June 25, 2009
BLOWING ROCK, NC - Ever since the rough, stage coach route of the Yonahlossee Road first enticed travelers from Blowing Rock to Linville in the 1880s, countless eyes have followed Rough Ridge up to the grandiosity of Grandfather Mountain.
Today, Rough Ridge is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the hike across this craggy crest offers some of the high road's most spectacular views. The three highest peaks of Grandfather Mountain tower above and thousands of feet below, the western Piedmont reaches to the horizon. In the distance, cars make their winding, almost airborne way across the Parkway’s famous viaduct span.
The National Park Service continually monitors and improves its efforts to protect the Rough Ridge ecosystem. Those of us who enjoy the fabulous hiking and scenic views of the Rough Ridge Trail can now demonstrate their commitment to this special place. The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is launching an effort to establish the Rough Ridge Trail Fund for the needed construction materials to replace and enhance the protective boardwalk and to ensure ongoing protection for this special place on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The campaign goal is $25,000. This special fund established by the Foundation will support the work of the Park Service to keep this area pristine and awe inspiring. A donor recognition board is in place to display the names of those who make gifts to the fund and special recognition is displayed for gifts in honor or memory. The Foundation will also recognize donors on their website and in the annual report.
For more information about this fund, call the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation 336-721-0270 or visit the project’s web site, www.brpfoundation.org/rough_ridge.php.
About the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundationwww.brpfoundation.org. For virtual tours and information about the Blue Ridge Parkway, please visit the Foundation’s partner site, www.virtualblueridge.com, the premier online resource for the Parkway. Shop for a Cause at www.blueridgeparkwaystore.com.
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is the primary and professional fundraising organization for the Blue Ridge Parkway for the purpose of preserving the traditions, beauty and promise of the Parkway for generations to come. For more information about the Foundation, please visit
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