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That's right, construction began Sept. 11, 1935 near Cumberland Knob!! The Blue Ridge Parkway was the brainchild of President Roosevelt,
who envisioned a national highway that followed along the mountain tops.
More than 250 of the entire 469 mile parkway winds through North
Carolina's mountains. Loaded with breathtaking views at nearly every turn, the
parkway is a popular destination or journey. Relax anywhere along the
route and enjoy your tax dollars at work. The National Park System provides
excellent facilities for camping, picnicking, hiking, and cruising. Nearby
communities also provide the modern conveniences that some folks just won't compromise.
15 million annual visitors can't be wrong!!
For more info, visit www.nps.gov or
plan your visit
here...
Updates on current Parkway
closures
according to the National Park Service --July 2011
North Carolina
For weather-related closures which can change
rapidly this time of year, call the park information line at (828) 298 0398.
Cruising
| Nothing much to do where you live? Can't decide where to go and what to do?
Hit the Blue Ridge Parkway for an afternoon drive. Whether tis' the season for
enjoying the fall foliage, spring's awakening, or summer splendor, this is the
place to be seen or not to be seen. Elevations vary along the parkway between
three and six thousand feet quite regularly! Therefore, always prepare for any
of mother nature's extremes at any time. Reports of snow atop Mt. Mitchell in
June have occurred. The Blue Ridge Parkway provides unlimited detours for the
curious explorer. We recommend the Nike approach. Many
diversions are a plenty including but not limited to the following waterfalls:
Looking Glass Falls, Yellowstone Falls,
Crabtree Falls, or
Linville Falls, along the parkway. |
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American Motorcyclist named 3 roads in Western NC among the
top 15 best in America to ride. AMA members ranked The Blue Ridge Parkway
# 2, US 129 The Dragon #3, and The Cherohala Skyway
#7.
If you enjoy taking a hike, than the parkway can be a fantastic destination
during any season. There are dozens of trails along the
parkway to hike, but just beware that many times the length of the trail you are
about to venture upon is listed as one way. Have you ever hiked a 1.5 mile trail
only to be discouraged by the dreaded return hike?Please don't misunderstand
us, there's little else we'd rather do, however, one can get tired, and that
makes for a challenging return home if you are on a daytrip and/or hungry
because you ate all the snacks, etc..... (Which is generally
the way we explore the parkway ourselves)
If you really enjoy hiking, you can't
beat Grandfather Mtn., especially in the fall. Invest in a season pass to take
full advantage of the entire mountain all year long. McRae's peak, the attic
window, the mile high swinging bridge, or the nature reserve all offer something
for everyone. Certainly a year's worth of family recreation and entertainment
that can't be accomplished in a only one day! If you arrive their via the
parkway, chances are you'll travel over the Linn Cove viaduct, which upon its
completion, linked the northern and southern parts of the parkway.
Campgrounds:
Late September @ Price Lake
- Doughton Park----MP 239.0
- Julian Price-----MP 297.0
- Linville Falls---MP 316.3
- Crabtree Meadows-MP 339.5
- Mt. Pisgah-------MP 408.6
*All campgrounds on first come first serve basis and have at least (1)
wheelchair usable site
*Fee is $10/ night plus $2 each for more than (2) adults (Although it's been
a couple years so I don't know if this has been adjusted for inflation!!)
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