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What is so special about the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Imagine driving 469 miles of Southern Appalachian vistas and never
having to stop. Nearly 500 miles in length with no stops, no signage and
nothing commercial to distract you? It is about time you did!
The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast is exactly the half way point on
the BRP in VA. We are only 15 miles to MP 121 entrance/exit to the
Parkway which makes day tripping delightful! As many guests discover,
trying to drive the entire length of this scenic road takes a little
while longer than anticipated. The speed limit on the BRP is maximum 45
mph. So take into account the winding road, the possible deer, bear and
turkey that might be trotting across the road and the speed you travel
will be slightly less than 45mph. Besides you must take a few
photographs along the way.
Some BRP trivia:
The highest point on the BRP is at Richland Balsam, NC at MP 417.1 and
the elevation is at 6,047 feet above sea level.
The lowest point on the BRP is at Otter Creek, VA MP 63.2 with an
elevation of 649 feet.
There are 26 tunnels on the BRP where they cut through a total of 2.25
miles of solid rock.
The BRP links two national parks – The Shenandoah National Park in
Virginia and The Great Smokey Mountains National Park in North Carolina
and Tennessee.
This amazing road was built during the Great Depression when there was
an overabundance of willing hands, back and biceps to build this road!
It began in Sept 1935 and was built in sections that were later
connected. Like most of the country in that era, the Blue Ridge region
was economically depressed.
One by one the road sections and parks were completed until only one
piece was missing. How would they get around Grandfather Mountain in
North Carolina? (If you have stood on the edge of Grandfather Mountain
and viewed eternity you know that this was quite a challenge) After
years of planning the park service finally discovered a way to make
everyone happy and they designed what we have today – The Linn Cove
Viaduct. It was not until 1987 that this viaduct was dedicated and
completed the 469 contiguous mile trek as one long, beautiful drive
through the Appalachians.
Please make sure you do not travel the BRP without this free guidebook
http://www.blueridgeparkwayusa.com/ . We have
complimentary copies for you here at The Claiborne House Bed and
Breakfast. This little book is a gem, chock full of bits of information
to what flora and fauna is found on the BRP in any given season, to what
MP markers to look for historic sites.
One suggested day trip from The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast would
be down to Mabry Mill (MP176). This received notoriety as the most
photographed spot on the BRP. You can walk around the mill and feed the
ducks. It is a nice leisurely drive to Mabry Mill from The B&B.
Another day trip would be up the BRP to Peaks of Otter (MP 100). You can
hike the three Peaks of Otter from the Peaks of Otter Lodge – Flat Top
4,001 feet or Harkening Hill 3,375 feet (each 1.5 to 2 mile walk) to the
summit at Sharp Top 3,865 feet for a 360 degree view. Afterwards grab an
ice cold coke or casual dinner at the lodge.
I won't
go into detail about the fall foliage season on the BRP. Just suffice it
to say
it will take your breath away!
More variety of leafy trees on the BRP than even Japan. Not to be
missed! For more info on the
BRP click here
Blue Ridge Inn to Inn
Recommendation
Innkeeper's Map of Covered Bridges of
SW VA |
