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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.
Updates on current Parkway closures according to the National Park Service
on 5/26/08
Milepost 367.6 to 355.3 – Asheville Area
A rockslide and roadway failure has closed the Parkway to all activities
including foot traffic and bicycling between the entrance to Craggy Gardens
Picnic Area and the entrance to Mt. Mitchell State Park. The picnic area is
accessible driving north from the Asheville area and the state park is
accessible via the NC Highway 80 entrance to the Parkway. This road closure
will remain in effect until late spring 2009.
Milepost 285.5 to 291.8 – Boone/Blowing Rock Area
Goshen Creek Bridge repair has closed the Parkway between US Route 421 east
of Boone, NC and US Route 321 south of Boone. The detour will begin for visitors
traveling south at milepost 285.5, Bamboo Gap. Visitors will follow state road
(SR) 1514 Bamboo Road to Deerfield Road, following the detour signs along US
Route 321 south of Boone then connecting back to the Parkway at milepost 291.8.
Visitors traveling north will begin the detour at milepost 291.8,
intersection US Route 321; follow the detour signs along US321 to state route
1514 Deerfield Road to Bamboo Road which will bring them back to the Parkway at
milepost 285.5. The total detour is estimated to be approximately 8 miles.
Bridge repair is anticipated to be complete by late December 2008.
Milepost 223-225 – Near NC/VA Line
Pine Creek Bridge repair has closed the Parkway just south of the Cumberland
Knob Developed Area, milepost 217.5 and US Highway 21 at milepost 229. The
detour will begin for visitor traveling south, at milepost 221.8, NC state road
(SR) 1461, Saddle Mountain Church Road and follow the detour signs to Glade
Valley Road, then on to Shaw Town Road and then on to Mountain View Road
connecting back to the Parkway at milepost 226.3.
Visitors traveling north the detour will begin at milepost 226.3, NC-SR1433,
Mountain View Road following the detour signs to Shaw Town Road, then turning on
to Glade Valley Road connecting with Saddle Mountain Church Road that will bring
you back to the Parkway at milepost 221.8. Bridge repair is anticipated to be
complete by early October 2008.
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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Hiking
If you enjoy taking a hike, than the parkway can be a fantastic destination,
especially as the fall season is upon us. 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. (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
Visit our partners @:
- Mayberry Country Store adjacent to Snappy Lunch, Main St. in Mt. Airy!
- In Wilkesboro, @Raebles,
1000 West River St. for the finest Gifts, Foods, Candy & Art, including
our coffee mugs!
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