United States · 8 days · 1,100 km · One-way
Blue Ridge Parkway — the Appalachians in fall
469-mile scenic parkway through the Appalachians. No traffic lights, no trucks, no advertising. 45 mph max. Fall with red-and-gold foliage, spring with rhododendrons. Ends in Shenandoah NP and DC.
Highlights
- Asheville (Biltmore Estate)
- Mount Mitchell (highest peak east of USA)
- Linn Cove Viaduct
- Mabry Mill
- Peaks of Otter
- James River + Otter Creek
- Humpback Rocks
- Skyline Drive (Shenandoah NP)
- DC monuments
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Asheville (pickup + Biltmore)
Asheville · 30 km
Overnight: French Broad River Campground
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Day 2
Asheville → Mount Mitchell → Linville
Asheville → Linville · 130 km
Overnight: Linville Falls Campground (NPS)
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Day 3
Linville → Boone → Blowing Rock
Linville → Blowing Rock · 80 km
Overnight: Julian Price Campground (NPS)
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Day 4
Blowing Rock → Galax (Mabry Mill)
Blowing Rock → Galax · 200 km
Overnight: Doughton Park Campground (NPS)
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Day 5
Galax → Peaks of Otter
Galax → Peaks of Otter · 200 km
Overnight: Peaks of Otter Campground (NPS)
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Day 6
Peaks of Otter → Shenandoah NP
Peaks of Otter → Big Meadows · 220 km
Overnight: Big Meadows Campground
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Day 7
Full Skyline Drive
Big Meadows → Front Royal · 100 km
Overnight: Front Royal KOA
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Day 8
Front Royal → Washington DC (drop-off)
Front Royal → Washington DC · 130 km