BRPA Membership

Highlights & Happenings

• Craggy Gardens, MP 364
These high elevation summits are home to spectacular floral displays. June and July are usually prime times to view the pink and purple blooms of rhododendron, but don’t despair if you miss the peak bloom. Violets, blackberry, May-apple, a
• Cumberland Knob, MP 217.5
Located near the Virginia state line, Cumberland Knob is the site where construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began in 1935. It was the first recreation area opened to the public and remains a favorite destination for both locals and visitors. The m
• James River, MP 64
The James River crosses Virginia from the Alleghenies to the Atlantic Ocean and has been a major transportation artery through Virginia for centuries. Although originally planned to provide a navigable waterway from the Great Falls at Richmond to the
• Moses H. Cone Park, MP 294
A majestic 4,200 acres at the foot of Grandfather Mountain, named in honor of Julian Price, lies directly adjacent to the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. Together these parks comprise the largest developed area set aside for public recreati
• Folk Art Center, Milepost 382
The Folk Art Center showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary craft of the Southern Appalachians. It houses the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s century-old Allanstand Craft Shop, exhibitions in three galleries, a library and an audit
• Waterrock Knob, MP 451.2
An ideal spot for watching sunrise and sunsets across the rugged mountains, Waterrock Knob Visitor Center sits at almost 6,000 feet elevation. Exhibits, book sales, and a trail leading to the summit of Waterrock Knob await visitors. The last hik
• Doughton Park, MP 240
Renew your senses amid this landscape of open meadows. Doughton Park is one of the best places along the Blue Ridge Parkway to view white-tailed deer, raccoons, red and grey foxes, and bobcats.  Flowers burst on the scene in late spring and crea
• Miracle on the Mountain Outdoor Drama
July 29 - July 31 The story of the remarkable doctors who came into the mountains of WNC bringing medical care, education and economic development to an under-served area.
• North Carolina Arboretum Spring & Summer Events
The North Carolina Arboretum – located at Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 393!
• Shenandoah Uncorked at The Yellow Barn
A family friendly indoor wine tasting event with gourmet food, music, kids activities, local farm produce and the finest wines in the Shenandoah Valley!
• Hiking Trails
A journey on the Blue Ridge Parkway offers motorists spectacular views of Southern Appalachia’s diverse beauty for 469.1 uninterrupted miles.
• Camping
Camping is one way visitors traveling through the Blue Ridge Parkway can spend the night under the stars in one of America’s most beautiful natural settings.