Enjoying the JourneyThe Blue Ridge Parkway
July 9th 2010 00:26
Link: http://stopandvisit.com/
The Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles and follows the Blue Ridge Mountains from the Shenandoah to the Great Smoky Mountains. The Parkway was conceived to bring tourism to the Appalachians as the common man took to the roads in their automobiles. The entire roadway took over 50 years to complete. It was started in 1935 and finally completed in 1987.
A drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway traverses mountains, valleys, and everything in between. At it’s lowest point; 649 feet at the James River to its highest point of over 6,000 feet at Richard Balsam, on any given day, one can see snow capped mountains and dry river beds.
As one travels the Blue Ridge one can often stop and take one of the many hiking trails. They are each rated from easy to strenuous and often take the hiker to scenic overlooks or waterfalls tucked away in the mountains. There are also several historic homes, mansions and cabins along the way that showcase what life was like by the mountain folk and the rich industrialists of an earlier time.
Camping is available, both rustic for tents and more modern for rv’s and larger motor homes. However, there are several tunnels and bridges that larger vehicles will not be able to drive. All the heights are clearly marked but the driver must plan ahead and make sure he is aware of what is along the route. There are also numerous hotels, cabins and bed and breakfasts along the route for a stop at night along the Parkway. During the summer months and also during peak leaf changing weeks in the fall they are often booked solid so one should make reservations in advance of their visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is managed by the National Park Service although the words “National Park” are not found in its name and operate 15 visitor centers along the Parkway to assist visitors in making the most of their trip along the Parkway. At each center can find out information about hiking, lodging, viewing, food, and special attractions anywhere along the route. They make it easy to plan your drive no matter what section of the Parkway you want to visit.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s greatest treasures and the most visited highway in the United States. Any visitor to the area should take the time and travel the road and enjoy the journey through the Appalachian Mountains!
A drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway traverses mountains, valleys, and everything in between. At it’s lowest point; 649 feet at the James River to its highest point of over 6,000 feet at Richard Balsam, on any given day, one can see snow capped mountains and dry river beds.
As one travels the Blue Ridge one can often stop and take one of the many hiking trails. They are each rated from easy to strenuous and often take the hiker to scenic overlooks or waterfalls tucked away in the mountains. There are also several historic homes, mansions and cabins along the way that showcase what life was like by the mountain folk and the rich industrialists of an earlier time.
Camping is available, both rustic for tents and more modern for rv’s and larger motor homes. However, there are several tunnels and bridges that larger vehicles will not be able to drive. All the heights are clearly marked but the driver must plan ahead and make sure he is aware of what is along the route. There are also numerous hotels, cabins and bed and breakfasts along the route for a stop at night along the Parkway. During the summer months and also during peak leaf changing weeks in the fall they are often booked solid so one should make reservations in advance of their visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is managed by the National Park Service although the words “National Park” are not found in its name and operate 15 visitor centers along the Parkway to assist visitors in making the most of their trip along the Parkway. At each center can find out information about hiking, lodging, viewing, food, and special attractions anywhere along the route. They make it easy to plan your drive no matter what section of the Parkway you want to visit.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s greatest treasures and the most visited highway in the United States. Any visitor to the area should take the time and travel the road and enjoy the journey through the Appalachian Mountains!
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