You could do part of the drive in two days. (It's 469 miles in distance). If you want to stop to see various places along the way, and drive the posted speed limit, this would be your best option. Road conditions vary due to weather. It's best to check their website before heading out, because in the mountains weather can change quickly. The roads are good, but check to see where construction is happening, so you can totally avoid these areas. It can cause altitude sickness, if you are not used to the sudden changes in elevation. There are some very steep drop offs that you will be viewing as you travel this beautiful highway. It all just really depends on what you are comfortable with doing, and what seems a bit over the top. Overlooks can cause some folks to become dizzy, if they look straight down into the shear drop offs. Go to their website and view the photo's to get a better understanding of what you will be encountering, along this scenic drive. Have fun & please drive safely.

Check on Google maps, they give a good time estimate

I would highly recommend the Tapoco Lodge as a stop over , great Cabins and hotel room accommodations , and the best wood oven fired pizza the North Carolina mountains has to offer right on the side of the river. and have him watch the movie " The Fugitive" with harrrison ford , was filmed in the area ( the DAM JUMP OFF SCENE) , you tow would enjoy the area and Tail of the Dragon !

It’s beautiful and just about 40 miles from Asheville NC which I highly recommend stopping and playing a day/evening around. Great sites. Amazing food.

Hi! From the Raleigh area, I would recommend getting on the Parkway around Blowing Rock, NC and traveling south. You can access the Parkway at a couple of locations from this area. Blowing Rock and Boone have a ton of hotels and cabin rentals available. My children attended Appalachian State University and we visit that part of the Parkway often. This route will take you by the Moses Cone Memorial Park, numerous hiking trails, Price Lake, Lynn Cove Viaduct, Grandfather Mountain exit, and Linville Falls area. There are tons of overlooks, picnic areas, and places for littles to explore. Tweetsie Railroad is fun for littles as well. My daughter has a 2 year old and a 4 year old and they enjoy this route of the Parkway. Be sure to check out the fall foliage calendar for the time the leaves begin to change. It is pretty spot on accurate each year. Hope you and your family have a wonderful time and enjoy the Parkway as much as we do!

I'm wondering if it is actually on Bear Rock Road? In the past they have not allowed links to be posted in these answers but I will try posting one below. If that doesn't show up try googling "map bear rock road" and clicking on the image that appears. Okay, I tried with the link and got the following message: Sorry, questions may not include HTML or website links. Please edit your answer. So you need to try googling what I mentioned above.

Not it Canada. NC and VA only.