Become a Junior Parkway Ranger!
The Blue Ridge Parkway’s free kid’s booklet full of entertaining and educational games, puzzles, and activities deepens a child’s understanding of our national parks and the natural world they protect. Pick up one at many Parkway locations or request one before your trip (call 828-298-0398, or click here). Completion of the booklet earns youngsters a badge and Junior Ranger certificate. Teachers: Parkway Rangers offer environmental education activities at nearby schools (winter) and at Parkway sites (spring). These efforts, geared to North Carolina and Virginia curricula, are popular so reserve in advance.

 

Take Parker Along for the Ride
Parker, the Bear that Shares, is a cuddly stuffed bear coin bank companion for a Parkway trip. Buy Parker from the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, a private organization that raises money to benefit otherwise unfunded Parkway initiatives. Each bear comes with username access to a fun Web site of interpretive activities for a Parkway visit. Parker encourages saving for things you care about, including funding of new Parkway facilities and preservation of Parkway-adjacent property. Check out the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. For additional ways to support the protection of the Parkway, also check out the Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

 

Explore More

 

Basics of the Parkway

Camping on the Parkway

Climb the Highest Peaks by Car

Fishing on the Parkway

Hiking on the Parkway

Linn Cove Viaduct

Nature on the Parkway

Picnic on the Parkway

Visitor Centers and Cabins

 

Dive into our Interactive Map!

 

Zoom in close on the map below (use the plus sign and directional arrows at upper left, or repeatedly double click near, but not on, the map symbols). You can literally see the parking lots for Parkway destinations in this guide. Click any map symbol and information packed balloons pop up to describe locations all along the route. In the map balloons, click "Directions" to add your address and get step-by-step directions to Parkway locations from wherever you are. Start in the north, follow the road south, for a local's introduction to your own Boone-area Parkway adventure.