The Blue Ridge Parkway

Winner of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award!

For 469 miles the Blue Ridge Parkway follows the crests of ridges and mountains on a ribbon-like course through some of the nation's most spectacular scenery. Each year millions of visitors travel this "pleasure parkway," marveling at its breathtaking vistas and sensing the rich lore of a rugged wilderness that for centuries kept its mountaineer residents isolated.

Few visitors recognize, however, the dramatic achievements that the parkwa...