We visited the famed parkway in the third week of October. There are wonderful fall colors at higher elevations at this time of October. If someone wants to enjoy the colors at lower levels, that would be more like in the last week of the month. The easiest way to access the parkway from Roanoke is to take Rt. 220. Google map points this as Blue Ridge Pkway, Roanoke. Once you are on the pkway, switch off the google map and just follow the road, as the app will try to take you to other roads for speedier travel time. Speed limit is 45 mph in most parts of this section of parkway, and curves on the way are not hairpin or hair raising. What struck us during driving here over most part of morning and early afternoon that there is no dining facilities en route and whatever just few toilets or potty are there, they were closed due to government shutdown. Plan to take your lunch and have an exit plan in case you have a call of nature. I am happy to visit the parkway but not swept away. At least the parkway was open unlike so many national parks.

Stopped in to enjoy the sunset at the saddle overlook on a Sunday evening. Stayed long enough to watch the moon rise too. The wind was cold so didn’t stay long. Beautiful views, beautiful photos.

We have traveled much of the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Georgia, however, this was the first time that we had attended in Virginia. Simply gorgeous. We missed the turning of the color of the leaves, but it still was amazing.

We actually drove the Parkway from Meadows of Dan to Waynesboro. The colors were spectacular! It was a pleasant drive and totally enjoyable.

Beautiful drive! I'm so glad we took the extra time to drive part of this scenic bypass. The overlooks are beautiful and it was nice and quiet (no cars) up there. We even got some snowflakes!