Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Many of you know the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of my favorite places, so I love to encourage folks from Charlotte to visit any part of its 469 miles when possible
This weekend at the spot where the Parkway was born, Cumberland Knob on the NC/Virginia border, will be full of celebration activities to mark its 75th anniversary. There will be fantastic music and great weather for just being outside in beautiful surroundings.
It's an easy 2 hour drive, straight up I77 to exit 100 (then left on hwy 89 up to the Parkway). More info here:
Blue Ridge Parkway 75 (http://blueridgeparkway75.org/ - broken link)
Congrats to those who manage the Parkway. I love going through the tunnels. I never drove North of Boone on the Pkwy to Virginia is it worth the trip? I imagine so going through Shenandoah Valley Virginia. A suggestion for the Parkway I wish there was signage of like Waterfalls and other Natural beauties nothing commercial at exits; Even at Overlooks.
North of Boone and through the Shenandoah Valley & Skyline Drive is definitely worth a trip if you have not seen it. It's a bit different than the rest of the parkway but still very nice. I recommend that you also stop to see Charlottesville if you make it that far North. You can return faster on I-81 & I-77. If you come back that way, also stop at the Shot Tower state park where I-77 crosses the New River.
Congrats to those who manage the Parkway. I love going through the tunnels. I never drove North of Boone on the Pkwy to Virginia is it worth the trip? I imagine so going through Shenandoah Valley Virginia. A suggestion for the Parkway I wish there was signage of like Waterfalls and other Natural beauties nothing commercial at exits; Even at Overlooks.
Love the tunnels too!
Interestingly, there are 26 tunnels along the whole 469 miles and all but one are in NC
That's because the NC section of the Parkway is more rugged and tunnels were used to get thru the mountains rather than having to blast them away to make way for the road.
You are right about signage - there is NONE, lol. Since the Parkway is a National Park (one of the most visited actually) the intention is to keep the road as natural as possible.
The only thing you'll find are the stone mile markers to tell you where you are. But if you stop at any ranger station or visitor center you can usually pick up a Parkway map and they have details of places to look for and what mile maker attractions are near.
There actually are tours going on in Blowing Rock itself. I'll check if I can find the e-mail I got. Of course I ignored it since I can't make it this weekend, but for those who do, it's a wonderful experience being on the BRP.
Vinn Cove Viaduct that's incorporated into Grandfather Mountain is my favorite part of the Parkway. You can park and walk on some hiking trails that pass under the viaduct. It is a great way to spend two or three hours!
Thanks for the headsup! I might go up this weekend. Did I mention last year I went on a 7 day bike ride with my son on the BRP? We left from our home in Huntersville, riding on rt 16 to Wilkesboro. Rode on the parkway to mile 0 (Stanton VA) and my wife picked us up there and drove us back home. It was wonderful. Definitely one of my favorite (big) places.
Thanks for the headsup! I might go up this weekend. Did I mention last year I went on a 7 day bike ride with my son on the BRP? We left from our home in Huntersville, riding on rt 16 to Wilkesboro. Rode on the parkway to mile 0 (Stanton VA) and my wife picked us up there and drove us back home. It was wonderful. Definitely one of my favorite (big) places.
How awesome! Thanks for posting the pic
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.