Discover Virginia's Blue Ridge Parkway and Follow Its Historic Trail

Whether one spends a day or several days here there is nothing more relaxing or enjoyable than taking a leisurely drive down Virginia's scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. This beautiful parkway runs for some 500 meandering miles along the crests of the Blue Ridge through Virginia and North Carolina offering frequent scenic overlooks which provide spectacular views of the valley below.

One needs to spend but a few hours on the parkway to understand how and why this is the most visited unit of America's National Park system, drawing some 20 million visitors each year...gracefully winding roads alternating between thick stands of colorful maples, birches and giant firs reaching skyward and then breaking into an open field of heather colored straw grass temporarily populated by a small herd of fearless deer, and around the next curve a striking view of the Shenandoah valley with its' rich patterns of fields of wheat and corn some 2,000 feet below.

The thrill of driving the Blue Ridge lies in anticipation of what lies around the next curve.

Recently while standing at one of the many overlooks I found I was actually holding my breath as I looked at the graceful mountains in the distance, one after the other for as far as the eye could see, each with its' unique contour and shadows tinged in various hues and patterns and draped in the ever present blue haze from which the mountains take their name....It is a truly breathtaking sight.

There is something that sets the Blue Ridge apart from the Rockies, the Alps, the Pyrenees, or any other mountain chain. These old, rugged and worn mountains take their beauty not from spectacular heights or towering peaks, but from an hard earned gracefulness, much like that possessed by a gentle, beloved grandfather who has in time earned his dignity.

It is the Blue Ridge.

In addition to the spectacular mountaintop vistas in season one can marvel at the beautiful foliage of fall, the vibrant colors of wild flowers, dogwoods, rhododendrons and wild azaleas of the spring. Even in winter the dark green firs sparkle with an icy coating of frost and appear more beautiful than the most carefully decorated Christmas tree.

Wildlife too enjoys and thrives on the Blue Ridge. During one visit covering 52 miles on the parkway we observed 15 deer, some at a distance, others grazing in open areas within a few yards of passing automobiles. The parkway also is home to wild turkey and the eastern black bear.

Adding to the enjoyment of traveling the parkway are the frequent and interesting historical sites which lie scattered along the route. The parkway has been historical exhibits ranging from living examples of mountain homesteads and farms, and farm industries as well as demonstrations of many mountain crafts. Perhaps one of the most visited living history demonstration is found at Mabry Mill (mile post 176) where a working water driven mill still grinds cornmeal today. Mabry Mill sits on a lovely mill pond and provides a truly memorable photograph opportunity. Living history demonstrations at Mabry mill include a rustic farmhouse furnished as it was in the 19th century, a blacksmith shop, a distillery, a spinning and weaving demonstration.

Other exhibits include remnants of the failed James River-Kanawha canal (milepost 63) and a once active iron mine (milepost 96) . At milepost 34 there is reconstructed replica of the narrow Gage Irish Creek railroad that once served the logging industry in the area..

At milepost 86 the parkway breaks into a scenic valley where the Peaks of Otter lodge is found. The lodge and restaurant sits on the edge of Abbott lake and at the foot of Sharp top, Flattop and Harkening Hill mountains.

The lodge offers comfortable accommodations in a beautiful lakeside setting at very reasonable prices

The adjacent restaurant at the lodge which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner offers an attractive setting and provides lovely views of the lake and Sharp top mountain in the background. It is common to see deer grazing lakeside during evening meals.

While at the Peaks of Otter one can hike one of several well maintained trails, one of which leads to a living history farm from the 19th century.

The more adventurous can hike up to the top of Sharp top mountain (3,800 feet). The beautiful, conical shape of Sharp Type was once admired by Thomas Jefferson who once declared it to be the highest peak in the (then) United States. Jefferson was proven wrong (even at the time it was not the highest peak in the colonies), but Jefferson was so inspired by it he had stones from the mountain carried to Washington for inclusion in the building of the Washington monument.

The less adventurous can take a bus from the welcome center up Sharptop to within 1,500 feet of the summit for some wonderful photo opportunities.

In addition to the lodge the Peaks of Otter site offers a modern cam ground, picnic areas and nearby access to the Appalachian trial.

Fishing is allowed in Abbott lake (license required).

When leaving the Peaks of Otter consider taking as short detour on route 43 (intersects parkway at Peaks of Otter) to the town of Bedford. Here you can see the D day memorial which honors those lost in the invasion of Europe in WWII. This memorial was placed in Bedford as the little town lost more of its' residents (per capita) in the invasion than any American town.

The memorial is worth the visit.