The Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile marvel of construction and beauty. The Great Depression fueled its construction with the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration putting together some of the finest rock masons in the country paving a pristine roadway stretching from the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park of Tennessee. With a homebase in Asheville, North Carolina, 2005 marks the parkway's 70th birthday.

Besides the incredible rock work and archways, and beyond the incredible miles of unspoiled scenery. The parkway represents the perfect Sunday drive. Absolutely no billboards to clutter the eyes with its easy peaceful rounding curves. The Parkway hosts over 2 million visitors each year.

Navigate the Parkway by mile markers is the best way to find some impressive spots along this stretch of mountain road. Here's a few of our favorite stops along the way. Perfect for a picnic, a dog walk, or just a quick breather.

Craggy Gardens

Featuring some of the best floral and fauna in our region, the Craggy Gardens area offers several stops for the traveler. The Craggy Garden Trail just past mile-marker 339 has a visitor center with trail maps and general information. Crabtree Meadows is a 250 acre stretch perfect for hiking, picnics, comfort stations, and drinking water. Stop here and take a wonderful 40 minute walk to Crabtree Falls. Home to Crabtree Meadows Picnic Store & Gift Shop open seasonally from May through October. Just north lies the Bull Creek Valley summit at marker 340 and continuing onward find Glassmine Falls (mile marker 361.2). The Craggy area extends to mile marker 364.2 with the Craggy Pinacle Trail with a wonderful panoramic view of the valley. Also Craggy Gardens Trail (364.6) offering a wonderful nature trail with overlooks as well. Mile marker 367.9 is the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area. Home to Comfort Station, trails. These high elevation summits are home to the most spectacular floral display along the parkway.

Article Date: Tue Nov 1 2005

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