Blue Ridge Parkway

  The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation welcomed guests to celebrate the release of the new Blue Ridge Parkway license plate and discuss plans for improvements to the national park on March 21 at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. The nonprofit’s CEO Carolyn Ward and Whitney Brown, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, welcomed the audience to share their ideas for supporting the country’s most-visited national park.

On February 6, the Blue RIdge Parkway/National Park Service released the following release concerning Request for Expressions of Interest for Otter Creek Restaurant, Rocky Knob Cabins, and Bluffs Lodge

More than 130 leaders from North Carolina and Virginia gathered to discuss strategies for unifying and strengthening communities adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Dec. 5-6 in Blowing Rock.

On the Blue Ridge Parkway, we’re counting down to Giving Views Day on Tuesday, November 28. It’s our own special version of the annual day of generosity celebrated around the world.  

Beginning Monday, Oct. 23, a contracted crew and volunteers will start reconstruction of the viewing platform atop Mount Pisgah in Pisgah National Forest off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 407.6. The project is funded through the generosity of our Community of Stewards.

Each year, the Foundation works with the National Park Service to determine where donors can make the greatest impact on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our 2023 Parkway Project List below outlines the ways your donation can transform the national park you love.  The national park depends on dedicated donors to provide critical funding through the Foundation. You can choose to give to a specific initiative that you want to see accomplished or provide a gift that supports the highest priority needs. 

Do you need a heartfelt Mother’s Day gift? We have 5 wonderful ways to show mom your love. 1. A donation to protect the Blue Ridge Parkway in honor of your mom is a meaningful way to show you care about the national park she loves. Whether she enjoys hiking, visiting historical sites, or taking in the mountain vistas from overlooks, your gift will make her proud. You can also download an e-card or printable card to announce your gift! Donate

On Friday, Feb. 17, the Virginia General Assembly approved the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s specialty license plate. Proceeds from sales will support enhancements and programs along the country’s most visited national park. Thanks to Parkway supporters, the Foundation exceeded the 450 preorders required to secure approval for the license plate. It will be the only specialty plate in the commonwealth solely dedicated to funding projects and programs along the Parkway. 

We were thrilled to celebrate our 25th anniversary with a special event on Thursday, Nov. 17, at Highland Brewing Company. More than 100 guests attended to mark the nonprofit’s years of support for projects and programs that enhance the country’s most visited national park. 

By Jack Betts and Broaddus Fitzpatrick Virginia and North Carolina are two competitive states — in sports, in economics, in academics and in their magnificent environments running from the mountain ridges down to the coastlines. Residents of both the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of North Carolina have exceptional pride in the beautiful local, state and federal parks — particularly the 469-mile long Blue Ridge Parkway, which the two states share. So why do North Carolinians provide so much more support for the Parkway?