Meet Parkway Rangers, explore exhibits, pick up maps, buy souvenirs
Where to Stop and Get More Information Along the Road
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers many Visitor Centers along its 469 miles – great places to stretch your legs, take a rest, enjoy the view, and learn more about the region. You’ll find water fountains, restrooms, maps and area information, and Parkway keepsakes at Visitor Centers.
Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Planner
Planning your trip now? We offer free trip planning resources in print, PDF, and mobile app.
Visitor Centers are a great resource for families along the trip. Restrooms, snacks and a variety of learning opportunities are all available at these facilities.
Knowledgeable volunteers and Rangers are available to answer questions and share information about the natural resources of the region.
Kids can get “sworn in” as Junior Rangers at Visitor Centers and pick up their free activity kits. Junior Rangers learn while they experience the Parkway, earning badges as they complete activities across the four regions of the Parkway.
Please note that not every visitor center is open every year and most are only open seasonally. Check the NPS Operating Hours and Seasons page to see the current operating schedule for all the NPS facilities located along the Parkway.
Blue Ridge Pkwy Travel Planner Mobile App
Features include: built-in maps, info by Parkway Region, personal Favorites. Best of all, it works even out of cell range, all over the Parkway!
Most facilities like Visitor Centers, picnic areas, and campgrounds on the Parkway operate on a seasonal basis – please note this includes restrooms and plan accordingly. Facilities that are normally open year-round are: the NC Museum of Minerals, the Folk Art Center and the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville, NC. In winter, sections of the Parkway may be closed by snow or ice.