|
|
|---|
Attractions along the Blue Ridge ParkwayAlong the Blue Ridge Parkway there are many attractions and these points are measured by Blue Ridge Parkway Mileposts. Listed here are the places of interests in order going from north to south commencing at the north end of Shenandoah National Park.
Humpback Visitor CentreThe first Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost is 5.8,6 there is an outdoor museum here that features farm buildings of the 1890’s. It takes approximately one hour to view this remarkable site. This attraction is open daily from 9-5 May-October. Free of charge Phone: (540) 943-4716.
James River Visitor CentreBlue Ridge Parkway Milepost 63.6 is 3 mile north of Big Island, Virginia. This spot tells the story of the James River and the Kanawha Canal. A walkway that crosses the river leads to an old but restored canal lock. This mammoth view can be seen daily from 9-5 June-October. Free of charge Phone: (434) 299-5496.
Peaks of Otter Visitor CentreBlue Ridge Parkway Milepost 86 is 10 miles North West of Bedford, Virginia. Here you will find facts about the ecology of the forest area and the history of the Peaks of Otter. Near the exhibits, there is a cabin that was built in the 1830’s and many a weary traveler has laid their heads to rest there. An old farm offers live demonstrations of a previous time. There are daily bus trips to the summit as well as a trail. The farm and trail hours will vary with the weather. The visitor centre is free of charge and there is a small fee for shuttles. Phone: (540) 586-4496 or (540) 586-4357.
Mabry Mill
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 176.1 is just north of the
junction US 58, 1 mile North West of Meadows of Dan, Virginia. This
wonderful stop has a real pioneer village which includes a sorghum
press, blacksmith shop, saw mill, grist mill and many other such items
on display. Open daily 8-6 May- October. Free of charge. Phone:
(276)952-2947. Cumberland Visitors Centre
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost, 217.5 the Civilian
Conservation Corporation, started building the parkway here in 1935.
There is a picnic area and many trails for the hikers in your family.
Open daily from 9-5 May- October. Free of charge. Blue Ridge Mountain Frescoes
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 259 in Glendale Springs, North Carolina, go
3 miles north of the parkway’s junction with SR16 and in West Jefferson,
North Carolina follow signs from junction US 221 Business route and
SR194. An artist named Ben Long has painted religious pieces in two
churches named Holy Trinity in Glendale Springs and St. Mary’s in West
Jefferson. Descriptive tapes tell the history of the artworks. Open 24
hours. Donations are accepted. Phone: (336) 982-3076.
Parkway Craft Centre
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 294 is 3 miles West of
Blowing Rock. This is the former homestead of Moses H. Cone. Linn Cove Viaduct and Visitors Centre
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 304.4 is 5 miles North East of Linville.
After it’s completion in 1987 this bridge called a viaduct is 1,243 feet
long and one of the most complex structures ever built. On the outskirts
of Grandfather Mountain this rugged terrain has a model of the structure
on display in the visitor centre. Open daily from 9-5. Free of charge.
Phone: (828) 733-1354. Linville Falls Recreation Area
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 316.4 is 2 miles North West
of Linville Falls. This area has lookout sites that overlook the
Linville Falls and Linville Gorge. There is a campground where
picnicking and fishing are permitted. This visitor centre is open daily
from 9-5 May- October. Free of Charge. Phone (828) 765-1045. Linville Gorge
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 316.4 is a beautiful scene
within the falls and is part of Pisgah National Forest. This magnificent
scene is in the wilderness and has an observation point overlooking the
Gorge. Experienced hikers for this terrain, trails are small and very
steep. Free of charge. Phone: (828) 652-2144. Linville Caverns
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 317 is at Linville Falls,
North Carolina, 4miles South on US 221. The Caverns had once housed
deserted Civil War soldiers from both sides. The discovery of the
Caverns was made in 1822 when a group of people noticed trout swimming
in and out of the side of the mountain. Their exploring took them inside
the caves and their torches reveled high columns and deep passages. When
visiting, bring a jacket due to the constant temperature of 52 degrees.
The Caverns are open daily from 9-6, June-Labor Day. There is a small
fee for the scenic tour. Phone: (828) 756-4171.
Museum Of North Carolina MineralsBlue Ridge Parkway Milepost 331 is on Service Road226, 5 miles South of Spruce Pine This very interesting stop has samples of the rocks and minerals found in the area. Open daily from 9-5, May- October and 9-noon and 1-5 the rest of the year. Free of charge. Phone: (828) 765-2761.
Mount Mitchell State ParkBlue Ridge Parkway Milepost 355 is near Burnsville. Here you will have the overwhelming feeling of presence as the summit is 6,684 feet. Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Mount Mitchell was named after Dr. Elisha Mitchell, who fell to his untimely death trying to measure the mountains height. This stop is fascinating and has an on site naturalist on duty during the summer months. It is wise to check the conditions of the road before entering the park in the cooler months. Parking is available close to the summit as well as food and refreshments. Open daily from 8-9 May-August, 8-8 in April and September, 8-7 in March and October. Free of charge. Phone: (828) 675-4611.
|
|
|
