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Blue Ridge Parkway
4.9 ★★★★★ 837 Google reviews · Running trail in Asheville, North Carolina · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Blue Ridge Parkway's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic mountain drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway featuring many overlooks, hiking trails, and visitor center.
What runners say about Blue Ridge Parkway
“Blue Ridge Parkway: America's Favorite Drive The Blue Ridge Parkway is not merely a road; it is a 469-mile-long linear park and an absolute masterpiece of scenic design.”
“Traveling through North Carolina, every mile unfolds calm beauty and quiet wonder, making this scenic drive one you’ll want to revisit in every season.”
The drive, the hikes, the views and the company- we could have spent the whole day at the Blue Ridge Parkway. There were TONS of overlooks for Grandfather Mountain right off the road, so you could easily bring the whole family without kids/grandparents getting worn out.
We went to stargaze on the Blue Ridge Mountains. It started out cloudy, but then it cleared for a beautiful view of the stars. We have been to the Blue Ridge Parkway many times to hike the trails which don’t disappoint, especially to the many waterfalls on the Parkway.
Breath taking Views along the route and at each pull out. I drove from Soco Gap to the Exit in Asheville stopping at Devils Courthouse the first day and camping down off of hwy 215 then continuing the second day.
A lovely way to slow down, enjoy the beautiful scenery, check out a waterfall or two and hike. Be sure to plan your drive to allow for a stop at the Cradle of Forestry and catch the 30 minute film. Time well spent!
Trail conditions & character
“Blue Ridge Parkway: America's Favorite Drive The Blue Ridge Parkway is not merely a road; it is a 469-mile-long linear park and an absolute masterpiece of scenic design.”
“Miles of hiking trails, like those leading to Linville Falls or the challenging climb up Sharp Top at Peaks of Otter, beckon you to explore the rich biodiversity up close.”
“Traveling through North Carolina, every mile unfolds calm beauty and quiet wonder, making this scenic drive one you’ll want to revisit in every season.”
Plan your run at Blue Ridge Parkway
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Websiteblueridgeparkway.org
- Phone(865) 436-1200
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Asheville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Collier Cove Nature Preserve
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Steep, forested hillsides featuring loop trails with scenic vistas and benches.
Carrier Park
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Sports facilities from roller hockey to lawn bowling, plus trails, picnic space & river views.
The North Carolina Arboretum
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Arboretum in a forest with mountain views, gardens & a bonsai exhibit, plus hiking & biking paths.