Blue Ridge Parkway South - Know Before You Go

Start Planning!

You’re about to go on an epic adventure along the Blue Ridge Parkway South: Cherokee to Asheville! Here’s what you need to know before you go.

The tour has two starting points: the southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Cherokee, NC, and on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, just off US-25 near the Biltmore.
The tour is available in two directions, south to north and north to south.
The tour takes about a full day - 8 hours to complete.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, however, roadwork projects may impact your trip. Check the NPS website in advance.
The Visitor Centers along the Blue Ridge Parkway have varying hours of operation, please check the NPS website in advance.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Some facilities, restaurants, and attractions are seasonal, see below under budgeting & hours of operation for more information.

Budgeting & Hours of Operation

falls in autumn Looking Glass Falls/ Shutterstock Image

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs.

Budget

It’s free to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Cradle of Forestry in America is $6 for adults, $3 for children, and free for 3 and under.
Sliding Rock is $5 per person.
The North Carolina Arboretum does not have individual admission, but a $20 parking fee.

Hours of Operation

Please note that many attractions along the Blue Ridge Parkway are seasonal. We’ve outlined those below.

The Cradle of Forestry in America is open daily 10 am-5 pm from spring to fall.
Sliding Rock is open 10 am-6 pm on the days facilities are open, which is daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, and on weekends in May and September.
The North Carolina Arboretum is open daily from 8 am-9 pm from April to October, and 8 am-7 pm daily from November to March.
The Waterrock Knob Visitor Center is open daily from 10 am-5 pm from mid-April to November.
The Pisgah Inn and Restaurant is open daily from April to October serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We recommend making a reservation in advance, you can make a reservation 30 days out.
Many visitor centers have varying hours of operation, learn more here.

Get Packing!

Black Balsam Bald/ Shutterstock Image

Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day.

Phone charger - very important!
Phone mount
Sneakers
Hiking clothes - pack layers.
Hiking shoes
Jacket
Hat/sunglasses
Lawn chairs, for soaking in that perfect view
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Canteen/ refillable water bottle
Snacks
Credit card
Swimsuits for Sliding Rock

Best Time to Visit

garden of flowers North Carolina Arboretum/ Shutterstock Image

Summer and Fall are the two best times to drive the Parkway. Everything is open in the summer, and the flowers are blooming the most. Fall gets some spectacular autumn colors. During the winter, the Park Service may close sections of the Parkway due to snow and ice. That wintry weather can last well into the spring.

Safety Information

It’s never a good idea to hike alone. Keep an eye out for black bears while hiking. The Parkway is generally safe with a decent amount of shoulder space alongside the road, but it is a twisty mountain road. Keep an eye out for other cars and bicyclists, especially when driving on a curve.

Leave No Trace

While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders. Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

Check out the Blue Ridge Parkway South Tour Itinerary for more information to help you plan your day!

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