The Blue Ridge Parkway

“Experience America’s Favorite Drive” and a haven for cyclists and hikers.

Outstanding scenery and recreational opportunities make the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the most visited sections of the National Park System. The Parkway incorporates numerous campgrounds, picnic areas and trails.

With about 40 miles of the Parkway running along the southern border of Floyd County. The Blue Ridge Parkway is only six miles from the heart of Floyd and our only stoplight.

Along this stretch of the Parkway are Rocky Knob and Smart View Recreational Areas, Rock Castle Gorge National Recreational Area, and Mabry Mill, which is the most photographed site on the Parkway.

 

Blue Ridge Parkway Detour Information

Between now and Spring 2022, if you are driving South on the Blue Ridge Parkway to visit Floyd, VA, you will encounter a detour from Milepost 112.2 (Route 24 near Vinton) to Milepost 136 (Route 221 on Bent Mountain). The road closure will allow the National Park Service to complete repairs on the Roanoke River Bridge at Milepost 114 and also repairing a road hazard at Milepost 127.9 that was caused by heavy rains and landslides. To help you navigate the detour, here is a route you can utilize to get you to Floyd, VA.

Detour Directions Traveling South

Detour Length: 26 Miles
Time: 45 Minutes

Here are step-by-step directions from Google Maps for how to complete this route from getting off the Parkway at Route 24 and traveling south to get back on the Parkway at Milepost 136.

  • -Turn left off the Blue Ridge Parkway at VA-24 (Milepost 112.4) onto E Washington Ave
  • -Turn left onto Bypass Road - 1.8 mi
  • -Turn left for US-220 South - 3.5 mi
  • -Take the exit onto SR-419 North - 3.3 mi
  • -Keep right onto SR-419 N - 800 ft
  • -Turn left onto Brambleton Ave SW- 2 mi
  • -Continue on US-221 S/Brambleton Ave SW - 13 mi

At this point, you can get back on the Blue Ridge Parkway and continue to Milepost 165 to exit right onto Route 8 and drive 6 miles to the Town of Floyd. You are also able to continue on US-221S/Floyd Hwy N for 21 miles to bring you straight to the Town of Floyd.

 

Places to Stop and Places to Stay along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Chateau Morrisette - 291 Winery Road SW, Floyd, VA 24091

Winery tours, wine tastings, festivals, special events, and scenic views just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Open Daily.

 

 

Rocky Knob Recreation Area- Trails, Campground & Visitor Center - 1670 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Floyd, VA 24091

One of the first developed areas on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offers camping, picnicking, and wonderful opportunities for hiking.

Rocky Knob Visitor Center opens May 24 Weekends only, Sat. - Sun., 10:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.

 

 

Buffalo Mountain Ziplines - 3253 Black Ridge Rd SW, Floyd, Virginia 24091

Buffalo Mountain Ziplines is home to a mixed forest canopy with it's own bird, plant, and animal life, which our guided tour is designed to introduce you to as you glide along from tree to tree!
Buffalo Mountain Ziplines strives to maintain the feel of the jungle without leaving Virginia! So, come and enjoy your exciting tour at Buffalo Mountain Ziplines and experience PLENTY of NATURE!

 

Mabry Mill - 266 Mabry Mill Rd SE, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120

A special and unique part of history is found here at Mabry Mill. Originally built in 1910, the historic water-powered grist mill, sawmill, and nearby blacksmith shop provide a view of pioneer life along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Self-guided tours include a sorghum mill, soap-making kettle, and an "old-time" whiskey still.

Enjoy Mabry Mill Restaurant's renowned buckwheat cakes, country ham, and Virginia barbeque during your visit to the most famous attraction along the Parkway.

Afterwards, stop by the Gift Shop and pick up your own pack of grits, cornmeal, and buckwheat flour to take home for yourself or as a gift.

 

There are many more places to visit including the Town of Floyd which is only 6 miles off of the Blue Ridge Parkway!

Overlooks and stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway

  • -The Saddle Overlook
  • -Rock Castle Gorge Overlook
  • -Rakes Mill Pond
  • -Pine Spur Overlook
  • -Devil's Backbone Overlook

 

See EXPLORE - Outdoor Recreation pages on this site for more outdoor information.

For information about the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/