The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina

I'm leaving for a trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the pictures, it is extremely beautiful and I'm looking forward to the drive. As silly as it may sound, I plan to make the return visit via the Parkway, too. I can't possibly see it all on one trip!! Yes, I'm traveling with my Little Guy trailer. At the end of the week I will be at Shenandoah Valley Campground-- near Verona, Virginia --for a campout with owners of Teardrop Trailers.

Here's some information from High Country Visitors Guide, Vol. 4, No.1, 2009, p. 10 (a publication I picked up when I visited Grandfather Mountain).

The Blue Ridge Parkway, America's Favorite Scenic Drive

The Blue Ridge Parkway is more than a scenic drive--it is an American treasure. As the most visited park in the National Park System (and also the narrowest), the Parkway is one of the grandest ways to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially here in High Country.

Taking nearly 52 years to complete, construction on the Parkway actually began and ended in High Country. In September of 1935, work began near Cumberland Knob as part of President Roosevelt's new public works agencies, including the Work Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps. Twenty-six tunnels had to be constructed (25 of them in North Carolina) as well as 168 bridges and six viaducts. The Parkway was completed in 1987 with the construction of Linn Cove Viaduct, a complicated concrete bridge that wraps around a mountain. [Picture above. "The most photographed section on the Parkway and the last piece constructed, the Linn Cove Viaduct is known as an engineering marvel for its ability to wrap around the mountains." Ibid, p. 12.]

In addition to the sweeping vistas of never-ending mountain tops, a closer view of the areas around the Parkway will reveal dozens of rare and endangered plants and birds, as well as wildlife like deer, wild turkey and even black bear. Recreational opportunities abound as well. Several parks have facilities for camping and picnicking, and hiking the dozens of trails surrounding the Parkway is one of the best ways to experience the High Country outdoors. So roll down the windows and get ready for many scenic stops along the way.

Parkway Basics
* Speed limit: 45 mph, 35 mph in some areas.
* Direction: The Parkway runs north and south, and direction is indicated at each entrance. Entrances bear the Parkway emblem.
* Miles: 469 miles total, 129 run through High Country.
* Closures: Due to mountain weather or construction, portions of the Parkway are sometimes temporarily closed....
* Emergencies: Call 1-800-PARKWATCH.
* Pets: Allowed; must be on a leash.
* Parking: Permitted at overlooks and on shoulders, unless otherwise posted.
* Gas: Not available on the Parkway, but you can exit on several US or State Highway intersections for gas and other concessions.

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The Blue Ridge Parkway celebrates its 75th Anniversary in 2010 and now features a 12,800 square-foot, $9.8 million dollar visitor center with exhibits highlighting the natural and cultural diversity, traditions and recreational opportunities found on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Center opened in April 2008 and built to the latest energy-saving standards, has a 70-seat auditorium with an HD film, and I-Wall interactive map of the entire Parkway and space for groups. Also on the Parkway is the new 'Go Blue Ridge Card' multi-attraction pass featuring one-price admission to more than 20 attractions. [Ibid, p. 5.]




I'm taking my laptop computer from Shelby (see red dot) but may not have access to WiFi. More about my trip later.
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Postscript, 7/19/09: To follow my trip chronologically--to see the next blog--click Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travel #1.
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