Blue Ridge Parkway Directory & Travel Planner

68 E di Blue Ridge Parkway www.blueridgeparkway.org DIRECTORY tio n TH TRAVEL PLANNER The Most Visited Unit Of The National Park Service Roanoke Star and Overlook Roanoke, VA Exit at Milepost 90 - 121 Grandfather Mountain Linville, NC Exit at Milepost 305.1 You’ll find opportunities for recreation, hiking, bicycling, picnicking, camping, wildlife viewing and much more. Biltmore Asheville, NC Exit at Milepost 388.8 Official Publication of the Blue Ridge Parkway Association T he 6 8 t h Ed i t i o n OFFICIAL PUBLICATION BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY ASSOCIATION, INC. P. O. BOX 2136, ASHEVILLE, NC 28802 (828) 670-1924 www.blueridgeparkway.org • info@blueridgeparkway.org COPYRIGHT 2017 NO PORTION OF THIS GUIDE OR ITS MAPS MAY BE REPRINTED WITHOUT PERMISSION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN THE USA. Some Parkway photographs by: Mike Booher, Vicki Dameron, Jeff Greenberg, Alex Armstrong, and Doug Tate © Blue Ridge Parkway Association Layout/Design: Imagewerks Productions: Flat Rock, NC Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park Follow us for more Blue Ridge Parkway information and resources: www.blueridgeparkway.org www.twitter.com/BRParkwayAssoc www.facebook.com/blueridgeparkwayassociation www.pinterest.com/blueridgepkwy Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Planner App “AMERICA’S FAVORITE DRIVE” AT YOUR FINGERTIPS... 469 miles of scenic places, historic sites, lodging, outdoor recommendations and more delivered directly to your smartphone. FREE DOWNLOAD HERE! 2 Planned and developed in cooperation with the Blue Ridge Parkway National Park Service. This free Directory & Travel Planner is published by the 500+ member Blue Ridge Parkway Association to help you more fully enjoy your Parkway area vacation. Members representing attractions, outdoor recreation, accommodations, restaurants, shops, and a variety of other services essential to the traveler are included in this publication. PROMOTING TOURISM FOR MORE THAN 65 YEARS When you visit their place of business, please let them know you found them in the Blue Ridge Parkway Directory & Travel Planner. This will help us ensure the availability of another Directory & Travel Planner for your next visit to the Parkway area. As an official partner agency of the Blue Ridge Parkway -National Park Service, our association is committed to providing trustworthy visitor information across print, web and mobile platforms in cooperation with an active membership of regional travel partners, local businesses and attractions along the scenic corridor of the Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the tri-state region of Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Distribution of the Directory & Travel Planner does not imply endorsement by the National Park Service of the businesses or commercial services listed. Travel-related businesses in the region served by the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are eligible for membership. This includes hotels, motels, resorts, restaurants, chambers of commerce, merchants associations, banks, public utilities, manufacturers, retail and wholesale businesses, and travel attractions of all kinds. To join the Blue Ridge Parkway Association go to www.blueridgeparkway.org/join or email: info@blueridgeparkway.org or call (828) 670-1924 Certificate of Excellence Superintendent’s Message 2016 marked an important milestone for the National Park Service. Parks all over the country, including the Blue Ridge Parkway hosted special events, reached out into their communities in person and through social media and shouted from the roof tops to proclaim the excitement that surrounds a 100th birthday. Throughout the year of celebration, a common theme emerged from the visitors to and the communities surrounding the Parkway. PEOPLE LOVE THEIR PARKS. At the Parkway, we talked to thousands of people over the centennial year that shared stories of how parks had changed their lives. Stories of special milestone moments spent in parks, adventures taken and memories that will last a lifetime. These places are truly special, not just for park staff, but for millions of Americans. We also learned, not surprisingly, that people love the communities along the Parkway. With the help of the Blue Ridge Parkway Association we have a tremendous opportunity to not only promote “America’s Favorite Drive”, but also the wealth of diverse communities found along the route. A true Parkway experience is a “drive a little, stop