Blue Ridge Parkway (Southern High Peaks Section)
The most dramatic alpine stretch of the entire 469-mile Parkway, traversing the Black Mountains, Craggy Gardens, Balsam Mountains, and Pisgah Ridge before descending into the Qualla Boundary at Cherokee. Climbs to 6,053 feet at Richland Balsam (the highest point on the entire Parkway) and features over two dozen hand-chiseled stone tunnels. Strict 45 mph speed limits, zero commercial vehicles, and gentle cambered sweepers make it the definitive scenic touring corridor. Watch out for sudden ridgeline fog, stray black bears, and cold morning dew on bridge decks.
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Rider-Friendly Lodging
Swiss-Alpine mountaintop resort perched at Milepost 334 on the crest of the Blue Ridge Parkway at 3,500 feet elevation. Features custom-designed rider accommodations with covered bike stalls right outside your door, offering dramatic vistas into the deep Catawba Valley.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many curves and miles is Blue Ridge Parkway (Southern High Peaks Section)? ▼
Blue Ridge Parkway (Southern High Peaks Section) spans 129 miles and packs approximately 580 curves (4.5 curves per mile) with an elevation delta of 2,040 ft - 6,053 ft and technical rating 5.5/10.
Where are the start and end coordinates? ▼
The route starts at Crabtree Falls MP 340, NC (Latitude 35.7981, Longitude -82.1895) and finishes at Cherokee / Great Smoky Mountains MP 469, NC (Latitude 35.5113, Longitude -83.3056).
How can I download the GPX file for GPS navigation? ▼
Click the "Download Free GPX" button on this guide. The standard XML file is 100% free and ready to load into Garmin zūmo, BMW Motorrad Connected, Rever, Scenic, or Google Maps.