Autumn Adventures: Prepare for an RV Blue Ridge Parkway Trip

Leaf peeping is a favorite fall activity, especially on the East Coast, and it’s easy to see why. There’s something magical about standing on a scenic overlook or cruising down a road surrounded by a riot of autumn colors—rich reds, vibrant yellows, and sharp oranges mingling with touches of green and brown.

Many RV owners trek to New England to view the fall spectacle, but the Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful and convenient alternative. This scenic drive winds through the Appalachian Mountains from North Carolina to Virginia. The Parkway includes many picturesque overlooks, trails, and campsites, making it the perfect leaf-peeping destination.

This guide covers everything you need to know to RV Blue Ridge Parkway, from the best place to visit to must-see stops. With a little preparation, you can soak up the fall colors while enjoying a stress-free road trip.

What Is the Blue Ridge Parkway?

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive through the breathtaking Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway begins in Waynesboro, Virginia, and ends in Cherokee, North Carolina.

The National Park Service (NPS) began construction on the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1935 and completed it in 1987. The road connects Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the way, you’ll find unspoiled mountains, dense forests, and tranquil valleys. You may also encounter wildlife like black bears, elk, and turkeys.

The Parkway is a mostly two-lane road with speed limits ranging from 25 to 45 miles per hour. Theoretically, you could drive the entire length in approximately 10 hours without stops. However, the Parkway is designed for slow meandering. If you want to appreciate its full splendor, plan to spend a few days exploring.

Of course, you don’t need to RV the Blue Ridge Parkway in one go. The road has many entry and exit points, so you can hop on and off wherever you like. Take a quick detour to get dinner, or spend days exploring neighboring towns—it’s your adventure, so make the most of it!

When Is the Best Time To See Blue Ridge Parkway Fall Foliage?

Mother Nature doesn’t follow a strict schedule, so timing your RV trip to catch peak fall colors can be tricky. Typically, the fall foliage peaks during mid- to late-October. In some years, though, you could see bright colors well into November.

Why does the timing vary so drastically? Several factors impact when the leaves change colors, including elevation, rainfall, and temperature. For example, higher points like Richland Balsam and Mt. Mitchell often have bright colors before lower elevations.

Checking leaf reports is the best way to stay updated on the fall foliage. The Blue Ridge Parkway Association has compiled links to live webcams along the road with real-time views of the changing colors.

Take a Detour: RV-Friendly Cities Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is dedicated to preserving the wilderness, so you won’t find gas stations or restaurants directly along the route. Instead, you’ll need to stop in nearby towns to refuel your RV and grab a bite to eat. Check out these charming destinations when you’re ready for a break.

Waynesboro, Virginia

The north end of the Blue Ridge Parkway begins in the small city of Waynesboro. Stretch your legs by exploring the Waynesboro Street Arts Trail, or get a drink at one of several local breweries. You can also catch a show at the historic Wayne Theatre, a live entertainment performance venue.

Roanoke, Virginia

Roanoke is the largest city along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The downtown area has thousands of parking spots, including open lots, so you can easily park your RV for a few hours.

Start your visit at the Historic Roanoke City Market, where you’ll find locally grown food, flowers, and hand-crafted items. After you enjoy a delicious meal, check out one of the city’s nine museums, such as the Roanoke Pinball Museum and the Taubman Museum of Art.

Boone, North Carolina

Boone is an outdoor lover's paradise. Cave enthusiasts can take a guided tour of the Linville Caverns to see intriguing stalactite and stalagmite formations. Meanwhile, thrillseekers can join a zipline tour for a unique aerial view of the fall foliage.

Need a break from adventuring? Follow the Boone Area Wine Trail, which includes three local wineries. The city also features over a hundred restaurants, including barbecue joints, bistros, and Mexican eateries.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is one of the most popular destinations along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This laid-back city is known for its bohemian vibe and historic landmarks.

Step back in time at the Biltmore Estate, where you can tour the 250- room castle. The estate offers convenient RV parking with a complimentary shuttle to the front doors. After exploring the interior, you can dine at one of the on-site restaurants and explore the 8,000-acre grounds. Top off your visit with a drink at the Biltmore Winery, America's most-visited winery.

The River Arts District is another excellent addition to any Blue Ridge Parkway itinerary. This area has hundreds of art studios and galleries where you can watch local artists at work. You can also visit the arts district's numerous bars, breweries, shops, and restaurants.

The district has several spacious gravel parking lots to accommodate RVs. Alternatively, you can leave your vehicle at Wilson’s Riverfront RV Park and enjoy a quick 10-minute Uber ride to the district.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Many travelers start or end their Blue Ridge Parkway scenic drives in Gatlinburg. This mountain town is packed with outdoor attractions, so you can enjoy the fall foliage to the fullest.

Visit the iconic Gatlinburg Skybridge for incredible mountain views. This bridge is nearly 700 feet long and includes a glass bottom to showcase the colorful valley below. Similarly, the Gatlinburg Space Needle offers 360-degree views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Gatlinburg also has plenty of indoor activities if you need a break from the road. Discover unusual artifacts at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, or explore the ocean’s mysteries at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Nearby, you’ll find several free park-and-ride lots suitable for RVs.