a little” journey with time spent in the towns and cities found here. In many ways our destinies are intertwined. Welcome to In our second century, the National Park Service must recommit to the exemplary stewardship and public enjoyment of these places. We must promote the contributions that national parks and programs make to create jobs, strengthen local economies, and support ecosystem services. We must use the collective power of the parks, our historic preservation programs, and community assistance programs to expand our contributions to society in the next century. The Parkway is the backyard playground of an increasing number of residents along the edges of the Blue Ridge and continues to be a destination for visitors from around the world. We hope that in the second century of the National Park Service we can work to remain relevant so that our current generation of visitors and many generations of visitors to come will love this place and the communities along its borders. We challenge our return visitors to share their experiences with others, bring a friend, a young person or share their Parkway story on social media. We challenge people to give this park the amazing gift of your time, to volunteer to keep this place and the many others like it safe and enjoyable for the generations to come. I truly believe that it is our duty as Americans to not only use these places, but to promote and protect them. Please join us as we work to do just that. THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Superintendent........................................................... 4 Parkway Milepost..................................................................................... 5 Northern Gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway Shenandoah National Park Region............................................ 25 Blue Ridge Parkway Ridge Region: Milepost 0 – Milepost 106................................. 33 Plateau Region: Milepost 106 – Milepost 270..........................40 Blue Ridge Parkway Map: Milepost 0 – Milepost 469......... 50-51 Highlands Region: Milepost 270 – Milepost 340...................... 56 Pisgah Region: Milepost 340 – Milepost 469.............................74 Southern Gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway Great Smoky Mountains National Park Region..........................89 Index by City/County............................................................................. 98 Mileposts: Along the Parkway, you will see numbered mileposts. The 0 milepost marker is at Rockfish Gap immediately south of Shenandoah National Park. Each mile is numbered progressively southward on the Parkway to its southernmost point at milepost 469 at Cherokee. THE BLUE RIDGE STATE OF MIND For visitors in search of novelty and adventure, the Blue Ridge Area provides an unparalleled diversity of experiences. There’s so much to see and do that no two visits are ever the same. Outstanding scenery and recreational opportunities make the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the most popular units of the National Park system. Winding its way through 469 miles of mountains and meadows, the Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park at milepost 0 in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at milepost 469 in North Carolina. Nature lovers will find majestic mountain vistas and scenic drives, outstanding hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, world-class whitewater and waterfalls, excellent campsites and fishing streams, and an incredible diversity of plant and animal life in the region’s abundant protected forests and parks. Those searching for cultural experiences and historical connections will discover a land rich in living traditions of music, craft and culture. Split rail fences, old farmsteads and historic structures complement spectacular views of distant mountains and neighboring valleys. The Parkway incorporates several recreation areas, some exceeding 6,000 acres. These parks within the Parkway have visitor centers, campgrounds, picnic areas, trails and, in many instances, concessioner-operated lodges, restaurants and other facilities. The Parkway offers something for everyone. To make the most of your visit, stop at any of the area’s visitor information centers and you will quickly see why it is often called “America’s Favorite Drive”. To make the most of your visit, stop at any of the area’s visitor information centers to see why the Parkway is often called “America’s Favorite Drive” . The Parkway offers