The Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway, known as "America's Favorite Drive," wanders 469 miles from just south of Shenandoah National Park in Northern Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Following the Appalachian Mountain chain, the parkway ranges in elevation from 600 to 6,000 feet.

The route winds through blue-tinted mountains, rolling hills, forest and farmland. Wildlife abounds, and every season of the year offers a new set of colors, textures and vistas.

The section of the parkway that winds past Roanoke is no exception . The wildlife along the road includes 100 species of trees, according to virginia.org, the state's official Web site, along with a variety of flowering shrubs and wildflowers as well 54 different mammals and 59 species of birds.

In keeping with the "Virginia is for Lovers" theme, the parkway offers various romantic amenities, including beautiful overlooks and meals at restaurants in the cities along the way.

Hikers will also find a number of trails on the parkway for all skill levels.

Blue Ridge Parkway (Vinton Ranger Station)
2551 Mountain View Road
Vinton, VA 24179
Phone: (540) 857-2213