As we move into Fall, we want to remind everyone about the beauty of the High Country. Many of you may not know that the Blue Ridge Parkway is celebrating its 75th birthday during 2010 and there will be numerous celebrations along the way. Our senior Travel Counselor, Haley Smith, has written an article we wish to share with everyone. We hope this will inspire you to visit the High Country and enjoy the national treasure that has been labeled "America's Favorite Drive".
The Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary Celebration, 1935 - 2010
By: Haley M. Smith
BRP HISTORY The Blue Ridge Parkway was conceived during the Great Depression to create jobs and stimulate the economy. The Parkway now connects the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains national parks and has become known as "America's Favorite Drive." The construction of the Parkway began in September of 1935 at Cumberland Knob near the North Carolina and Virginia state line (at Milepost 217.5). By 1966, the Parkway was more than 95% complete, but it would take another two decades to complete the 7.7-mile "missing link" at Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. The "missing link" is what we now call the Linn Cove Viaduct, which is a free standing part of the Parkway. This key feature was completed in 1987 and completely opened the road for travel of all 469 miles. By: Haley M. Smith
Key Facts:
There are 4 National Forests that the Parkway passes through ( George Washington, Jefferson, Pisgah, and the Nantahala)
There are 26 tunnels and 151 bridges on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The longest tunnel is Pine Mountain tunnel at MP 399, 1,320 feet long
There are 275 parking overlooks on the BRP
There are 9 campgrounds on the BRP
DRIVING THE PARKWAY
The Blue Ridge Parkway takes you on an extraordinary journey throughout North Carolina and Virginia. During your drive on the Parkway you will notice an elevation change. The Blue Ridge Parkways has elevations ranging from around 900 feet to over 6,600 feet which provides an amazing back drop for residents and visitors alike. At each mile along the Parkway there is a marked roadside milepost. A little fact that you may what to know before you start your Parkway adventure is that the milepost numbers go up as you go South and down as you go North, as does the altitude. The Parkway is sure to stimulate your senses with all its flora & fauna along the 469 miles. The Blue Ridge Parkway is truly a treasured outdoor playground with recreational opportunities such as the 15 developed picnic and park areas, waterfalls, hiking trails and biking.
NATURE/ WILDLIFE
As you drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway you have to notice all the majestic beauty that surrounds you. Did you know that the Blue Ridge Parkway boasts the most diverse ecosystem in the entire National Park Service system? The Parkway boasts over 14,000 species of plants which includes wildflowers that bloom throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. There are over 50 different types of mammal species that call the Blue Ridge Parkway home. These range from white-tailed deer, and beavers, to the rarest turtles. Birds are another popular part of the Blue Ridge Parkway's environment. Birders come from all over the world in hopes of catching a glimpse of our feathered friends. Red-bellied woodpeckers, falcons, owls and even North Carolina's state bird the cardinal can be spotted all season long throughout the Blue Ridge Parkway. One hundred and fifty species of birds have been accounted for along the Parkway.
HIGH COUNTRY OF THE BRP
One section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is in the North Carolina High Country. The High Country is proud to feature some of the most photographed, most visited parts of the Parkway including Linn Cove Viaduct, Moses Cone Manor, Doughton Park, Linville Falls and many other picturesque, historic spots. One hundred and twenty-five miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway run though North Carolina's High Country.
75TH ANNVERISARY
All year long, cities and towns along the Blue Ridge Parkway are hosting wonderful events to celebrate the 75th Anniversary. Some of these are, but not limited to, Arts & Craft festivals, music festivals, and wine & food celebrations. This year's celebration of the 75th Anniversary is a wonderful time to discover the many different and unique small-town communities along the Parkway. Visit www.blueridgeparkway75.org for more information about events along the parkway and the past and future history of the parkway!
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BRP
www.blueridgeparkway.org The official website for the Blue Ridge Parkway
www.highcountryparkway.com The Blue Ridge Parkway in the NC High Country
www.brpfoundation.org If you want to take home souvenirs /or stop by one of the visitor centers along the Parkway
Plan your visit today and experience all the great and extraordinary things the Blue Ridge Parkway has to offer!
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