Blog

Dr. Ray Russell (President of RaysWeather.com, creator of BRPWeather.com, and Associate Professor of Computer Science at Appalachian State University) is running the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway. He started his journey on May 17 at the north end near Waynesboro, Virginia, and is covering roughly 20 miles per day.

A section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Milepost 316.5 to Milepost 317.5 will close Monday, April 18, 2016, for approximately six weeks in order to make repairs to the historic Linville River Bridge.

Congratulations to Scott Ramsey, who won first place in the Blue Ridge Parkway category of the 13th annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition on March 19. His image "Picnic Under the Stars" captured the Milky Way above an iconic Parkway picnic table at Waterrock Knob, milepost 451.

Signs of spring are finally breaking through winter’s cold grip, and the National Park Service has announced the Parkway’s 2016 opening schedule and hours of operation. Time to start planning your Parkway getaways. Here’s a quick rundown.

We’d like to send out a big thanks to everyone who attended the Foundation’s reception at Hotel Roanoke on March 16. More than 60 people enjoyed drinks, bites and a fascinating presentation by landscape architect David Hill, principal author of A Neighbor’s Guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hill shared insights behind the design of the Parkway, from its masonry to the vistas, and tips for blending neighboring homes, buildings and landscapes into the overall picture of the scenic route.

We've got exciting news! Moses H. Cone Memorial Park has been named a 2016 Centennial Challenge project. That means the Foundation, with your help, is getting a running start on a multiyear fundraising effort to repair and rehab the historical estate in the High Country of North Carolina. The Centennial Challenge program, designed to address needs in all National Parks, will provide financial support to update the fire suppression system at Flat Top Manor. We're raising $411,000 for the project with a match of nearly $300,000 from Congress. But this important project is just the start.

As we hunker down for the thick of winter, it’s easy to think of the Blue Ridge Parkway and say “see you in the spring, old friend.” But the cooler months bring the opportunity to experience the ribbon of road anew. Winter is a stark and lovely contrast to fall, when visitors flock to the route to witness the fiery displays of autumn color. This is the season to see the landscape without the regalia—a breathtaking glimpse of nature at rest, giving those who call the mountains home a chance for a soul­enriching experience.

This year, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, but in 1972 crowds observed another centennial: the establishment of Yellowstone as the country's first national park. That's right. The first park preceded the National Park Service, which was established in 1916 to protect the 35 national parks and monuments then managed by the Department of the Interior and those yet to be established.