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Blue Ridge Parkway: Rockfish Gap to Otter Creek, Blue Ridge, Virginia
Photo: TheBlackpack3r · CC BY-SA 4.0

Drives Virginia Shenandoah and the Virginia Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Parkway: Rockfish Gap to Otter Creek

Blue Ridge Parkway · Rockfish Gap → Otter Creek

Sweeping62 mi2 hr 10 min5,400 ft climbHigh point ≈ 3,300 ftOne way
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The drive

The Blue Ridge Parkway begins at Rockfish Gap, milepost 0, near Waynesboro, where it meets the south end of Skyline Drive. This drive follows the first 61.8 miles south in about 2 hr 10 min, with mostly moderate curves and two twisty stretches.

Early on, the Humpback Rocks area (miles 5 to 9.3) has a self-guiding trail through old Appalachian farm buildings and a hike up to The Rocks. The drive ends near Otter Creek, just before the James River bridge, which is closed for rehabilitation.

Along the way

  1. Rockfish Gap (US-250)
  2. Parkway
  3. Otter Creek
Elevation
5,400 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 3,300 ft
Rockfish GapOtter Creek
Curves
Mostly moderate, with two twisty stretches
Rockfish GapOtter Creek
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The Parkway has no fee, and its speed limit is never higher than 45 mph.
  • The James River bridge at MP 63.5 to 63.9 is closed for rehabilitation, with detour signs in place from MP 61.4 to 64; this drive ends before it.
  • The Otter Creek Restaurant at MP 60.8 is closed.
  • 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

Is there a fee to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway from Rockfish Gap?

No. The Blue Ridge Parkway has no fee to drive.

How long does the Blue Ridge Parkway from Rockfish Gap to Otter Creek take?

The 61.8 miles from Rockfish Gap to Otter Creek take about 2 hr 10 min.

Is the Blue Ridge Parkway closed near the James River?

Yes. The James River bridge at MP 63.5 to 63.9 is closed for rehabilitation, with detour signs from MP 61.4 to 64. The Rockfish Gap to Otter Creek drive ends before it.

Where does the Blue Ridge Parkway start?

The Blue Ridge Parkway starts at Rockfish Gap near Waynesboro, Virginia, where it connects to Skyline Drive.

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.
Drive it with no signalAPEXDownload the map and every turn before you go.
Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.
Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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More drives near here

Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

Map of Blue Ridge Parkway: Rockfish Gap to Otter Creek, from Rockfish Gap to Otter Creek