The Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville gives you access to a long scenic route through the mountains, with the Parkway Visitor Center and Craggy Gardens among the stops in the area. The visitor center is about a 20-minute drive from an Asheville motel, and you can reach its entrance from I-40.
- Parkway: A 469-mile scenic road between Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
- Visitor center: At Milepost 384, with maps, restrooms, parking and accessible facilities.
- Craggy Gardens: At Milepost 364, about 20 miles north of the visitor center.
- Fees: No entrance fee; camping fees apply.
Choose an access point near Asheville
Near Asheville, you can connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway from major highways including I-40 and I-26. If you’re coming from I-40, the National Park Service directions lead to the visitor center via the Parkway’s northbound entrance.
- Take I-40 exit 53 and follow US 74A east toward Lake Lure.
- Turn right onto the Parkway on-ramp and head north.
- Turn left into the visitor center driveway, which is less than a mile along the Parkway.
The visitor center is at 195 Hemphill Knob Road, Asheville, NC 28803, at Milepost 384. The National Park Service recommends using a map: GPS devices may not recognize Parkway mileposts well.
Stop at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center is a useful first stop for maps and route information, with facilities for different kinds of visits. It has an NPS information desk, exhibits, a theater and restrooms, plus auto and bus/RV parking and wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Its regular schedule is every day from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Weather-related temporary closures may occur, so check the official site before you go.
Consider Craggy Gardens and the overlooks
Craggy Gardens is at Milepost 364, about 20 miles north of the Asheville Parkway Visitor Center. The National Park Service estimates the Parkway drive between them at about a half hour, making it a natural next stop if you’re heading north from the visitor center.
The area has auto parking, a scenic-view and photo spot, trailhead access and an accessible restroom. The NPS also lists wheelchair accessibility. Water is unavailable at Craggy Gardens, and porta-johns are available in parking areas.
You can also approach from Weaverville via Ox Creek Road at Milepost 375; the Parkway portion of that drive is estimated at about 15 minutes. Conditions and access can vary, so confirm the route and facilities before making Craggy Gardens your destination.
Check closures before driving
The Parkway is open 24 hours a day, weather permitting, but weather or maintenance can close sections. Check the National Park Service road-closure information before traveling, particularly if your plan depends on reaching a specific milepost.
The Parkway has no entrance fee, although camping fees apply. If you plan to camp, check the National Park Service’s current information about fees and availability.
Plan your return route
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs for 469 miles, from milepost 0 in Virginia to milepost 469 in North Carolina. For an Asheville outing, plan your route around the access point and stops you want to make, then check road conditions before driving back toward town.
Near Asheville, the Parkway connects with I-40 and I-26, which can help you plan a return route. If you’re arranging other local trips, getting around Asheville from the motel is another part of the logistics to consider. Since closures can affect individual sections, confirm that your chosen exit is open before you set out.
FAQs
Is there an entrance fee for the Blue Ridge Parkway?
No. The Parkway has no entrance fee, though camping fees apply.
Where is the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center?
It is at 195 Hemphill Knob Road in Asheville, at Parkway Milepost 384.
How far is Craggy Gardens from the visitor center?
Craggy Gardens is about 20 miles north of the Asheville Parkway Visitor Center. The Parkway drive between them takes about a half hour according to the NPS.
Can you drive the Parkway at any time?
The road is open 24 hours a day when weather permits, but sections may close for weather or maintenance. If you’re planning a broader day in the city, a one-day Asheville route from the motel can help you fit the drive into your plans.