Blue Ridge Parkway Detour - Virginia's Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Parkway Detour Information - Roanoke, VA

A section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is currently closed around the Roanoke area in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

As a result of heavy rains and landslides, the Blue Ridge Parkway is currently closed from Milepost 121.4 to Milepost 135.9. A major road hazard at Milepost 127.9 has led to the closure. According to the National Park Service, this is a complex road failure that will require extensive repairs. This section is closed to motor vehicles and all recreational activities.

The repair and reopening of this section is expected by Spring 2023.

Learn More: National Park Service News Release (9/20/22) >

While we look forward to when this section of the Parkway will eventually re-open, we have created a special detour route that you can utilize as part of your visit to the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge. This route still features beautiful views and it also introduces you to some of the unique things to do in our region in Southwest Roanoke County and along Route 419.

The Blue Ridge Parkway access points for this detour route are U.S. 220 at Milepost 121.4 (North) and Route 221 at Parkway Milepost 135.9 (South).

This Google Map shows the recommended route for the detour between Milepost 121.4 and Milepost 135.9.

Detour Directions

Detour Length: 17.1 Miles
Time: 28 Minutes

Traveling South on the Parkway - Milepost 121.4 to Milepost 135.9

Here are step-by-step directions from Google Maps for how to complete this route from getting off the Parkway at U.S. Route 220 at Milepost 121.4 and traveling south to get back on the Parkway at Milepost 135.9.

Turn right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at U.S. 220 (Milepost 121.4)
Turn right to go north on U.S. 220
Continue north on U.S. 220/Franklin Road - 1.5 mi
Use the right lane to take the VA-419 N/US-220 BUS/Franklin Rd. Ramp to Salem
Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto US-220 BUS/419 N/Franklin Rd SW
Continue on Route 419/Electric Road - 2.2 mi
Turn left on US-221 S/Brambleton Ave - 13.0 mi
Turn left - 0.29 mi
Slight right to go south on the Parkway

Traveling North on the Parkway - Milepost 135.9 to Milepost 121.4

Here are step-by-step directions from Google Maps for how to complete this route from getting off the Parkway at Route 221 and traveling north to get back on the Parkway from U.S. 220 at Milepost 121.4.

Turn left off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 135.9 toward US 221/Bent Mountain Road
Turn right onto US-221 N - 13.0 mi
Turn right onto Route 419/Electric Road - 2.2 mi
Turn right onto the U.S. 220 S Ramp to Martinsville
Continue south on U.S. 220/Franklin Road SW - 1.5 mi
Take the ramp on the right to access the Blue Ridge Parkway
Turn right to continue north on the Parkway

Parkway Detour - Places of Interest

Along this special Parkway Detour in Virginia's Blue Ridge, you can find many fun things to do, including hiking trails, shopping, restaurants, and places to spend the night.

Route 221 & Bent Mountain

Near the Route 221 access point at Parkway Milepost 135.9, take some time to check out some of the following unique experiences:

AmRhein's Wine Cellars - a family-owned winery on Bent Mountain specializing in wines with a German influence
Bottom Creek Gorge - a nature preserve with a trail system for hiking and views of the 2nd highest waterfall in Virginia
Grateful Produce - pick up some local fruits, vegetables, and other fun items at this produce store that is owned and operated by local Bent Mountain farmers
Happy Hollow Gardens Park - a hidden gem of the Roanoke County Parks system and a great spot for a quick walk in the woods along the 2 miles of dirt trails. The park is especially striking in the spring with its stunning display of azaleas

Route 419 & Electric Road

Along Route 419 and Electric Road, you'll find a vibrant commercial district as part of Roanoke County, with many local options for food & drink, areas for shopping, and hotels for an overnight stay.

Food & Drink: Remini's (Italian), Katie's Ice Cream & Chocolates, Elderberry's (Smoothies), 419 West (American), Macado's (Sandwiches & Sports Bar), Ben Gui (Sushi), Bellacino's (Pizzas & Subs), Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea, Full Moon Cafe (Breakfast & Bakery), Barrel Chest Wine & Beer, Szechuan (Chinese), Great 611 Steak Company (American), Montano's (International), Wine Gourmet (Wine & Beer)
Shopping: RunAbout Sports Roanoke, Fleet Feet Sports Roanoke, Blue Mountain Gems, Davidsons, Fink's Jewelers, Frantz Diamonds & Jewelry, Halifax Fine Furnishings, Oliveto, Tanglewood Mall, The Forum Shopping Center, Promenade Park Shopping Center
Hotels & Places to Stay: Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Tanglewood, Quality Inn Tanglewood, Sleep Inn Tanglewood

We hope you enjoy your Blue Ridge Parkway detour in Virginia’s Blue Ridge and visit a few local businesses along the way! To learn more about the region and things to do, sign up to receive our free monthly e-newsletter and follow us on social media.

To learn more about the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit the National Park Service website.