Day Trips from Blue Ridge Parkway. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

These locations are accessible from various points along the Parkway and provide diverse experiences.

A wide array of day trips and excursions are available. Find and book them through GetYourGuide.

Asheville MP 380-393

See Art Deco architecture, the River Arts District, or the Biltmore Estate.
Sample the extensive craft brewery scene.
Accessible directly from Parkway exits (e.g., US 70, US 25, NC 191).
Plan for a half-day to a full day.

Explore Beyond the Parkway

Venture further to experience more of Western North Carolina's charm and natural beauty.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park MP 469.1

America's most visited national park, with diverse wildlife, extensive hiking, and scenic drives.

Park Highlights

Drive Cades Cove for wildlife.
Hike a section of the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap.
A full day or multiple days.

Boone/Blowing Rock MP 270-300

Charming mountain towns offering outdoor recreation and small-town charm.

Area Activities

Explore shops and restaurants.
Visit Grandfather Mountain (Mile High Swinging Bridge).
Experience Tweetsie Railroad (seasonal).

Natural Escapes

Pisgah & Nantahala National Forests

Explore hundreds of miles of hiking trails.
Find hidden waterfalls.
Go fishing or whitewater rafting.
Venture into remote areas for true wilderness experiences.

Gorges & DuPont State Forests

Hike to Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls in Gorges.
Explore various trails in both parks.
Enjoy walking/biking trails at DuPont connecting waterfalls.
Popular for swimming in designated areas at DuPont.

Cultural Excursions

Cherokee:Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Oconaluftee Indian Village, "Unto These Hills".
Hendersonville:Apple orchards, wineries, cideries, Main Street historic district.
Brevard:Downtown shops, Pisgah National Forest waterfalls (Looking Glass Falls).
Chimney Rock State Park:Iconic monolith, panoramic views, Hickory Nut Falls.

Lake Lure:Scenic boat tours, water activities.
Transportation:Drive from Asheville (45 min to 1 hr).
Time Required:Half-day.
Combine:Often combined with Chimney Rock.

Planning Tip

Consider combining nearby attractions like Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for a full day of diverse experiences.

Multi-Day Extensions

For those with more time, expand your Blue Ridge Parkway trip into a longer regional exploration.

Virginia Parkway Extension

Drive north into Virginia for different Parkway character, historic sites, Shenandoah National Park.

Great Smoky Mountains In-Depth

Dedicate 2-3 extra days to explore wilderness, historic settlements, diverse ecosystems within the park.

Coastal City Contrast

Drive 4-5 hours from Asheville to Charleston, SC, or Savannah, GA, for a contrasting urban experience.

Logical Next Destinations

Regional hubs accessible for continued travel.

Nearby Cities

Atlanta, GA: Major southern hub (approx. 3.5 hrs drive).
Charlotte, NC: North Carolina's largest city (approx. 2 hrs drive).
Knoxville, TN: McGhee Tyson Airport (approx. 1.5 hrs from Cherokee).

Suggested Routes

Ideas for broader regional travel after the Parkway.

Extended Journeys

Mountain to Coast: Combine with North Carolina's Outer Banks or beach towns.
Appalachian Loop: Venture into West Virginia or northern Georgia.
Long-Term Stay: Consider vacation rentals in Asheville, Boone, or Waynesville for an extended base.

Considerations for Longer Stays

Home Base:Rent a cabin or apartment.

Location:Asheville, Boone, or Waynesville.

Amenities:Look for kitchens and laundry facilities.

Flexibility:Extended exploration of Parkway and region.

Booking:Plan well in advance for popular areas.

Local Services:Utilize local markets for groceries.

Travel Sustainably

When taking day trips, be mindful of your vehicle's emissions.
Support local businesses in towns you visit.
Practice Leave No Trace principles in all natural areas.
Pack reusable items to reduce waste during your excursions.
Stay on marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems.

Longer Stays & Extended Trips

For an extended visit, consider dedicating more time to specific areas or combining the Parkway with other regional destinations.

