Cradle of Forestry
In the early 20th century, the Appalachian forest was subjected to devastating large-scale commercial exploitation for the first time. At the same time, pioneering conservationists were devising reforms for forest management. In 1889, George Vanderbilt hired a young...Linn Cove Viaduct
Photo by Hugh Morton, Courtesy Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation The last section of the Blue Ridge Parkway to be constructed was the Linn Cove Viaduct that crosses Grandfather Mountain near Blowing Rock, North Carolina. While the rest of the Parkway was...Linville Falls
The Linville Falls area is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Parkway Milepost 316.4. The Linville is a wild and scenic river and the massive gorge it has created is home to a variety of plants and animals. These extensive lands, which for the most...Grandfather Mountain
Over 700 million years ago two gigantic plates within the earth’s crust slammed together. Among the results was the creation of one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountain range, Grandfather Mountain. At 5,964 feet, the mountain is one of Appalachia’s most visited attractions and one of its most unique natural wonders.