a myriad of opportunities for enjoying all that makes these mountains so special. Here are a few destinations you won’t want to miss: Humpback Rocks MP 6 Hike to the famed rock outcropping high on the mountain to enjoy the magnificent view or stroll through the farm museum and imagine scratching out a living in the rocky soil here. Traditional lifestyle demonstrations occur seasonally. Highlights: Visitor center and museum, historic farm, hiking trails, picnic area. See page 34. Peaks of Otter MP 167-176 The sights and sounds of rural life in Appalachia resonate throughout the Rocky Knob area during the summer and fall. Stop by Mabry Mill to view corn being ground, enjoy cultural demonstrations, or tap your toes to traditional mountain music on Sunday afternoons. Highlights: Visitor center, historic mill, cultural demonstrations, summer concerts, hiking trails, campground, picnic area, restaurant. See page 45. Doughton Park MP 238 Many visitors and locals alike call this area “their favorite Parkway spot”. Appalachian history comes to life among the ridgetop meadows and steep mountainsides here. Hike some of the 30 miles of trails or visit Brinegar Cabin to learn of early mountain life. Highlights: Visitor center, Brinegar Cabin, hiking trails, campground, picnic area. See page 59. MP 86 Stunning mountain views, cool summer temperatures, and amazing natural resources have enticed visitors to Peaks of Otter for centuries. Climb to the rocky peak of Sharp Top, run your fingers through a black bear’s pelt at the Nature Center, or simply relax on the shore of Abbott Lake. Highlights: Visitor center, nature center, historic lodge, Polly Wood Ordinary, Johnson Farm, hiking trails, campground, picnic area, restaurant. See page 39. 6 Rocky Knob & Mabry Mill Blue Ridge Music Center MP 213 Music is a natural part of these mountains. Traditional folk music and dance has been created and kept alive in this region over the decades. Here visitors can explore the interactive Roots of American Music museum and enjoy live music daily from May through October. Highlights: Visitor center and museum, live folk music and jam sessions, hiking trails. See page 52. THE PARKWAY MILEPOST Moses H. Cone Memorial Park MP 294 Moses H. Cone fashioned a textile empire by bringing denim production to the south in the late 1800s. He and his wife Bertha built Flat Top Manor as a summer retreat at the turn of the 20th century. Come explore the manor or stroll along 25 miles of carriage trails on the estate. Highlights: Visitor center, craft store, historic estate and grounds, hiking trails, horseback riding. See page 65. Photo by Joshua Moore MP 297 Julian Price established one of the nation’s largest insurance companies and purchased this land in the 1930s as a recreational retreat for his employees. Visitors today find opportunities to explore the mountains by camping, picnicking, and canoeing and fishing on Price Lake. Highlights: Hiking trails, canoeing, fishing, campground, picnic area. See page 67. MP 331 The Museum of North Carolina Minerals Discover the area’s rich mineral resources and mining heritage with hands-on, interactive exhibits to explore the creation of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the region’s wide variety of minerals. Highlights: Visitor center and museum. Mount Pisgah MP 408 Reach new heights in the high country of Mount Pisgah, the birthplace of forestry. Hike historic trails, spend the night at the Parkway’s highest campground or lodge, and be sure to catch the sunrise. Highlights: Historic lodge, hiking trails, campground, picnic area, restaurant. Photo by David Smart Julian Price Memorial Park MP 451 MP 364 Linn Cove Viaduct MP 304 Craggy Gardens The rugged slopes of Grandfather Mountain challenged engineers as they completed this last section of the Parkway in 1987. A world renowned marvel of engineering the viaduct was painstakingly designed to protect the ecologically sensitive slopes of the mountain. Highlights: Visitor center, historic architecture/ parkway design, hiking trails. See page 68. These high elevation summits are home to spectacular rhododendron displays in May and early June, and to a unique forest of gnarled and twisted trees that have been shaped by harsh weather. Highlights: Visitor center, hiking trails, rhododendron blooms, picnic area. See page 76. Waterrock Knob It feels as if you can touch the clouds at the southernmost and highest elevation visitor center on the Parkway. Come prepared for cooler weather and spend time enjoying mountain views that stretch to the