Blue Ridge Parkway

America’s Favorite Drive 469 Miles 2 or 3 days. Waynesboro, VA to Cherokee, NC

The Blue Ridge Parkway is much more than just a scenic byway with many natural attractions; it is also a cross-section of Appalachian mountain history. All along the Parkway are overlook signs, visitor center exhibits, restored historic structures and some of the best photo opportunities in the entire country.

The Blue Ridge Mountains get their distinctive and characteristic blue color from the hydrocarbons released into the air by the forests. As the vegetation changes along the Appalachian Chain the characteristic color becomes more diverse. The changes in the predominant vegetation give the neighboring Smoky Mountains their distinctive “smoky” look.