The Blue Ridge Parkway’s 469-mile scenic drive, 369 miles of hiking trails, 14 visitor centers, 8 campgrounds, 10 concession operations, 15 picnic areas, and numerous other recreation opportunities welcomed over 14 million visitors in 2018. These visitors enjoyed high quality experiences on and off the Parkway thanks to the vital relationship between the National Park […]
Blue Ridge Parkway Plans Restoration of the Sharp Top Trail
Blue Ridge Parkway officials have announced the closure and restoration of the Sharp Top Trail in the Peaks of Otter Area (MP 86) beginning July 18, 2016. This project will require weekday closures of the Sharp Top Trail from the Nature Center near the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center to the intersection with the Summit Loop Trail near the Sharp Top Bus Shelter.
Did the Fiery Sunrise over Grandfather Mountain Predict our Heavy Snow?
Jim Morton, longtime photographer for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, captured this stunning photo on the morning of January 21, 2016, just ahead of a heavy snow forecast for the High Country and much of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The photo was captioned, “This morning’s reddish sunrise above Grandfather Mountain advised sailors to take warning.”
Blue Ridge Parkway Announces Full Closure due to Winter Storm
Due to the current winter storm, a full closure of the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is in effect until further notice.
Blue Ridge Parkway Announces Temporary Closures from Milepost 234 to Milepost 242
Beginning Tuesday morning, January 19, 2016, and continuing for approximately one month, Blue Ridge Parkway maintenance personnel will be conducting boom axe operations between Milepost 234.2 and Milepost 242.3, from Mahogany Rock to the Alligator Back area. Parkway visitors should anticipate intermittent and temporary closures in this area.