horizon. For an unforgettable experience, pause to watch a sunrise or sunset. Highlights: Visitor center, hiking trails. See page 85. Folk Art Center MP 382 Linville Falls Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville MP 316 The Linville River flows from its headwaters high on the steep slopes of Grandfather Mountain and cascades through two falls as it begins a nearly 2,000 foot descent through this rugged and spectacularly beautiful gorge. Highlights: Visitor center, waterfalls, hiking trails, campground, picnic area. See page 71. Tucked inside the Folk Art Center you will find a National Park Service visitor information counter as well as a large array of regional crafts created by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Craft demonstrations provide the chance to meet the artists at work. Highlights: Visitor center and folk art exhibition hall, hiking trails. MP 384 www.nps.gov/blri Watch an orientation video and learn how to make the most of your visit to the Parkway and region at this visitor center. View exhibits featuring the unique Parkway design and construction, the natural and cultural history, and recreational opportunities of the Blue Ridge. Highlights: Visitor center and park film, National Heritage Area information and hiking trails. 7 The designed landscape of the Parkway offers hundreds of spectacular views. To best enjoy these views, get out of your vehicle or off your motorcycle and use the Parkway’s many overlooks. GENERAL DRIVING SAFETY Vis itor Cen ter Exh ibit s Pro gra ms Res troo ms Pic nic Are as Cam pin g Check www.nps.gov/ blri/Plan Your Visit/ Eating & Sleeping for availability of food and lodging Mil epo st PLACES TO PAUSE... Humpback Rocks 5.8 H H HP H X Otter Creek 60.9 James River 63.8 H Peaks of Otter* 86 Explore Park VC 115 Roanoke Mountain 120.4 Rocky Knob 169 Mabry Mill ** 176.1 Groundhog Mountain 189 Blue Ridge Music Ctr 213 Cumberland Knob 217.5 Doughton Park 241 NW Trading Post 258.6 H Jeffress Park 272 HP HP Cone Park 294.1 H Price Park 297.1 Linn Cove Viaduct 304.4 H H Linville Falls 316.4 H H X HP HP Minerals Museum 331 H H H Crabtree Campground 339.5 Craggy Gardens 364.6 H H X X HP Folk Art Center 382 H H H H H Parkway Visitor Ctr. 382 H H H H H Mt Pisgah* 408.6 Waterrock Knob 451.2 H H HP H X X X H H H H HP H H H H WATCH OUT FOR… HP STEEP GRADES – In some places, the Parkway has steeper grades than normally found on highways. Without paying close attention, your speed can increase far more than you expect. HP HP HP HP HP HP HP HP H H HP H H HP HP H H H HP HP HP HP HP HP H H HP SPEED CHANGES – The Parkway speed limit is mostly 45 mph, but occasionally you will find yourself in developed areas where the driving speed drops to 25 mph. HP SPIRAL CURVES – Some of the tight curves do not have a consistent radius so extra care needs to be taken, especially on motorcycles. HP HP HP H – Wheelchair Accessible. HP – Accessible with Assistance. X – Not Handicapped Accessible. HPA – Located in Picnic Area. *- Lodging and Dining Available. ** Dining Available. ^ Lodging Available. 8 LIMITED SIGHT DISTANCES – There aren’t many straight lines in the natural world and the Parkway was designed with gentle curves and not many straight sections. This is part of what makes the road seem to lay gently on the land and it also requires some extra attention while driving. H HP HP H extraordinary views… all of these contribute to the Parkway experience and every traveler should be aware of these distractions while enjoying the drive. H HP HP HP HP H UNFORGIVING ROAD SHOULDERS – The Parkway’s road shoulders are narrow in places and the meadows or forest edges grow close to the pavement. This is part of the beauty of the drive but may require some extra attention. BUILT-IN DISTRACTIONS – Wildlife, wildflowers, bicyclists, and HP H H Enjoy the View - Watch the Road HP H H Because of its unique design, the Parkway drive differs from most and can mean taking some extra care to ensure a safe visit. “Enjoy the view, but watch the road!” is our way of reminding visitors to pay extra attention along the Parkway. A few specific pointers and facts may help even more. Accessibility: Most parkway facilities are wheelchair usable. Some facilities have minor slopes and/or structural barriers. Use the grid shown here for site specific information. If more detailed information is needed, please contact the Blue Ridge Parkway Headquarters, 199 Hemphill Knob Road, Asheville NC 28803 or call 828-298-0398. THE PARKWAY MILEPOST MAKING A DIFFERENCE - A Responsible Visit Parkways Do’s and Don’ts: To help protect and preserve the Blue Ridge Parkway, observe all park regulations. Be alert for uncontrolled fire, safety hazards, accidents and emergencies. Please report such conditions by calling 9-1-1. ROADSIDE PARKING - Parking is allowed on road shoulders, but please avoid wet areas and make sure that all four wheels are off the pavement. TRAILS - Trails are for hiking only. