How long is the Blue Ridge Parkway: Waynesboro to Asheville route?

This route takes 9 days taking in 5 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Waynesboro, Virginia to Asheville, North Carolina in Appalachian Mountains, Virginia and North Carolina, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is October for foliage; late April to May for wildflowers.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Classic road trip, Culture, Adventure.

Blue Ridge Parkway: Waynesboro to Asheville

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The route · 5 stops

Waynesboro

1 night

Northern gateway to the Parkway at Milepost 0. Walk the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail through a restored 1850s railway bore before heading south. Humpback Rocks at MP 5.8 has a preserved 1890s mountain farm and a steep 2-mile hike to Shenandoah Valley panoramas.Northern gateway to the Parkway at Milepost 0. Walk the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail through a restored 1850s railway bore before heading south. Humpback Rocks at MP 5.8 has a preserved 1890s mountain farm and a steep 2-mile hike to Shenandoah Valley panoramas.

Recommendations

4h 2m · 195 km drive to Roanoke

Roanoke

2 nights

The Parkway's largest city stop, reached after 121 miles south. Mill Mountain at MP 120 has a 3-mile spur to the Roanoke Star (88.5 ft neon, first lit 1949) with valley views at dusk. The Virginia Museum of Transportation houses 50+ historic locomotives. Explore Park at MP 115 offers trail access and craft beer on site.The Parkway's largest city stop, reached after 121 miles south. Mill Mountain at MP 120 has a 3-mile spur to the Roanoke Star (88.5 ft neon, first lit 1949) with valley views at dusk. The Virginia Museum of Transportation houses 50+ historic locomotives. Explore Park at MP 115 offers trail access and craft beer on site.

Recommendations

1h 50m · 89 km drive to Meadows of Dan

Meadows of Dan

1 night

Mabry Mill at MP 176.1 is the most-photographed stop on the entire Parkway: a 1903 waterwheel gristmill reflected in its pond, with a working sawmill, blacksmith shop, and weekend craft demonstrations. On-site restaurant serves buckwheat pancakes. The surrounding Patrick County plateau feels genuinely unhurried.Mabry Mill at MP 176.1 is the most-photographed stop on the entire Parkway: a 1903 waterwheel gristmill reflected in its pond, with a working sawmill, blacksmith shop, and weekend craft demonstrations. On-site restaurant serves buckwheat pancakes. The surrounding Patrick County plateau feels genuinely unhurried.

Recommendations

3h 52m · 187 km drive to Boone

Boone

2 nights

A college town at 3,320 ft, noticeably cooler in summer than the surrounding lowlands. Moses H. Cone Park at MP 292 has carriage trails and the historic Flat Top Manor. Julian Price Lake at MP 296 offers kayak rentals. Grandfather Mountain at MP 305 (from $25) has the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge at 5,946 ft.A college town at 3,320 ft, noticeably cooler in summer than the surrounding lowlands. Moses H. Cone Park at MP 292 has carriage trails and the historic Flat Top Manor. Julian Price Lake at MP 296 offers kayak rentals. Grandfather Mountain at MP 305 (from $25) has the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge at 5,946 ft.

Recommendations

3h · 145 km drive to Asheville

Asheville

3 nights

The creative hub of the Appalachians: 30+ craft breweries, a River Arts District with 22 working studios, and the Biltmore Estate (from $80, book ahead). Day trips reach Craggy Gardens, and Mount Mitchell at 6,684 ft, the highest summit east of the Mississippi River.The creative hub of the Appalachians: 30+ craft breweries, a River Arts District with 22 working studios, and the Biltmore Estate (from $80, book ahead). Day trips reach Craggy Gardens, and Mount Mitchell at 6,684 ft, the highest summit east of the Mississippi River.

Recommendations

Blue Ridge Parkway: Waynesboro to Asheville