Sure you’ve heard of the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park – but have you heard of the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Located in Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway receives approximately 19 million visitors each year – that’s more than any other national park in the United States – in fact, it’s more visitors than Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone national parks combined.
Visit tripatlas.com/new to enter our contest to Win a Family Vacation for 4 to Virginia to celebrate the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th anniversary. Go to www.tripatlas.com/new/virginiacontest to enter today.
So why visit the Blue Ridge Parkway?
It’s known as one of the best drives in the U.S., with loads of natural scenery: spectacular mountains, sloping valleys, sparkling waterfalls, colourful flowers, and fall foliage. With 9 campgrounds, 721 tent sites, 351 RV sites, 15 picnic areas, 275 scenic stops, and 11 visitor’s centres extending over 470.02 miles, it’s no wonder the park gets so many visitors.
If you’re planning to visit or go for a driving holiday along Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway, here are a few things to put on your list!
The Humpback Rocks are located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and resemble a “hump” on one of the mountain faces. This is a popular hiking destination for the stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding valley at 3,080-feet.
Dinosaur Land is the ultimate children’s playground! This outdoor attraction features life-sized replicas of dinosaurs and pre-historic creatures like mammoths and a 60-ft-long shark that children can approach, play, or pose for a photo with.
The Peaks of Otter is another popular region for a nature getaway especially with the surrounding Jefferson National Forest, great for hiking, fishing, and camping. Families can visit cabins from the 1800’s or Johnson Farm, a living historic farm with activities and games for kids.
Mabry Mill is every photographer’s dream with various historic structures like a gristmill, blacksmith, and sawmill set by the water. On Sunday afternoons during the summer, musicians and dancers liven up the area with great family entertainment.
The Shenandoah Caverns are a spectacular natural geological wonder in the Shenandoah Valley. The tour brings you through a 1-mile circuit of the cave’s natural stalagmite and stalactite limestone formations.
Natural Bridge, a rocky platform connecting two 20-storey cliffs over a river, is another attraction on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Legend from native Monacan Indians say that the bridge appeared just as they were escaping from advancing enemies. The bridge itself is not just a natural wonder but also a historical one involving Washington, Jefferson, Civil War men, and King George III of England. Nearby, families can also step back 300 years and experience the historical Monacan Indian Nation community.
Wineries & Vineyards: Virginia is a big upcoming wine region and more than a hundred wineries can be found in the Blue Ridge & Shenandoah Valley regions, all locally-made wines and ciders.
Built in the Depression era to create jobs and to connect Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park with Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, this year the parkway is celebrating 75 years with tons of events, concerts, travel deals, and family activities. For more, go to: blueridgeparkway75.org.
Visit tripatlas.com/new to enter our contest to Win a Family Vacation for 4 to Virginia to celebrate the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th anniversary. Go to www.tripatlas.com/new/virginiacontest to enter today.