The most visited site in the National Park system, the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway winds along the ridges of the Appalachian mountains in Virginia and North Carolina. According to most accounts, the Parkway was a New Deal "Godsend for the needy," built without conflict or opposition by landscape architects and planners who traced their vision along a scenic, isolated southern landscape. The historical archives relating to this massive public project, however, tell a different and much more complicated story, which Anne Mitchell Whisnant relates in this revealing history of the beloved roadway.
Flowing among the beautiful mountains and valleys of Virginia and North Carolina, the 469-mile-long Blue Ridge Parkway is a true American jewel. Built to expose motorists to nature as well as to preserve its beauty, the Parkway still delivers unrivaled beauty today. Guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with information useful to those traveling the Parkway and is detailed with color photographs throughout. It highlights the many significant points of interest located on and nearby the Parkway, including Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, and Mabry Mill, one of the most photographed sites on the Parkway. Also noted are locations of overlooks, waterfalls, and tunnels as well as key entry and exit points along the Parkway. The guide features a brief history of the Parkway itself, a look at the surrounding geology and human history of the area, and an extensive wildflower bloom calendar. The book is organized mile-post to mile-post, appropriate for travelers who are driving the entire Blue Ridge Parkway or only a small section.
The Blue Ridge Parkway began as a dream in the late 1800s and became reality in 1983 when the 469-mile scenic highway was completed. Heavy construction was done by contractors who won bids for the different projects along various sections of the parkway. Construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began in September 1935 at Cumberland Knob. Civilian Conservation Corps troops took care of the roadsides, landscaping, and structure building. As part of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal, this project was intended to provide jobs throughout the region. Images of America: Building the Blue Ridge Parkway contains approximately 200 construction photographs of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
One of the premier tourist attractions of the eastern United States, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in western North Carolina. This volume relates the author's one-of-a-kind backpacking trip along the 469-mile road, along with his observations and recollections regarding the Parkway, the most visited unit of the National Park Service. Beginning with his experience as a summer college intern, the book also covers the twelve years he spent working as a ranger on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Anecdotal history and accounts from some of the Parkway's earliest rangers complete this tale of one of our country's national treasures. The appendix contains a chronological, mile-by-mile re-creation of Pegram's 2003 trek, including the names of all the Parkway landmarks mentioned in the book.
Hit the Road with Moon Travel Guides! Drive America's most scenic highway, from the green valleys of Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains, with Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip. Inside you'll find: Maps and Driving Tools: 29 easy-to-use maps keep you oriented on and off the highway, along with site-to-site mileage, driving times, and detailed directions for the entire route Eat, Sleep, Stop and Explore: With lists of the best hikes, views, restaurants, and more, you can listen to live bluegrass, find the best barbecue around, or sip a glass of local moonshine. Drive past fields brimming with fireflies, spot wildlife like elk and bear, or hike a leg of the storied Appalachian Trail. Visit small mountain towns, get to know vibrant Asheville, or extend your route to explore the museums in Washington D.C. Flexible Itineraries: Drive the entire two-week route or follow strategic itineraries for spending time in Washington DC, Waynesboro, Roanoke, Asheville, Cherokee, Knoxville, and more Local Insight: North Carolinian and mountaineer Jason Frye shares his love of the Great Smoky Mountains Planning Your Trip: Know when and where to get gas, how to avoid traffic, tips for driving in different road and weather conditions, and suggestions for LGBTQ travelers, seniors, and road trippers with kids With Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip's practical tips, detailed itineraries, and local expertise, you're ready to fill up the tank and hit the road. Want to explore more of America on wheels? Try Moon Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip. Doing more than driving through? Check out Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Moon Carolinas & Georgia.
Moon Travel Guides: Find Your Adventure! The soulful twang of bluegrass, miles of untouched wilderness, and warm and welcoming locals: journey through the storied heart of Appalachia with Moon Blue Ridge & Smoky Mountains. What you'll find in Moon Blue Ridge & Smoky Mountains: Full coverage of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains regions of North Carolina and Tennessee, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Strategic itineraries for every budget and timeline, from a weekend getaway to a week-long road trip Curated trip advice for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, culture mavens, wildlife enthusiasts, and more Must-see attractions and off-beat ideas for making the most of your trip: Hike past waterfalls to rocky bluffs overlooking the misty mountain range, or go for a refreshing dip in the river. Zip-line through wild forests, spot eagles, elk, and bear cubs, or try your hand at fly-fishing. Ride the coasters at Dollywood, gain insight into Native American history in Cherokee, and explore Asheville's wealth of live music and culinary creativity. Find the best spots for classic southern barbecue, sip a little moonshine, and listen to a bluegrass band as the sun sets and the fireflies come out for a sparkling evening show Suggestions for a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip, including the best scenic stops organized by milepost Honest advice from Appalachia native and North Carolina local Jason Frye on when to go, what to pack, and where to stay, from charming B&Bs to secluded cabins and campgrounds Detailed hike descriptions with individual trail maps listing duration, elevation change, and effort Recommendations for families, LGBTQ+ travelers, international visitors, and travelers with disabilities Thorough background on the wildlife, terrain, culture, and history With Moon's local insight, myriad activities, and expert advice on experiencing the best of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, you can plan your trip your way. Full list of coverage: North Carolina High Country, Asheville, Southern Blue Ridge and Foothills, Cherokee and Maggie Valley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Knoxville and the Tennessee Foothills Focusing your time in the park? Try Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more southern city charm, try Moon Charleston & Savannah. For full coverage of America's national parks, check out Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 59 National Parks.
