We are finally seeing some thawing and melting of snows in the Blue Ridge Region. Storms and low temperatures have kept much of the Southern Appalachians locked in snow and ice since before Christmas. Brief respites of sunshine and temperatures above freezing are now producing running waters generated by melting snow.
This brings to mind the geologic processes that have produced the Blue Ridge Mountains as we know them. The freezing and thawing cycles through the millennia have served to create the many rock formations, rounded mountain tops, and rock strewn streams that provide the environment of some of the oldest mountains in the world.
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Everyone has their favorite time of year. Some like the fresh newness of spring. Some prefer the warmth and greenness of summer. Others are invigorated by the crisp mornings and bright colors of autumn. As a National Park Ranger on the Blue Ridge Parkway my favorite season was winter. Although I enjoyed the bounty of every season, I have to admit winter was when I recharged my emotional batteries and felt I could enjoy the park the most.
Winter weather fronts and storms serve as nature’s ventilation system and flush the brown hues of air pollution from the valleys and piedmont regions. This cleansing provides for the most spectacular and frequent views from the mountains left to our generation. Read more »
Common Question:
My family is planning a camping trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains next summer. Is fishing allowed in the streams and lakes along the parkway? If so, is there a special license required? Are the streams “Catch and Release” only? Can we also launch our canoe in the lakes?
Answer:
Fishing is permitted in all Parkway waters with a valid state fishing license from either North Carolina or Virginia. No special trout stamp or license is needed and persons under age 16 can fish without a license. Fishing is not permitted from footbridges, dams or adjacent walls. In trout waters, regulations are posted at the stream bank and are in effect for that stream only. This includes any streams that are catch and release only.
Be aware that many streams meander onto U.S. Forest Service or private land and regulations will vary as the jurisdiction changes.
At Julian Price Lake (Milepost 297), you may rent canoes or bring your own. Boating is not allowed at any other Parkway lakes.
Visit Fishing on the Blue Ridge Parkway to learn more about the rules and regulations, read fishing reports, and more.
Common Question:
My buddies and I are planning a trip to North Carolina this fall and would like to know if you could tell us where the best hunting spots are along the parkway?
Answer:
The Blue Ridge Parkway like all national parks is managed as a wildlife preserve and hunting is not permitted anywhere within its boundaries.
The Parkway offers special permits to individuals who wish to access U.S. Forest Service land for the purpose of hunting. The permit allows access only from certain Parkway overlooks, and the conditions of the permit must be followed exactly. Information on the Hunter Parking Permit program is available at local ranger offices, from rangers in the field, and from park headquarters.
National Park Service regulations state: As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park. It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances. Check state regulations for Virginia or North Carolina to make certain of your compliance while in the park. Read more from the NPS.
For more information visit our Blue Ridge Parkway Regulations page.
Common Question:
What are the best dates to view fall colors along the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Answer:
Typically the best times to view fall colors occur during the month of October. Peak times normally are mid to late October. However, there is no given time table and many factors can impact fall colors.
Although peak fall colors normally occur during the last two weeks of October, pretty patches of colors can be seen into November. Read more »
