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Blue Ridge Parkway: Roanoke to Peaks of Otter, Blue Ridge, Virginia
Photo: Acroterion · CC BY-SA 4.0

Drives Virginia Roanoke and Southwest Virginia

Blue Ridge Parkway: Roanoke to Peaks of Otter

Blue Ridge Parkway · Roanoke → Peaks of Otter

Sweeping23 mi40 min3,200 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,600 ftOne way
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The drive

This drive follows the Blue Ridge Parkway north from the Roanoke area near US 460 to Peaks of Otter, 22.7 miles in about 40 minutes. Peaks of Otter, at miles 84 to 87, has three mountain peaks, popular viewing sites and a shuttle bus to Sharp Top.

The curves are mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch. The road reconstruction between MP 95.9 and 106 is complete, and so is the pavement work at MP 86 to 89.

Along the way

  1. Roanoke (US-460)
  2. Parkway
  3. Peaks of Otter (VA-43)
Elevation
3,200 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,600 ft
RoanokePeaks of Otter
Curves
Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch
RoanokePeaks of Otter
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The Parkway has no fee, and its speed limit is never higher than 45 mph.
  • Commercial vehicles are prohibited on the Parkway unless approved by the Park Service.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Blue Ridge Parkway: road status and closures.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Blue Ridge Parkway from Roanoke to Peaks of Otter take?

The 22.7 miles from Roanoke to Peaks of Otter take about 40 minutes.

Is there a fee for the Blue Ridge Parkway?

No. The Parkway has no fee to drive.

What is at Peaks of Otter?

Peaks of Otter, at miles 84 to 87 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, has three mountain peaks, popular viewing sites and a shuttle bus to Sharp Top.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Blue Ridge Parkway: Roanoke to Peaks of Otter, from Roanoke to Peaks of Otter