Lonely PlanetSep 15, 2026
How to Drive All of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 5 Days
Take five days to explore the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway on a road trip that you
25 things in this story
- Peaks of Otter LodgeHotelOffers views of Sharp Top Mtn; serves lunch.
- Johnson FarmSight
- Fallingwater Cascades TrailTrail
- Harkening HillTrail
- Elsewhere
- Humpback RocksSightAmherst County, United StatesHike the mountain farm with three different trails.
- Blue Ridge Tunnel TrailTrailCrozet, United StatesA 4273-ft-long passage that runs beneath Afton Mtn.
- MudhouseCaféCrozet, United StatesServes lavender lattes and breakfast bagels.
- Crozet PizzaRestaurantCrozet, United StatesServes some of the best pizza in Virginia.
- Inn at Stinson VineyardsHotelCrozet, United StatesCozy, bed-and-breakfast-style inn overlooking vines.
- Afton Mountain InnHotelCrozet, United StatesBoutique hotel in a 19th-century farmhouse.
- Mill Mtn Spur RdSightRoanoke, United StatesSee the largest man-made free-standing star.
- Mabry MillSightFloyd, United StatesExplore historical exhibits around the gristmill.
- Rocky Knob Visitor CenterSightFloyd, United StatesEnjoy a picnic lunch and explore historical exhibits.
- Blue Ridge Music CenterAttractionGalax, United StatesPromotes historic music of the region; has exhibitions.
- River & Rail RestaurantRestaurantRoanoke, United StatesOffers Southern cuisine with local ingredients.
- Bread Craft BakeryBakeryRoanoke, United StatesServes breakfast sandwiches and sticky buns.
- Crystal Spring Grocery Co.RestaurantRoanoke, United StatesOffers ready-made sandwiches, salads, and snacks.
- Liberty TrustHotelRoanoke, United StatesLuxury boutique hotel in a restored former bank.
- Hotel RoanokeHotelRoanoke, United StatesHistoric Tudor-style property, member of Historic Hotels of America.
- Cumberland KnobSightHillsville, United StatesSite where parkway construction began in 1935.
- Doughton ParkSightSpruce Pine, United StatesGreat for spotting wildlife like deer and foxes.
- Brinegar CabinSightSpruce Pine, United StatesSee historical demonstrations at this old homestead.
- Northwest Trading PostMarketGalax, United StatesA good stop for souvenirs and snacks.
- EB Jeffress ParkSightSparta, United StatesOffers a quick hike to see the Cascades waterfalls.
- Moses Cone Memorial ParkSightBlowing Rock, United StatesHome of the Parkway Craft Center and trails.
