2020

April along the parkway. Historic structures at E.B. Jeffress Park (Milepost 272.5) include a springhouse, Cool Springs Baptist Church and this one, the Jesse Brown Cabin. E.B. Jeffress was, in 1934, chairman of the North Carolina Highway Commission, and in that role helped persuade the federal government to place the Blue Ridge Parkway on the route it follows today.

Photo Essay: 25th Annual Calendars Celebrate Iconic Parks

Johnson City, Tennessee’s J. Scott Graham has been capturing the beauty of the Smokies and the Blue Ridge Parkway with 25 years of wall calendars.
The Nolichucky’s gorge, at 3,000 feet, is among the deepest in the eastern United States.

Protecting the Nolichucky River

An enthusiastic cohort of paddlers, anglers, environmentalists and dozens of outdoor recreation businesses is quickly building support to protect one of the region’s hidden natural gems—the Nolichucky Gorge.
This photo of Martin and Anna Bates is dated June 17, 1871, the day they were married.

The Kentucky River Giant: Martin Van Buren Bates Claimed 7′ 11″

The native of Kona, Kentucky, near Whitesburg in Letcher County, became an international circus star, especially after his marriage in 1871 to a woman even taller than he was.
Carol Goznkar’s Willow was rescued from an East Tennessee shelter, and soon shared her owners’ love for the outdoors and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Reader Photos: Dogs in the Mountains

Our dog-loving readers sent us a bounty of images of their pups a few months back. Here’s the concluding set of those shots (the first ones were in the March/April ‘20 issue). Our thanks to all who submitted.
Memphis is dressed for Christmas

The Good Mountain Mutt – Happy, Healthy Holidays

Dogs don’t understand that you’re tense because you promised to make five pies. But with a little planning and understanding, we can help our dogs get through the holidays without incident.

Departments

Behind Blue Ridge Country

Even More Sweet Virginia Breezes

Casually cruising to Claytor Lake in southwest Virginia, I felt like I had come home – back to where it

CALENDAR OF EVENTS