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not permitted. Several horse riding trails are available. CAMPING - Camping is permitted only in park campgrounds or designated back-country sites. See camping information, page 10. PETS - All pets must be on a leash (maximum six feet) or under physical restraint at all times while in the park. The territorial instinct of dogs can lead to fights with other dogs on the trail. Dogs also frighten hikers and chase wildlife. If a pet cannot be kept under control, it should be left at home. Only service animals are permitted in facilities. LAKES, RIVERS & PONDS - These are for fishing and scenic beauty only, with no swimming allowed. Nearby U.S. Forest Service recreation areas, state parks, and mountain resorts often have swimming facilities. PREVENT FOREST FIRES - Fires are permitted in the provided grills or fire pits in campgrounds and picnic areas only. LITTER - Deposit all litter in the trash cans provided. ALL NATURAL RESOURCES ARE PROTECTED - Leave wildflowers and other vegetation in their natural condition for others to enjoy. Do not disturb animal or plant life in any way. Hunting and trapping are prohibited. Do not interfere with animals by feeding, touching, or frightening them. Do not cut, deface, or damage trees. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES - Possession of open containers of alcohol in vehicles is prohibited. Alcohol is permitted in picnic areas until 9:00 PM, and in campgrounds by registered campers. Did you see an interesting wildlife observation or something rare? Northern Flying Squirrel: The Parkway has unique Primarily nocturnal, these small habitats that support rare mammals live in high elevation and endangered plants and spruce-fir forests. animals. Many of these plants are threatened by foot traffic. The problem can be alleviated by the simple practice of staying on the trail. There are several especially sensitive areas, including the Tanawha Trail around Grandfather Mountain, the Craggy Pinnacle Trail at Craggy Gardens, and at Devil’s Courthouse. Whether you suspect the presence of rare plants or not, please stay on the trail – if for no other reason than to protect all plants and to prevent erosion. Rabies can be transmitted by most wild animals. Animals in the park should not be treated as pets or lured close enough to feed or touch. If a wild animal approaches you, it could be a sign of serious illness. Please tell a Ranger. BOATS - Only on Price Lake, boats without motors or sails are permitted. Wildlife Observation: The best diet for all animals is a natural one. Human food can make any wild animal sick. The digestive system of a white tail deer, common around campgrounds and picnic areas, only breaks down the natural food sources including twigs, bark, leaves, grasses and acorns. Wild animals like the taste of human food, but for their safety and health, do not feed them. All plants on the Parkway are protected. Many of our native wildflowers in the Blue Ridge are threatened by illegal harvesting. The most frequently illegally harvested plant is Galax. The large, round, shiny evergreen leaves of this plants are taken on a large scale for use in flower arrangements. You can help stop this poaching - if you see anyone collecting plants on the Parkway, report it to a Ranger. Email us at BRP_Wildlife@nps.gov with information on what you saw, the date and location. Sending a photograph of your sighting is always helpful. www.nps.gov/blri 9 Camping Of the Parkway’s eight campgrounds, most have at least some sites that will accommodate sizeable recreational vehicles, and all offer restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables and grills. The settings are tranquil and scenic, and most offer ready access to miles of hiking trails for those who want to explore on foot. Be sure to ask about Ranger talks and campfire programs that are given seasonally. Most campgrounds are at elevations of more than 2,500 feet, which means that temperatures are usually cooler than in the surrounding area. Even in summer a sweater can come in handy. Campgrounds are open early May through October. Reservations may be made for