Two-Week Deep Dive

Combine the one-week itinerary with additional time for focused exploration.

Extended Exploration Ideas

More time in Asheville for culinary scene, art, tours.
Explore Brevard and its numerous waterfalls.
Visit Hot Springs, NC, for natural hot mineral baths and rafting.

Northern Parkway & Backroads

Revisit favorite sections or uncover hidden gems off the main route.

Rural Discoveries

Revisit favorite northern Parkway sections.
Explore charming backroads and smaller towns.
Visit places like Todd or Valle Crucis, perhaps the Mast Farm Inn.

Urban Exploration

Integrate city experiences into your mountain adventure.

City Extensions

Atlanta, GA: Explore its diverse attractions, museums, and dining.
Charlotte, NC: Discover urban attractions, museums, and professional sports.
Departure: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, TN (1.5 hours from Cherokee).

Themed Adventures

Curate your trip around specific interests beyond the scenic drive.

Special Interest Focus

Historical Focus: Brinegar Cabin, Moses Cone, Folk Art Center.
Culinary Experiences: Asheville's dining, breweries, farmers' markets.
Outdoor Activities: Hiking, rafting, ziplining, mountain biking.

Family-Friendly & Artistic Routes

Tailor your Parkway trip to family fun or artistic pursuits.

Family Fun

Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad, Linville Falls, Price Lake activities. Incorporate picnics and ranger programs.

Art & Architecture

Asheville's River Arts District, Art Deco tours, Folk Art Center, North Carolina Arboretum.

Wellness & Spirituality

Quiet overlooks for meditation, spa services in Asheville, natural hot springs in Hot Springs, NC.

Itinerary Customization

These are suggestions. Your pace and interests are important. Adjust routes and activities to your travel style.

Budget & Seasonal Travel

Planning around your budget and the seasons can greatly shape your Parkway journey.

Budget-Based Plans

$

Backpacker's Guide

Camp at NPS sites (reserve ahead) or backcountry. Cook own meals. Focus on free activities like hiking and overlooks. Carpool or use fuel-efficient car.

$$

Mid-Range Traveler

Mix mid-range hotels, B&Bs, or rentals. Enjoy casual restaurants and some sit-down meals. Include paid attractions balanced with free Parkway activities.

$$$

Luxury Experience

Stay at luxury hotels (Omni Grove Park Inn), high-end rentals. Indulge in fine dining, private tours, spa treatments. Rent a premium SUV or use private transfers.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Travel during shoulder seasons (late spring, early fall) to avoid peak prices.
Seek out package deals from hotels or tour operators.
Look for discounted admission days for attractions.
Utilize free Parkway activities like scenic overlooks and hiking.
Pack your own snacks and picnic lunches to save on dining costs.
Consider lodging outside main tourist hubs for potentially lower rates.

Seasonal Specialties

Summer: Lush foliage, full Parkway services. Ideal for hiking, camping, water sports.
Fall (October): Peak for fall foliage, often crowded. Book accommodation well in advance.
Winter (Nov-Mar): Solitude, snowy landscapes. Expect extensive Parkway closures.
Spring (Apr-May): Wildflower blooms, fresh leaves. Fewer crowds than fall. Weather unpredictable.
Festivals: Grandfather Mountain Highland Games (July), Cherokee Pow Wow (July), LEAF Festival (May/Oct).
Be sure to verify seasonal operating hours for visitor centers and facilities.

Seasonality of Services

Visitor Centers

Most Parkway visitor centers operate seasonally, generally from May through October.

Concessions

Gift shops and concessions (like the Pisgah Inn) are also seasonal, May through October.

Campgrounds

National Park Service campgrounds operate seasonally, typically May to late October.

Important Seasonal Note

Large sections of the Parkway, particularly at higher elevations, close from late fall through early spring (typically November to March) due to snow, ice, or maintenance. Always check nps.gov/blri for current road status before planning your visit during these months.

Day Trips from Blue Ridge Parkway