Blue Ridge Park way - Massanutten Resort

12
Parkway
Partners
Perhaps one of these groups
has a place for you to help!
SHARED RESPONSIBILITy
The protection of the Parkway and surrounding region is an
immense task, with much at stake. Decades of eroding budgets
have reduced staffing and made it more and more difficult to maintain
the parkway’s aging and considerable infrastructure to monitor
and preserve its many natural and cultural resources, and provide
educational services for visitors. The trend is undeniably clear:
fewer staff members must confront mounting threats and try to carry
out a dual mission of preserving the Parkway and serving the visiting
public. They cannot do it alone. Their success will depend on
mobilizing an army of concerned citizens. The Parkway of tomorrow
will be defined by the extent to which people today are willing
to speak out on behalf of the Parkway and to invest in its future.
Fortunately, many non-profit partner groups now work hand-in-hand
with the Parkway staff. While these organizations have differing missions,
they share an overarching goal: to preserve and enhance the
national treasure that is the Blue Ridge Parkway.
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAy ASSOCIATION: Promotes travel
along the Parkway and provides print and electronic information
to visitors about adjacent accommodations, attractions and
communities. www.blueridgeparkway.org
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAy FOUNDATION:
Raises funds to support many Parkway programs and projects.
www.brpfoundation.org
FRIENDS OF THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAy: Promotes
volunteerism and leads tree plantings to screen adjacent development.
www.blueridgefriends.org
BLUE RIDGE NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA: Helps operate
the Parkway’s Visitor Center (Milepost 384) and promotes
the preservation and enjoyment of western North Carolina’s
cultural and natural heritage. www.blueridgeheritage.com
EASTERN NATIONAL: While not a membership organization,
this partner operates bookstores at Parkway visitor
centers. Profits support a variety of educational and research
programs. www.easternnational.org
CAROLINA MOUNTAIN CLUB: Provide trail
maintenance at the Parkway’s southern terminus.
www.carolinamountainclub.org
CONSERVATION TRUST FOR NORTH CAROLINA
(www.ctnc.org) and the WESTERN VIRGINIA LAND
TRUST (www.westernvirginialandtrust.org) Provide funds to
preserve key tracts of land along the Parkway and seek private
landowner support.
NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE TRADITIONAL ARTS:
Supports music performance and exhibits at the Blue Ridge
Music Center. www.ncta.net
SOUTHERN HIGHLAND CRAFT GUILD: Provides educational
demonstrations, exhibits and sales of regional crafts.
www.southernhighlandguild.org
Roads designated by the
U.S. Department of Transportation
are considered part of the America’s
Byways collection.
To receive an All-American Road designation, as the Blue Ridge
Parkway, a road must possess multiple intrinsic qualities that are
nationally significant, and contain one-of-a-kind features that do
not exist elsewhere.
The road must also be considered a “destination unto itself.” That
is, the road must provide an exceptional traveling experience so
recognized by travelers that the primary reason for their trip would
be to drive along the Byway.
For more information on the National Scenic Byways program contact:
1-800-4BYWAYS, option 3 or at www.byways.org.
Normal Daily Maximum &
Minimum Temperatures
Average Elevation of 2100’
For weather info call (828) 298-0398.
Parts of the Parkway may close to vehicles due to weather.
For updated information, call (828) 298-0398 for list of closings.
Always be prepared for rapidly changing weather and the
difference that elevation change can make in temperature
While the Parkway is closed to commercial traffic, tour bus/
motor coach touring is permitted, and no permit is required.
Motorcycles and RVs are also welcome. In fact, the Parkway
is a premier destination for both. Beware, some curves can
be tricky for motorcyclists and caution is advisable over daring.
RVers should note that campgrounds do not offer hookups,
but potable water and dump stations are provided. All
offer at least some sites that will accommodate larger RVs.
Most tunnels provide plenty of clearance, although several
near Cherokee have a minimum height of less than 11 feet at
the road’s edge and drivers of especially tall vehicles should
favor the centerline!