountain Overlook
Milepost 45.7 View Buena Vista
Milepost 49.3 View House Mountain
Milepost 52.8 Bluff Mountain Overlook
Milepost 55.1 White Oak Flats Overlook
Milepost 55.9 Dancing Creek Overlook
Milepost 25 Twelve Ridges Tasting Room and Vineyard: Raise a glass and take a sip as you survey the landscape from Twelve Ridges high elevation tasting room and terrace. Here visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of stunning scenery. If you want to nosh while imbibing 12 Ridges offers a delicious selection of local breads, cheese boards, charcuterie, chips, dips. Be sure and check their calendar as Twelve Rigdges operates seasonally.
Milepost 61.4 & 63.7 Natural Bridge: Nestled in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains lies a hidden gem that is a nature lover’s paradise – the Natural Bridge. This magnificent natural wonder is a geological marvel that never ceases to amaze visitors with its stunning beauty and awe-inspiring grandeur. With its impressive height of 215 feet and a span of 90 feet, the Natural Bridge is a sight to behold. It is a place where nature has crafted a masterpiece that has stood the test of time for millions of years. Come explore this breathtaking natural wonder.
Milepost 61.4 Virginia Safari Park: Try this drive-thru zoo for a unique and interactive experience. The park hosts rare cheetahs, giraffes, sloths, rhino, and giant anteaters. Guests meander through the park in their vehicles as the animals around them roam free. Food specifically for some of the animals can be bought at the park so that visitors can enjoy a one-on-one experience feeding the giraffes, buffalo, or deer from their car.
Milepost 61.4 & 63.7 Natural Bridge Zoo: This is a privately owned zoo which first opened its doors in 1972. The zoo specializes in the propagation and rearing of threatened or endangered species. The zoo offers opportunities to pet and feed some of the animals as well as a parakeet aviary where you can walk among the brightly colored Australian Budgerigar parakeets.
Humpback Rock Mile post 5.8 & 8.5 (National Park Service)
Humpback Rock is an iconic landmark off the Blue Ridge Parkway which offers a challenging and rewarding hike with stunning views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition to the trail, you will find a picnic area, visitors center and a historic farm which houses a tiny museum highlighting artifacts from the 1850’s to the 1950’s. Once you have perused the museum you can follow the walkway to the historic William J Carter Farm. The farm consists of buildings authentic to the Blue Ridge area in the late 19th century.
Humpback Rock stands at an elevation of 3,080 feet and can be seen from miles away. The rock gets its name from its unique shape, which resembles a hump on the western face of the Mountain.
Historically, Humpback Rock was used as a landmark by settlers to navigate the mountains along the Howardsville Turnpike. Today, this outcropping of rocks is a popular hiking destination, attracting visitors from all over who come to challenge themselves and enjoy the breathtaking views.
On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction, taking in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The hike itself is also challenging and rewarding, offering a great workout and a sense of accomplishment when you reach the top. In addition, the history and natural beauty of the area make this cropping of rocks a unique and memorable destination.