Blue Ridge Parkway
PHOTO BY DEREK HALSEY
Cycling on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
BY DEREK HALSEY
I
t has been an unusual last yearand-a-half in the world, in our nation and here in the High Country. As pandemic, social unrest in the cities and more has affected our lives, many sought refuge on our section of the beautiful and historic Blue Ridge Parkway in 2020 and now in 2021. According to a report by the Outdoor Foundation, 8 million more people went hiking on the trails of the U.S. in 2020 than in 2019. As for 2021, the numbers seem to be leveling as other attractions begin to open with the onslaught of the various vaccines. Currently, the section of the Blue Ridge Parkway starting north of Deep Gap and heading south to the highest mountain east of the Rockies in Mt. Mitchell is wide open except for a detour at the 316 milepost. There, the wonderful double arch bridge on the parkway built more than 80 years ago
SUMMER TIMES 2021
that goes over the Linville River is being repaired. Access to the Linville Falls campground and trail system near the restored bridge is open. The parkway reopens at milepost 317 at the Rte. 221 exit, which leads to the western side of Linville Gorge and Linville Caverns. One easy detour to take is the short connector road at milepost 314 that goes from the Parkway to Rte. 183. After turning right, Rte. 183 quickly meanders into the village of Linville Falls and the Old 105 western rim road that leads into Linville Gorge. Then, Rte. 183 dead ends at Rte. 221. There, either turn left onto Rte. 221 to go to Linville Caverns, or turn right to find the BRP entrance ramp less than a mile away where you can continue your parkway journey to the southwest. The Blue Ridge Parkway is perhaps the most traveled scenic road in all SEE PARKWAY ON PAGE 26
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