Take a scenic tour on the Parkway

BY CARLI JOHNSON

Often referred to as America’s Favorite Drive, the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway extends 469 miles along the southern Appalachian mountains. The Parkway winds through various landscapes and communities, connecting the past with the present and preserving the region’s rich culture.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is owned and managed by the National Park Service. Unlike traditional national parks, the Parkway is an “elongated park” protecting a long stretch of landscape from Virginia to North Carolina. Rather than having distinct boundaries, the Parkway is designed to protect and present the surrounding area beyond the shoulders of the road.

The northern entrance begins in Shenandoah National Park near Waynesboro, Va., and meanders south toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in southwestern North Carolina. The original intention for the Parkway was to connect both national parks.

Driving along the Parkway, visitors will enjoy numerous overlooks, picnic areas, hiking trails and campgrounds. Some of the popular attractions in the High Country include the Linn Cove Viaduct, Linville Falls, Moses Cone Manor and more.

The Parkway was built under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal initiative in the 1930s. By 1966, the majority of the Parkway was completed with the exception of 7.7 miles at Grandfather Mountain. By 1982, the final section was built and after nearly 50 years of construction, the Parkway was completed.

Visitors should note that in Virginia the section from US Route 220 to Adney Gap at milepost 121.4 to 135.9 will be closed until further notice. In North Carolina, USFS Road 63 at milepost 367.6 will be closed until further no - tice as well.

Closer to home — here in the High Country — a major infrastructure project started in May on a 75-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 229.6, just north of Doughton Park, to milepost 305.1, near Grandfather Mountain.

The $98 million project is a threeyear repaving and rehabilitation project along the mainline motor road, that will also address drainage structures, curbs, walks, shoulders, guardrails, overlooks, and signage. The project will be phased with a staggered series of closures, allowing for continuous access to recreation areas and visitor amenities within the project area.

Sections of the Parkway may close due to inclement weather or construction but closures are rare in the summer months. The National Park Service website keeps an updated list of road sections and facilities that are open or closed.

Starting at milepost 217.3 in Al - leghany County all the way to milepost 330.9 in Mitchell County, the BRP offers visitors a grand tour of the High Country. From hiking to camping and the surrounding attractions, the BRP is a unique way to experience nature. Beginning north and traveling south, this comprehensive guide will highlight the most popular and notable attractions along the BRP.

Park visitors should expect shortdistance and short-duration single lane closures from mileposts 229.6 to 276.2. The contractor also plans to put full closures with detours in place between both mileposts 229.6 to 238.5, and mileposts 261.2 to 276.4. A signed detour will direct travelers around the full closure from milepost 229.5 to 276.5, via routes NC 21, NC 18, and US 221. Access to Doughton Park attractions, including the Bluffs Restaurant (when open for the season on May 26), will be available via NC 18 and a short, 7-mile drive north on the Parkway. Access to the Northwest Trading Post at milepost 258.7 will be available from NC 16 and Trading Post Road at Glendale Springs, NC.

As construction progresses, closure locations will alternate with announcements preceding each shift. However, at all times, the contractor will maintain uninterrupted access from either the north or the south to visitor facilities and recreation areas within the project area.

As with any road project, park visitors and neighbors must exercise caution and observe closures. Within the active closure, all activity is prohibited for cars, bicycles and hikers to ensure the safety of Parkway visitors and staff.

At Milepost 258.7 in Ashe County is the Northwest Trading Post. This historic building in Glendale Springs is a great rest stop for visitors. Built in the 1950s the purpose was to provide travelers along the Parkway with information on the mountains of North Carolina and sell local merchandise. The shop offers a selection of regional arts and crafts, other souvenir items as well as food and drink.

About 10 miles down the road from the Trading Post is The Lump overlook. This natural round hill is lifted prominently above the Parkway. For a short walk, visitors can hike up to the top for outstanding views of Yadkin Valley. There, visitors will also find a sign that commemorates the tragic story of Tom Dooley. His story became the subject of the famous murder ballad that folk musicians have been playing for decades.

Continuing south, you will come upon the exit to Deep Gap and Highway 421. This exit will take you toward the beautiful town of Boone. This small mountain town is home to Appalachian State University. Here you will find plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining and more.

Staying on the BRP, there will be a

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