The Blue Ridge Mountains get their name from the azure appearance the peaks and hills have when viewed from a distance. The area is best explored via the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile route that extends from Cherokee, NC in the south, and up to Skyline Drive in Virginia to the north. Besides showcasing the spectacular scenery, the Blue Ridge Parkway has everything you need for a memorable road trip: picturesque towns, tunnels, overlooks, campgrounds, cabins, eateries, visitors’ centers, parks, hiking trails, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, mountains, and more.
You can drive the parkway without stopping in about 12 hours. But to really experience the richness of the Blue Ridge, we suggest five nights as an ideal Blue Ridge Parkway RV itinerary.
Below we start the Blue Ridge Parkway RV itinerary in the south, near Asheville, NC, and finish off at Bull Run in northern Virginia. Included are drive times and recommended stop-offs to make the most of this memorable adventure.
First Stop: Mount Mitchell State Park, North Carolina
– A 2-hour drive from Asheville
– Stop off at the Biltmore, “America’s Largest Home,” located just outside of Asheville.
Just a two-hour drive from Asheville, Mount Mitchell State Park is the first must-see sight along the Blue Ridge Parkway. At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell’s dramatic summit is the highest point east of the Mississippi River. There’s an observation tower at the top that provides soaring views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s also a museum that explains the mountain’s cultural and natural history, and a great trail network that gives you up-close access to the wilderness area. A nine-site tent campground is open in warm-weather months.
Second Stop: Grandfather Mountain State Park, North Carolina
– A 1.5-hour drive from Mount Mitchell State Park
– Stop off at Linville Falls, the most famous waterfall in the Blue Ridge Mountains
No Blue Ridge Parkway RV itinerary would be complete without seeing Grandfather Mountain. This is such a biologically rich area, it’s been designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve for several environmental habitats it encompasses; one habitat for black bears, river otters, cougar, bald eagles, golden eagle, and white-tailed deer. Besides the abundant opportunities for wildlife spotting, the mountain is also famous for the mile-high swinging bridge that permits breathtaking 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
On the southern slopes of Grandfather Mountain is the Linn Cove Viaduct, a marvel of engineering that made the preservation of the pristine habitats possible. The viaduct, a 1,200-foot segmental bridge, snakes around the slope of the mountain and was constructed with the landscape in mind. Driving the bridge, which seems like the roadway rushes into the sky, offers a driving experience unlike any other.
Grandfather Mountain State Park has 13 campsites located along the trail system that are hike-in backcountry, primitive sites, for a thrilling experience in nature.
Third Stop: Stone Mountain State Park, North Carolina
– A 1.5-hour drive from Grandfather Mountain State Park
– Stop off at Blowing Rock and check out the famous rock formation and quaint town
Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Stone Mountain State Park is named after a magnificent 600-foot granite dome that erupts from the landscape and is estimated to be 300-350 million years old. Designated a National Natural Landmark, the large park showcases some of the best parts of the Blue Ridge, including cascading waterfalls, rolling mountain streams, and serene forests teeming with wildlife.
Park visitors can explore the area on more than 18 miles of trails, matched by more than 20 miles of designated trout waters. The park is laid out below the Blue Ridge Parkway with a campground that has 90 sites, some with utility hookups, and group and backpacking campsites closeby.
Fourth Stop: Bull Run Regional Park, Northern Virginia
– A 3.5-hour drive from Peaks of Otter
– Stop off at Natural Bridge to see the famous natural arch and caverns
– Stop off at Lexington, a charming Southern town with historical attractions
The last leg of this Blue Ridge Parkway RV itinerary takes you through the famous rolling hills of Virginia. Recommended stop-offs are Natural Bridge and Lexington, both a short drive from Peaks of Otter. The final stop is the legendary Bull Run, which while technically just outside of the Blue Ridge Parkway, is a fitting end to sight-seeing the region. At this park, you can learn about the historic Civil War Battle, as well as partake in plenty of outdoor recreation like playing disc golf, going for a hike, or visiting the nearby outdoor water park.
Other Itineraries to Check Out:
- Gulf Coast Road Trip
- The Great BBQ Road Trip
- New England RV & Camping Trip
- Mountain States Road Trip
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!