Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks to Get Face Lift

The iconic Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks are getting a face lift, and typical of this day in age, social media is partly to thank. Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway recently announced they would be clearing trees and debris from BRP vistas in the Roanoke Region, restoring the original views from the byway’s numerous overlooks. 

Over the years, budget cuts have limited the amount of work done to keep the overlooks open and scenic. The uninhibited growth has rendered many overlooks useless when it comes to views of the Blue Ridge.

Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway quote a Facebook user as an example of some typical comments about the BRP experience:

“You people need to learn the meaning of the word OVERLOOK. We drove your Blue Ridge Parkway from Hillsville to Roanoke this weekend. What a DISAPPOINTMENT!! MOST of your overlooks were just staring at a group of trees right in your face. NO VIEWS AT ALL!”

 But that is about to change this week, when a team of National Park Service Arborist Incident Responders will start wielding their chainsaws. The team will begin their work at the Peaks of Otter and move south through the Roanoke Valley to Adney Gap – 20 miles south of Roanoke – over six days, clearing up to 90 overlooks. 

“It’s a RED LETTER DAY for the Parkway and for Friends,” said past president Richard Wells. “In the 20 years I’ve served on the board, I can’t remember a more important initiative.”  

Anyone who has visited the Parkway knows all too well the frustration of pulling off to take in the sights from a designated overlook, and being stymied by a wall of green. This initiative will help bring the Parkway’s user experience back to the original concept of showcasing the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Find out more about Friends of the BRP and how you can help >>>