some sites at all campgrounds except Crabtree Falls. All campgrounds have “first come, first served” sites. As a general rule, demand is higher on weekends and holidays. To make a reservation, visit www.recreation.gov or call toll-free (877) 444-6777. Showers facilities are available at Mt. Pisgah campground. Go to the Plan Your Visit / Eating & Sleeping page at www.nps.gov/blri for camping fee information. Campground improvements will occur this summer that may close some sections of several campgrounds. Make your reservations early and call ahead to check on the availability of any one particular campsite Group camping is available only at Linville Falls Campground. Call (828) 765-6082 for more information. In addition, limited backcountry camping is available via permit at Basin Cove in Doughton Park (336) 372-8568 or Rock Castle Gorge (540) 745-9661 or Johns River Road Trail (828) 295-7591. Camping outside of designated campgrounds or without a permit at backcountry sites is prohibited. Lodging & Dining Lodges are located on the Parkway at Peaks of Otter (MP 86), and Mt. Pisgah (MP 408). Restaurants, other facilities and services are available seaonally at a number of other locations. Peaks of Otter Go to Plan Your Visit / Basic Information / Operating Hours & Seasons at www.nps.gov/blri Pisgah Inn • Tree Tops Fishing The Parkway lies along the headwaters of many regional watersheds. Thirteen lakes were constructed for aesthetic beauty and recreational opportunities. Streams, ponds, and rivers give anglers ample opportunity to test their skills for trout, bass, and panfish. A state license from either North Carolina or Virginia is valid for fishing in all park waters. Creel limits and other regulations vary. Ask a Ranger for details. Firewood Tree-killing insects and diseases, brought in on firewood, threaten park forests. Because of this threat, pending guidelines may require campers to use heat-treated bundled firewood that displays a seal issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture. Several on and off parkway visitor centers and stores sell certified firewood from May through November. Campers may also use downed wood collected inside the park for campfires. Stop at a campground kiosk to learn more. 10 THE PARKWAY MILEPOST PARKS ARE 4 U! Cultural Demonstration and Special Events Every Kid In The Park The Every Kid in a Park program provides fourth graders and their families with free entrance to the national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and marine sanctuaries. By doing so, we hope to inspire the next generation and their families to go outdoors, to be active, to spend time together, and to explore the “living classrooms” that these lands represent. The sights and sounds of traditional rural life in Appalachia are portrayed through cultural demonstration and special events in many locations on the Parkway. Farmfest at Humpback Rock Join the crowd to experience the unique music and culture of the region at Humpback Rocks, Mabry Mill, Brenigar Cabin, Roanoke Mountain Picnic Area and the Blue Ridge Music Center. Numerous special events celebrate different aspects of the Parkway’s history and heritage. These include: Music and Art in the Mountains at the Peaks of Otter, The Transportation Festival at James River and the Overmountain Victory Celebration at the Minerals Museum of North Carolina. Educators and community leaders can access educational activities, field trip options, and the ability to print passes for their classrooms. Parents visiting the website can find additional links for more information on planning trips to nearby public lands. Overmountain Victory Celebration The pass is valid for the school year for fourth graders and three accompanying adults (or an entire car for drivein parks) at more than 2,000 federally-managed sites. Visit the Every Kid in a Park website at https://everykidinapark.gov/ to obtain your pass and start your outdoor adventure! Roanoke Mountain Music Ranger Led Programs A variety of interpretive programs are offered from June through October. Campfire talks, guided hikes, historic craft demonstrations, music, and nature study are some of the activities you and your family can enjoy. Specific schedules are posted at all developed areas. Junior Ranger Programs A Junior Ranger is someone like you who cares for and learns about America’s national parks so that others in the future may enjoy them. Ask for a handbook at any visitor center and begin your journey to becoming a Parkway Junior Ranger. www.nps.gov/blri 11 HIKING HIKING