| Considered a national treasure, the 469-mile Blue | | | | Biltmore Estate, Chimney Rock Park, Grandfather |
| Ridge Parkway connects Shenandoah National | | | | Mountain, Linville Falls, and Pisgah National Forest - |
| Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains | | | | all sure to create unforgettable mountain vacation |
| National Park in North Carolina. Managed by the | | | | moments. There's no better way to celebrate the |
| National Park Service, the Parkway traverses 29 | | | | living legacy of the Blue Ridge Parkway than to |
| counties and two major metropolitan areas, | | | | take the journey and explore what is new via a |
| Roanoke VA and Asheville NC - and averages 16 | | | | Blue Ridge Mountains adventure. |
| million visits annually. The Parkway's mission is to | | | | The area abounds with inviting hiking trails, |
| preserve the natural scenery and resources along | | | | towering trees, diverse species of wildlife, |
| its rural Southern Appalachian route, as well as | | | | fascinating cultural points of interest and |
| provide recreational opportunities for the public | | | | marvelous mountain views. Mountain visitors can |
| and a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the | | | | learn more about area attractions and regional |
| mountains. An All-American Road as designated | | | | history through the programs and exhibits of the |
| by the National Scenic Byways Commission, the | | | | Destination Center just east of Asheville at |
| Blue Ridge Parkway turns 75 years old in 2010. | | | | Parkway milepost 384. |
| Construction of the road began in Cumberland | | | | Recognized internationally as a notable |
| Knob, North Carolina, in 1935. | | | | achievement of both landscape and engineering |
| The breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway, known as | | | | design, the parkway also plays a vital role in |
| "America's Favorite Drive", is the scenic way to | | | | preserving a biologically diverse environment with |
| reach many charming towns and vistas and to | | | | a wide range of flora and fauna, including rare and |
| experience the area's remarkable beauty, history, | | | | endangered plant and animal species. In fact, the |
| art and culture. One hundred miles of the | | | | Parkway has more diversity of habitat and |
| Parkway wind through the Blue Ridge Mountain | | | | supports more plant species than any other park |
| Host area and Asheville NC. The regional web site | | | | in the United States National Park System. |
| points visitors to fascinating side trips such as the | | | | |
