Parkway Q & A

Answer:

One of the many beneficial programs of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the Parks as Classrooms program is aimed at providing resources and funding for educational outreach to children in all 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties. Over the years, hundreds of rangers have enriched the lives of tens of thousands of school children.
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Common Question: As a child I always enjoyed the apple butter making at Mabry Mill. Do they still hold this event? Do you know what dates it is scheduled for this year? 

Answer: Apple butter making at Mabry Mill is one of the most popular family events on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can view a demonstration of the apple butter being made and then purchase some to take home the same day. This event is held each fall at Mabry Mill, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 176. The dates for this popular pastime usually occur in October. Please contact Mabry Mill for more information about current scheduling by calling 276-952-2947 or visit their web site.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Store has a wonderful selection of scrumptious items from the Orchard at Altapass, including apple butter, jellies, and syrups.

For additional events along the Blue Ridge Parkway, please visit the Virtual Blue Ridge Events Calendar.

Common Question: I am planning to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway and am concerned about road closures and detours. Where can I locate information about detours and closures? How often is this information updated?

Answer: Road detours and closures can certainly make traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway a chore rather than a pleasure. The best way to avoid these situations is to plan ahead before venturing out onto the Parkway. When Virtual Blue Ridge is informed of a closure or detour we will post the press release to our web site.

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Common Question: When will campgrounds (or picnic areas and visitors centers) be open this year? Do you know when a restaurant (or lodges and gift shops) will be opening and closing this summer?

Answer: Each year, the new hours are usually released at the end of March.  Virtual Blue Ridge usually posts that information within 1-2 business days of receiving the notice in 2 places:

Blue Ridge Parkway facility hours of operations and opening dates

Blue Ridge Parkway concessions hours of operation and opening dates

In years past, the opening days have been within 2 to 3 days of previous year's dates, so this information may prove very useful to anyone trying to plan a springtime trip during the off-season when current hours may not be updated. 

Common Question:  I'm planning to visit the Parkway in (pick a month/season) and I want to know if there is a map available to help me plan the trip.  Where do I find a map of the entire Blue Ridge Parkway?

Answer:  Up until about 3 years ago (early 2005) this was a hard question to answer.  There simply weren't any good maps of the Blue Ridge Parkway available.  Sure, the National Park Service provides a map of the entire 469 mile park, but it lacks a lot of detail that a traveler needs. This map is available at many locations along the parkway including visitor centers and parks.  The good thing about this map is that it is free.  You can even download it from the Internet here.

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Common Question:  I am planning to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway in (pick a month) and I would like to see as many waterfalls as I can.  Is there a list of waterfalls that I can easily access?  Do you have any recommendations for waterfall walks?

Answer:  The Blue Ridge Parkway is a natural wonder that meanders through the Southern Appalachian Mountains.  These mountains are the source of many major rivers including the New River and Yadkin River.  As such, many waterfalls have been created as the small streams and rivers have washed away topsoil and dirt, but couldn't get past the granite and quartz (among other rocks and minerals).

Common Question: My fiancé and I wanted to know if it was possible to get married on the Blue Ridge Parkway. If it is possible, please let me know if it costs anything and approximately how many people can be accommodated?

Answer:  The Blue Ridge Parkway is a great place to have your wedding.  There are no facilities that you "rent" on the Parkway, you just pick a spot and then apply for a special use permit through the National Park Service.