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The Blue Ridge Parkway Celebrates 75th Year in 2010
An All-American Road as designated by the National Scenic Byways Commission, the Blue Ridge Parkway marks its 75th anniversary with celebrations, events, and symposia throughout the year culminating with a commemorative weekend September 10-12, 2010, in the Cumberland Knob, North Carolina, area, where construction of the road began in 1935.
Considered a national treasure, the 469-mile route connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Managed by the National Park Service, the Parkway traverses 29 counties and two major metropolitan areas, Roanoke VA and Asheville NC – and averages 16 million visits annually.
The Parkway's mission is to preserve the natural scenery and resources along its rural Southern Appalachian route, as well as provide recreational opportunities for the public and a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway, known as "America's Favorite Drive", is the scenic way to reach many charming towns and vistas. 100 of its miles wind through the Blue Ridge Mountain Host area and Asheville NC. The regional web site www.ncblueridge.com points visitors to fascinating side trips such as the Biltmore Estate, Chimney Rock Park, Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls, and Pisgah National Forest – all sure to create unforgettable mountain vacation moments. There's no better way to celebrate the living legacy of the Blue Ridge Parkway than to take the journey and explore what is new via a Blue Ridge Mountains adventure.
The Blue Ridge Mountains abound with inviting hiking trails, towering trees, diverse species of wildlife, fascinating cultural points of interest and marvelous mountain views. Mountain visitors can learn more about area attractions and regional history through the programs and exhibits of The Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center just east of Asheville at Parkway milepost 384.
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