BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
Experiencing “America’s Favorite
Drive”
The Blue Ridge Parkway provides both stunning scenery and
close-up views of the natural and the cultural history of the southern
Appalachian Mountains. The Parkway meanders 469 miles and connects the
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains National
Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. There are many overlooks, picnic and
camping facilities, hiking trails, and natural and cultural areas for visitors
to enjoy. There are many historic structures, museums, folk art centers,
visitor centers, and points of interest along the way.
From Rockfish Gap in Virginia to near Mount Mitchell State
Park in North Carolina the Blue Ridge Parkway follows the crest of the Blue
Ridge Mountains occasionally dipping down into the coves, hollows and gaps of
the southern Appalachians. The road climbs to elevations over 6,000 feet high.
The eastern edge of the Blue Ridge has the rugged river drainage of the
Linville Gorge and Rockcastle Gorge. This scenic byway has lmany natural
attractions.
There is a huge diversity of flora and fauna on the Parkway.
Park biologists have identified 1,250 kinds of vascular plants 25 of which are
rare or endangered. There is a wide diversity of animals that make the Park
their home some of which are rare or endangered species. The wide diversity in
plant and animal life in the Park is a result of a wide range in elevation as
well as a north-south axis with the two ends being nearly 500 miles apart. At
lower elevations deciduous forests with a wide range of trees including oak,
hickory, maple, beech, birch and buckeye dominate. At higher elevations spruce
and fir make up evergreen forests along the ridge tops and mountain peaks.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a cross-section of Appalachian
Mountain history. It encompasses some of the oldest settlements of both the
pre-historic inhabitants and those of the early pioneers. The Cherokee Indians
of North Carolina along with other Indian tribes of western Virginia were among
the earliest inhabitants of the Blue Ridge. They left artifacts and other
evidence of their existence including arrowheads, early tools, and evidence in
the landscape of early grazing and croplands, as well as names of mountains and
rivers. Early Appalachian pioneer structures can still be seen along the
Parkway. Old farmsteads and a number of 19th Century pioneer log cabins can be
seen on the journey. Many forms of 19th Century industrial development can be
seen along the Parkway including a short stretch of reconstructed narrow-gauge
railroad track and an exhibit on logging in the area. Mining operations, mills,
blacksmith shops, whiskey stills, and retreats built by the 20th Century
wealthy are all points of interest on the Parkway. One of the most popular
cultural attractions is the mountain handicrafts which can be viewed and
purchased locally at trading posts and art centers along the way.
If you are on the Blue Ridge Scenic Byway at night you may
be fortunate enough to witness the natural phenomenon of the mysterious Brown
Mountain Lights. The Brown Mountain lights can be seen streaking across the
skies on many clear nights, and sometimes even on cloudy nights. They are one
of North Carolina's oldest and most famous legends, and scientists are still
debating the possible explanations for this intriguing light show in the night
sky.
The Blue Ridge Parkway can be accessed near Cherokee, North
Carolina, just about 30 minutes from the scenic Nantahala River Gorge. Allow 2
or 3 days to drive the full length of the Parkway providing for stops so that
you can enjoy the beauty and the culture.
To see more on the Blue Ridge Parkway go to the
National Park Service
website
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