Everyone we know has a severe case of spring fever. The Blue Ridge Bookstore staff live in the western NC mountains, and well, let’s just say that with today’s temperature being close to 60 degrees we’re all daydreaming of springtime weather.
What’s your favorite thing to do on the Parkway when the weather finally breaks? I like to take leisurely strolls on the trails, hopefully with my camera in tow. Pre-season exploration of the Parkway can bring surprises for photographers –like a newly felled tree, or the lack of people in general in areas that stay crowded during peak visitation times.
But one of my favorites is visiting waterfalls. I must admit, I’ve been a life-long resident of Boone and thought I knew the area pretty well when it came to finding waterfalls, but there are a couple of books and maps at the store that showed me otherwise! Weather breaks like this before winter is officially over and springtime arrives means you may get lucky and find icy waterfalls without having to deal with the cold weather that normally comes with it. Just another bonus for checking out the various falls in the area this time of year. Read more »
Now Available! Having always been a popular guidemap, we are now offering all three maps together to save you money! This Blue Ridge Parkway Guidemap set covers the northern, central, and southern sections of the Parkway highlighting overlooks, campgrounds, trailheads, visitor centers, tunnels and access roads, all with handy tables listing mileposts and access points.
You’ll also find waterfalls, major recreation areas, and several backroads identified to make your trip an adventurous one. Buying all 3 maps together means you’re covered from milepost 0 to 469.1. Who wouldn’t want America’s Favorite Scenic Drive accessible at their fingertips?
You can still purchase these maps separately, in case you feel like covering a smaller area.
Happy Travels!
Snowman greets Blue Ridge Parkway visitors at Soco Gap
You won’t find any motorcycles on the Blue Ridge Parkway this time of year. Cars either. The road’s been closed to winter traffic for a while now if it’s on wheels.
That doesn’t mean there is a lack of visitors. Even when blanketed in snow you’ll find people out enjoying the road. Sledding, skiing, on snowshoes or in winter boots, plenty drive to the nearest cross road and set out to enjoy the seasons scenery and solitude. Read more »
Submitted by: Rick Spruill
Last weekend my wife and I went to Graveyard Fields at MP 419. I had read much about the hiking trail there and wanted to check it and the foliage out. The trailhead started with a tunnel of rhododendron. We had a great time hiking all the way to the Upper Falls which was about 1.6 miles, with great variation of terrain and trails.
It was a good workout but not too tough. The falls were a little light but the rock formations all around it were awesome. As we traveled back we took the upper trail to the Lower Falls. Oh by the way the colors, mostly reds were beautiful. It was quite a hike down to the falls but it was well worth it! They were absolutely gorgeous! I took about 60 pictures on this trip and we will certainly return.
(From Andrew Miller, Coordinator of Outdoor Programs at Appalachian State University, and Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition Director)
On the opening eve of the 8th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition, I want to share with you a couple of highlights from one of the 2010 Student Outdoor Learning Expeditions (SOLE Trips) which are supported in part by AMPC proceeds.
This summer marked the 7th New Zealand expedition hosted by Outdoor Programs at Appalachian State University. This 28 day short-term study abroad program immerses students in the landscapes and cultures of this remarkable and stunning country. This year marked the 4th time I have served as a leader of this experience and I have to say, the stars really aligned on this one. Read more »