Get in Touch With Nature With Blue Ridge Parkway RV Camping

The Blue Ridge Parkway is so beautiful that you may not want to leave at the end of the day. Luckily, the NPS has eight campgrounds along the route where you can stay in your RV. Each campground includes flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and other amenities.

If you like to plan ahead, you can reserve a campsite up to six months beforehand at recreation.gov. Campsites are also available on a first-come, first-served basis, which gives you more flexibility to chase the best leaf views along the Parkway.

Recharge at the Best RV Parks Near Blue Ridge Parkway

The NPS campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during prime leaf-peeping season. Don’t worry, though. There are plenty of privately owned options for Blue Ridge Parkway RV camping. These peaceful campgrounds are the perfect place to relax around a fire and rest up for another day of adventure.

Explore Park is located right off the Parkway near Roanoke. RV owners get access to a bathhouse, municipal water spigots, and a dump station. The park also features an aerial adventure course, hiking trails, and even an on-site brewery.

In Monroe, Virginia, the Lynchburg/Blue Ridge Parkway KOA boasts roomy RV sites. Campers enjoy complimentary WiFi, full hookups, a gem mine, and recreational activities.

Looking for a luxury experience? Consider Rutledge Lake RV Park in Fletcher, North Carolina. This campground features lakefront RV sites, a bathhouse, a recreation hall, and a camp store. After a long day on the Parkway, you can relax with catch-and-release fishing or walk the creekside serenity trail.

Explore Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Trails

The Blue Ridge Parkway has over 100 hiking trails through diverse landscapes. You could walk to a waterfall in the morning, explore a meadow after lunch, and finish the day by climbing a mountain peak. Here are a few fun options to add to your itinerary.

Enjoy Easy Hiking Trails for Everyone

The Parkway has many gentle and short hikes to amazing views, including:

• Graveyard Fields Loop Trail (Milepost 418.8): This popular 1.2-mile hiking trail passes by the spectacular Lower Falls. You’ll pass a field full of rhododendrons and other bright foliage.
• Price Lake Loop Trail (Milepost 296.7): This 2.3-mile loop starts at a scenic overlook and travels around Price Lake. You can also rent a canoe or kayak to explore the lake by water.

Hit the Sweet Spot With Moderate Hiking Trails

Looking for an adventurous hike that won’t leave you sore the next day? Check out these moderate hikes:

• Crabtree Falls Trail (Milepost 339.5): This 3-mile loop trail will take you through a forest to the base of Crabtree Falls, a 60-foot waterfall. Be prepared to climb a steep incline and navigate rocky terrain.
• Rattlesnake Lodge Trail (Milepost 375.2): Approximately 4 miles long, this trail travels through a hardwood forest to the ruins of a historic estate. This hike is especially pretty in the fall when the leaves change.

Push Your Limits With Strenuous Hiking Trails

Are you eager to explore the rugged wilderness around the Parkway? Test your endurance on these challenging hikes:

• Apple Orchard Falls Trail (Milepost 78): This 2.6-mile hike travels down a steep incline to a gorgeous 200-foot waterfall.
• Sharp Top Trail (Milepost 86): Hike a 3-mile out-and-back trail to the top of Sharp Top Mountain for stunning views of the fall foliage. This trail climbs 1,300 feet, so it’s sure to get your heart pumping.

Discover Must-See Blue Ridge Parkway Attractions

As you travel the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll encounter many attractions that showcase the splendor of the mountains. Here are three highlights you don’t want to miss.

Shenandoah National Park

The Shenandoah National Park sits at the north end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It has over 200,000 acres of protected lands and 500 miles of hiking trails, most of which are pet-friendly. Adventurous travelers can hike to the top of Old Rag for 360-degree views of autumn leaves.

Grandfather Mountain

Located in Boone, Grandfather Mountain Nature Park is one of the top destinations on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The sprawling park is home to 16 unique ecosystems and abundant wildlife.

Work up a sweat on the many hiking trails, or stroll across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge to get panoramic views of the fall foliage. The park’s expansive environmental habitats also allow you to get up close to bald eagles, otters, and other native animals.

Great Smoky Mountains

At the south end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll encounter the vast Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Drive along the 11-mile Cades Cove loop to explore historic cemeteries and churches. You can also venture onto over 800 miles of trails, where you may encounter black bears and deer.

Essential Tips for Your Blue Ridge Parkway RV Road Trip

The Blue Ridge Parkway is an enjoyable drive, but the mountainous terrain can pose challenges for RV owners. Set yourself up for a successful trip by following these RV safety tips:

• Before you depart, have a trustworthy mechanic inspect your RV to catch any issues.
• You’ll come across many tunnels as you drive the Parkway. Research their heights ahead of time to make sure your RV will fit.
• Slow down to navigate curves and inclines carefully.
• If you notice a line of cars building up behind you, consider pulling over to an overlook to let them pass safely.

Appreciate the Fall Splendor From Your RV

The Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect autumn destination. You can soak in the bold fall colors as you explore hundreds of miles of hiking trails and scenic overlooks.

Of course, even the most experienced RVers can face obstacles during a leaf-peeping trip. Prepare for the unexpected with an extended warranty from America’s RV Warranty. Our mobile RV coverage will get you back on the road fast, so you can keep chasing the fall colors.

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