Here’s Why Part Of The Blue Ridge Parkway Is Closed In North Carolina
(Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)
The National Park Service is shutting down a well traveled and popular part of roadway. Here’s why part of the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed in North Carolina. A slope will be a no go to tourists due to the “circus like” atmosphere that occurs when snow is on the ground.
Park Service officials say in a press release, “Sled Hill … is closed effective immediately to all winter activities including sledding, tubing, skiing, and snowboarding,”. Part of the release was published in the Charlotte Observer.
According to our source, The Charlotte Observer, Sled Hill is located near Blowing Rock. It’s just two miles northwest of the mountain town where the parkway intersects Shulls Mill Road. Blue Ridge Parkway officials add in the press release; “The growing popularity of winter recreation activities in this area unfortunately can no longer be accommodated. The area was not designed for snow play or a high level of pedestrian use, and these activities, combined with roadside parking, have created a dangerous situation for park visitors,”.
Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout says in a nutshell, that the staff has witnessed near misses involving children and adults. Here’s why part of the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed in North Carolina. It is simply not safe right now. The Blue Ridge Parkway covers 469 miles in Western Virginia and North Carolina.
For more details, check them out from our source, The Charlotte Observer right here.
11 Must Dos When Visiting Blowing Rock, North Carolina
One of my favorite mountain towns to visit any time of year but especially in the summer months is the town of Blowing Rock. Just a short drive up 321 before you hit the college town of Boone, you’ll find the quaint village of Blowing Rock. The town boasts a rich history dating as far back as the 1700s. You’ll see some of that history reflected below. It’s also home to some charming mountain inns and the luxurious Chetola Resort. Blowing is close to the previously mentioned Boone, Linville Falls, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Banner Elk among other towns. So with so much to do in the general area what are the must-dos in Blowing Rock itself?
That’s where I come along. I grew up going to Blowing Rock with my parents as a kid every summer. In fact, my mom often reminds me that the first “vacation” I ever went on was a week in this North Carolina mountain town. So I’d say I have some qualifications to tell you the must-do activities. As a child, I would have told you about the playground in the park. They had the most fun slide I still remember to this day. The park has since been redone, and at this point, I’d look a little odd on a playground. But I bet it still brings the same joy to kids today as it did to me then. And while I didn’t include that park on my must-dos in Blowing Rock list, I did include another of my childhood favorites.
On this list, you’ll find activities, restaurants, shopping, places to grab a drink, and more. If hiking is your thing, you’ll have to do your own research. Outside of a leisurely stroll, I didn’t include any of that on this 11-item list. I’m not known for my outdoorsy spirit that’s for sure! So check out the collection of must dos and adventures in the town of Blowing Rock North Carolina.
Catherine Lane is the morning show co-host and midday host on Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for the past 24 years and is a recipient of the Academy of Country Music Major Market Personality of the Year award. Catherine has been on air in both radio and television in the Queen City for 38 years. As a content creator for Country 1037, Catherine writes blogs on local events and restaurants. She also writes about great travel spots and out of the way places in the Carolinas. Anything outdoors, travel, food, animals or the many country artists from the Carolinas.
