Can you drink alcohol on Blue Ridge Parkway? Hike off-trail? What to know this summer

ASHEVILLE - The Blue Ridge Parkway, the most-visited site in the National Park Service, is sure to see high numbers of sightseers, hikers, campers, picnickers and of course, drivers this July, historically among its busiest months.

The scenic byway snakes the Blue Ridge Mountains for 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smokies in Cherokee, along crests, ridges and valleys of five major mountain ranges, according to the NPS, punctuated by scenic overlooks, recreation areas, trails, historic sites and visitor centers.

The parkway had 16.7 million visitors in 2023, up from 15.7 million in 2022, a 6% bump, with slight increases across most months of the years.

But what should you know to traverse the parkway? Spokesperson Leesa Brandon weighed in.

6 things to know about visiting the parkway this summer

How fast (or slow) should I drive?

While visitors should enjoy the parkway's stunning views, it was designed for "leisurely motor recreating." Meaning: no need to rush.

“The way that this road was designed to fit into the landscape means that it’s a trickier road to drive than other roads. There is limited sight distance (and) unforgiving road shoulders; it really does require full focus," Brandon told the Citizen Times July 9.

The safest way to enjoy the views is to pull off at an overlook, she said. From accident statistics, she said that speed and inattention, "over and over and over again," are the primary factors that lead to parkway motor vehicle accidents.

She said people should stay within the posted speed limits, which don’t exceed 45 mph anywhere on the parkway and are lower in congested areas, including surrounding Asheville, where it drops to 35 mph.

Can I drink alcohol on the parkway?

While an overlook or pull-off may seem like the perfect spot enjoy a beer or a glass of wine on a picnic or at sunset, it is illegal and could bring a fine.

The federal law pertains to any kind of alcohol, and to everyone, whether driving or not, the Citizen Times has reported. Drinking alcohol or having an open container is also prohibited on trails, trailheads and any public use area, such as Craggy Gardens Pinnacle.

Following are exceptions to the rule:

• Designated picnic areas between 8 a.m.-9 p.m. (Overlooks not included).

• In developed campgrounds by registered campground users and their guests.

• People legally occupying backcountry camping areas overnight.

• Employee residential areas.

• Special events with the superintendent's approval.

• Concession-operated lodging and dining facilities.

Can I hike off-trail?

It may be tempting, while hiking, to look for shortcuts and bushwhack to eliminate some of those pesky switchbacks, but "people need to stay on authorized trails for so many reasons. To be good stewards of the resource, in particular,” Brandon said.

Any trail that is not authorized on the parkway is considered a "social trail," an unofficial, user-created path that forms over time. But they are not maintained, are more dangerous to visitors, and use over time can damage natural resources within the park boundary, she said.

Pro tip: plan ahead

“Key to a memorable parkway experience is planning ahead," Brandon said. A lot of planning can be done in advance via NPS's website.

A complete schedule of facility and road closures can be found at nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm.

Find operating hours and seasons at nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/hours.htm.

Nearly all of the picnic areas in WNC are now open, including Price Park near Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls, Crabtree Falls, Craggy Gardens and Mount Pisgah. In addition, the Pisgah Inn and Restaurant and the Mount Mitchell Cafe and Eatery are both open.

Price Park Campground and boat rentals and Linville Falls Campground opened in April. Crabtree Falls and Mount Pisgah campgrounds opened in May.

Campground reservations can be made at recreation.gov. 

While most WNC visitor centers also opened in April, Linn Cove Visitor Center is closed. Visitor centers at Linville Falls, North Carolina Museum of Minerals, Craggy Gardens, Folk Art Center, Asheville Visitor Center and Waterrock Knob are all open.

What kinds of wildlife could I see on the parkway?

The parkway boundary is relatively narrow, Brandon said, so in the southern section near Asheville, you might see wildlife found in nearby natural areas, including: wild turkeys; deer, especially in the evening and dusk hours, with lots of fawns this time of year; and, of course, black bears, especially along the Asheville corridor.

"Make sure the wildlife stays wild by keeping your distance,” she said. And while hiking, be aware of ticks, snakes and spiders.

Visitors are encouraged to prevent bear interactions by practicing the following:

• Do not store food in tents.

• Properly store food and scented items like toothpaste by using a bear-proof container.

• Clean up food or garbage around fire rings, grills, or other areas of your campsite.

• Do not leave food unattended.

• Never run away from a bear; back away slowly and make lots of noise.

More: 'Shocked' Blue Ridge Parkway traveler recounts seeing visitors 'inches' from black bear

What sites should I visit?

“Asheville is really a great starting point for the Blue Ridge Parkway because you can drive just a short distance to the north, or a short distance to the south from Asheville proper and really be in a quintessential parkway experience," Brandon said.

Heading north, visitors will find Craggy Gardens at Milepost 364, with its beautiful 360-degree views accessible via a 20-minute hike, a visitor center, picnic area and more trails. Going south leads to Mount Pisgah, MP 408, with a trail to the summit, campground, historic lodge and picnic area.

If trailheads or picnic areas are highly trafficked, drive to the next spot.

"The way the parkway was built, it really lends itself to, at regular intervals, beautiful vistas, drives, scenic views, trails and other kinds of ride-a-while, stop-a-while experiences up and down the whole length of the parkway," Brandon said.

"Try to find a part of the parkway you’ve never explored before.”

More: Summer hikes in Asheville: stunning Blue Ridge Parkway excursions with a view

More: Asheville-based makers of the ENO hammock, popular outdoors brand, celebrates 25 years

Sarah Honosky is the city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. News Tips? Email [email protected] or message on Twitter at @slhonosky. Please support local, daily journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Blue Ridge Parkway: What to know while planning a trip this summer