Blue Ridge Parkway

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.

For more info, visit www.nps.gov.

Updates on current Parkway closures according to the National Park Service on 02/20/11

North Carolina

For weather-related closures which can change rapidly this time of year, call the park information line at (828) 298 0398.

Several winter storms in December and January have left icy conditions on the Parkway in both states and driving is not recommended even in ungated sections. Weather-related closures are unpredictable and sometimes fast-changing. These are updated at the park information line as they occur at (828) 298 0398.

MILEPOST 241 – 244.7

The Blue Ridge Parkway will be closed to all traffic from Milepost 241 near the Bluffs Coffee Shop to Milepost 244.7 at Basin Cove Parking Overlook beginning November 2, 2010, and lasting until Spring 2011. Due to dangerous conditions in the work zone, all traffic by foot, bicycle, and motor vehicle will be prohibited. Detour traffic signage will direct Parkway visitors around the closure area via NC Route 18 and US Highway 21. Access to the Bluffs Lodge and Coffee Shop will remain open from the north via the Parkway. Signs will be in place to direct visitors to the Bluffs Lodge and Coffee Shop. Upon completion of the first phase of construction, additional closures and detours will follow between Milepost 218 near Cumberland Knob and Milepost 240.7 near Doughton Park. Project work is scheduled to be complete in the Summer of 2012. Click here for a map of the detour route

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.

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.

Hiking

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!!)