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 website
www.nps.gov/blri/ |