Mount Mitchell State Park, NC Mount Mitchell is the highest point in eastern North America, rising to 6,684 feet. A Mount Mitchell State Park map with trail information is available at the state park headquarters, two miles up NC State Highway 128 from the park entrance at Milepost 355.4. Write to Mount Mitchell State Park, 2388 State Hwy 128, Burnsville, NC 28714 or call (828) 675 4611. www.ncparks.gov Appalachian Trail, VA Other Important Safety Advice Hiking shoes or boots are recommended for most trails, especially the more strenuous ones. Steep and rocky areas and slippery stream crossings require extra attention and careful footing. Even for trails marked “easy,” it is advisable to wear flat or rubber-soled shoes for comfort and good traction. Wearing sandals, “flip-flops,” or high heels can result in accidents. Lock valuables in the trunk of your car or take them with you. Sudden changes in weather are common in these mountains. Even in mild seasons, rapid dips in temperature and unexpected thunderstorms frequently occur, and at higher elevations the wind and temperature can carry a surprising chill. Be prepared for weather changes by bringing along suitable clothing. Do not drink the water from streams or springs. Traditional Music Trails Some of the best places to hear traditional Appalachian music can be found at several locations on and off the Parkway. The Blue Ridge Music Center The Appalachian Trail parallels the first 100 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway to a point just north of Roanoke VA. There are many trail access points along this section of the Parkway. For more information, please refer to Appalachian Trail publications. www.nps.gov/appa Kids In Parks / Track Trails The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Kids in Parks TRACK Trails program is a network of selfguided hiking trails on and in communities along the Parkway. Each trail has a series of brochures designed to turn an ordinary hike into a fun-filled, discovery-packed adventure. Kids who hike these trails can register on the Kids in Parks website to win prizes that make their next outdoor adventure more fun. Visit the five TRACK Trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville, Peaks of Otter, Julian Price Park and the Blue Ridge Music Center. Learn more at kidsinparks.com From the Parkway, travelers can easily find more music in towns and venues throughout the region! The sounds of the fiddle, banjo, and guitar are likely to welcome you when you visit the Blue Ridge Music Center. Experience regional traditional music offered free of charge by local Mid-Day Mountain Musicians, Noon - 4 PM daily. May through October. Milepost 213. Visit the Roots of American Music museum to learn more about the history and growth of the region’s musical heritage. 12 THE PARKWAY MILEPOST POPULAR HIKING TRAILS OF The Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Trails North Carolina Trails Milepost Trail - Miles - Difficulty 5.9 Farm Museum Trail 0.25 easy 34.4 Yankee Horse (logging RR) 0.2 moderate 60.8 Otter Creek 3.5 moderate 63.1 Otter Lake Loop 0.8 moderate 63.6 James River(canal locks) 0.2 easy 63.6 Trail of Trees Loop 0.5 moderate 78.4 Apple Orchard Falls 1.2 strenuous ** 83.1 Fallingwater Cascades 1.6 moderate ** 83.5 Flat Top 4.4 strenuous 85.7 Abbott Lake Loop 1.0 easy 85.9 Elk Run Loop 0.8 easy 85.9 Johnson Farm Loop 2.1 moderate 85.9 Harkening Hill 3.3 moderate 86.0 Sharp Top 1.6 strenuous 110.6 Stewart Knob 1.2 moderate 114.9 Roanoke River Loop 0.35 easy 120.4 Roanoke Mountain Summit 0.11 moderate 154.5 Smart View Loop 2.6 moderate 167.1 Rock Castle Gorge Loop 10.8 strenuous 176.2 Mabry Mill 0.5 easy 213.0 Fisher’s Peak Loop 2.25 moderate Hiking maps are available for some of the trails listed below. Check with the Visitor Center closest to the trailhead. North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail The Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) stretches 1150 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Outer Banks. In the North Carolina mountains, much of the MST parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway. To find the trail, look for markers along the Parkway with a hiker symbol and a white circle blaze. Milepost Trail - Miles - Difficulty 217.5 Cumberland Knob 0.5 easy 230.1 Little Glade Millpond Loop 0.4 easy 241.0 Fodder Stack 1.0 moderate 271.9 Cascades Loop 0.5 moderate 294.0 Flat Top Mountain 3.0 moderate 294.1 Figure 8 Loop 0.7 easy 296.5 Boone Fork Loop 5.5 moderate-strenuous 297.0 Price Lake Loop 2.7 moderate