Follow the James River Canal Trail to see a restored lock, built between 1845-51.
The wide James River is the parkway’s lowest elevation.
traces of early industries such as logging, railways, and an old canal. • It is the product of a series of major public works projects that provided a boost to the travel and tourism industry and helped the Appalachian region climb out of the depths of the Great Depression. • Stretching almost 500 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge mountains through North Carolina and Virginia, it encompasses some of the oldest settlements of both pre-historic and early European settlement. Plan your visit As a scenic byway that sometimes traverses deep into the mountainous forests of Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway as a journey is unique. GPS isn’t reliable on the parkway, though the experience of stunning views is. Cell reception can be spotty, but you have resources for navigating your parkway adventure in confidence—whether you’re planning in advance or on the road now. The Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Planner mobile app works even without a cell signal. No connectivity is no problem. You’ll find helpful information on natural resources and culture, favorites you can save and customize, and maps
and services arranged by region and community. The app is a free download. When all else fails, the print Blue Ridge Parkway Map, the Blue Ridge Parkway Directory & Travel Planner, and the Camping—Blue Ridge Parkway brochure are there for you. Pick them up when you need them on the fly along the road or request a copy to start planning your trip now. If the thought of moving slowly for 469 miles seems a daunting task, it’s easy to access the parkway at numerous places. Interstate 81 parallels the parkway beginning at the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile post (MP) 0 near Waynesboro, Virginia, and stays relatively parallel until the North Carolina border. It’s easy to keep track of progress on the parkway by noting mile markers alongside the roadway. If you’re planning to camp along the way, the parkway's eight campgrounds are open from May through late October, weather permitting on a first-come, first-served basis. The eight are Otter Creek, MP 60.8; Peaks of Otter, 85.9; Rocky Knob, 167.1; Doughton Park, 239.2; Julian Price, 297.0; Linville Falls, 316.4; Crabtree Falls, 339.5; and Mount Pisgah, 408.8. If you require more stimulation than what you can view
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
COAST TO COAST SPRING MAGAZINE 2019
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