Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip: Power Your Journey with EcoFlow
The famous Blue Ridge Parkway is known as “America’s favorite drive." It offers 469 miles of scenic driving that connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Enjoy stunning views of the mountains and forests, with plenty of great attractions along the way. Let’s get ready to plan your exciting adventure with must-see stops, hidden gems, and tips on what to pack.
How to Plan Your Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
When planning a road trip along America’s favorite drive, first decide how many days you have to enjoy the route because that will determine how much time you have to stop and see the attractions. While you could technically drive it in about 12 or 14 hours, you’ll want to spend 3 to 5 days enjoying the scenery, hiking, and visiting the picnic areas and interpretive stops along the way.
If you can spend a full five days, plan to stay in campgrounds to immerse yourself in nature and head on some day hikes into the mountains. However, if you only have a weekend, stop at the picnic areas and a museum or two, and plan at least one hike to enjoy the scenery.
Once you’ve planned your itinerary, start packing your gear and prepare for a fantastic adventure!
What Is the Best Month To Travel Blue Ridge Parkway?
The best time to travel to the Blue Ridge Parkway depends on your interests. The peak summer season from June to August is popular with campers, but the roads and attractions will be busier. If you want to catch the famous rhododendrons blooming at the higher elevations, plan to be there in the third week of June.
May and September are perfect if you want to camp, but hope to avoid the crowds and heat. Late spring offers great wildflowers, though mid-fall is best if you prefer fall foliage. Camping will be colder in October, so be prepared and bring your EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC since it doubles as a heater for those chilly nights. It lasts up to 8 hours wirelessly on a charge and can be used indoors and outdoors.
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How Many Days Do You Need To Drive Blue Ridge Parkway?
While you can technically drive the route in about 12 to 14 hours, rushing is not advised. The speed limit is 25 to 45 mph, and you will want at least 3 days to stop and enjoy the scenery and attractions along the way. If you have more time, 5 days is perfect to slowly make your way along the route and stop whenever you want to without feeling rushed.
Must-See Spots
There are so many great attractions to see, but we narrowed it down to 5 for those who only have a few days. Let’s take a look:
Crabtree Falls
Crabtree Falls is a must-see 70-foot waterfall near Linville Falls at Milepost 339. It can be accessed by a moderate 1.8-mile round-trip hike or a more strenuous 3-mile route. The hike is relatively family-friendly and will be well worth it for the great photo opportunities. Travel in May, and you might even catch some brilliant pink crab tree blossoms that gave the falls their name. There are not nearly as many crab trees as there used to be, so if you see them, you will be in for a real treat. A campground is very close by if you plan to stay overnight.
Looking Glass Rock
For avid hikers, rock climbers, and birders, Looking Glass Rock near Brevard, NC, is one of the best rock climbing destinations in the state. There’s a popular but challenging 6.2-mile round-trip trail to the top with fantastic panoramic views. You’ll see peregrine falcons, abundant waterfalls, and the gorgeous Whiteside Granite rock that rises 3,969 feet.
Mount Mitchell State Park
Mount Mitchell is an iconic peak that rises to 6,684 feet, the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River and the centerpiece of Mount Mitchell State Park. This is a perfect family-friendly stop for outdoor adventurers since there are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities, as well as a museum, restaurant, concession, and gift shop. A wheelchair-accessible observation deck also offers breathtaking panoramic views of spruce-fir forests. This park is home to abundant wildlife, including the endangered northern flying squirrel, bobcats, and plenty of birds and salamanders.
For those planning to camp in a car or tent, bring layered clothes, including warm outer layers and a raincoat in case it rains. The high elevations are gorgeous, but they can get chilly. Also, bring your EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series Portable Power Stations to run camping lights and keep those devices powered up.
Museum of North Carolina Minerals
For all the rockhounds out there or for some excellent family-friendly fun, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals is a must-see stop. The mountains near Spruce Pine in North Carolina are among the richest in minerals and gems in the United States. The museum features over 300 varieties and offers interactive displays about minerals and gems, as well as the historical importance of mining in the local economy.
Folk Art Center
Finally, the Folk Art Center at milepost 382 is another must-see stop. It features a wide range of traditional and contemporary Southern Appalachian crafts. It also offers educational events, daily craft demonstrations from March through December, a bookstore, a museum, and a gift store offering unique hand-crafted treasures from Southern Appalachian crafters. The center is fully wheelchair-accessible for those with mobility issues.
Hidden Gems on Blue Ridge Parkway
And for those looking for lesser-known destinations that are well worth the stop, try these hidden gems.
Floyd Country Store Ice Cream and Music Jams
Floyd Country Store in Virginia is the perfect affordable stop for hand-dipped Hershey's ice cream and a selection of old-fashioned milkshakes, malts, sodas, and sundaes. Plan your stop for a Sunday, bring your musical instrument, and join their free Sunday Old-Time Music Jam from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. or their Bluegrass Jam from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Flat Rock Trail
The Flat Rock Trail at Milepost 308 is a lesser-known but perfect quick stop. It offers a 1.6-mile family-friendly loop trail that almost anyone can traverse and enjoy the stunning views. You will see many "bathtubs" of shallow rock basins formed by rain, wind, and cold, a massive outcrop of quartzite interlaced with white quartz, and panoramic views of Linville Gorge and Grandfather Mountain.
Doughton Park
Doughton Park at Milepost 241 offers a rolling meadow landscape that is one of the best places along the route to view wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bobcats, red and grey foxes, and raccoons. There’s also the historic Brinegar Cabin, where craft demonstrations are held, the seasonal historic Bluffs Restaurant, and many short hikes like the Fodder Stack Trail or the more strenuous 7.5-mile Bluff Mountain Trail. Make a night of it, camp under the stars, and enjoy a peaceful escape.
What to Pack
Your road trip gear essentials should, at a minimum, include the following items, plus any other personal items you may want:
Tent, sleeping bags, and pillows if you plan to camp
EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator to keep your food at food-safe temperatures. It lasts 40 hours wirelessly and can be recharged using DC, AC, a power station, or portable solar panels.
First aid kit
Emergency roadside kit for your car
Drinking water and reusable water bottles
Granola bars or trail mix for hiking
The EcoFlow RIVER 3 is a must-have for powering any camping trip. It’s compact and portable yet powerful enough to run your camping lights at night and recharge all your devices for the road.
Sunscreen and bug spray
Quality hiking shoes
What Car is Best to Drive Blue Ridge Parkway?
Winding roads make compact cars, family sedans, and sports cars superior options to trucks or SUVs since they handle the windy curves better. A nice, comfortable sedan is best for those traveling with their family, but a sports car is ideal for solo adventurers or couples.
No matter what vehicle you choose, including trucks, SUVs, and RVs, consider installing the EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger. It will charge your portable refrigerator, air conditioner, heater, or EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series Portable Power Station. At the same time, it will help keep your battery in mint condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Part of Blue Ridge Parkway To Go To?
There are many great stops, but Mount Mitchell State Park is one of the most popular destinations. It offers plenty of scenic hikes for all abilities, accessible panoramic views, endangered plants and wildlife, and excellent camping opportunities with a museum, restaurant, gift shop, and more.
Final Thoughts
The Blue Ridge Parkway is more than just a scenic drive; it’s a full-on adventure through some of America’s most breathtaking landscapes. Whether chasing waterfalls, soaking in panoramic mountain views, or stopping for a surprise music jam in a small town, this trip offers something for every traveler. Pack smart, take your time, and don’t forget the comforts that make off-grid travel easier. With reliable gear like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series Portable Power Station, you can stay connected, comfortable, and powered up wherever the road takes you.