The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic, 469-mile-long road that connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway is located near Cherokee, North Carolina, at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Parkway, which is renowned for its picturesque views and numerous recreational opportunities, follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing stunning vistas of the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and exploring various historic sites along the route.
The southern end also known as the south end of the Blue Ridge Parkway offers access to several popular points of interest, including the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, the Mountain Farm Museum, and the Mingus Mill, as well as several trailheads for hiking. The area is also home to the Qualla Boundary, the land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, where you can explore the rich cultural history of the Cherokee people.
Whether you’re driving the entire length of the Parkway or just exploring a small section, the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful and enriching destination to experience the natural beauty and history of the region.
