Happy 85th Birthday, Blue Ridge Parkway!

September 11 marks the 85th birthday of the Blue Ridge Parkway! On that day in 1935, construction began at Cumberland Knob, on the border between Virginia and North Carolina, which became the first recreation area in the new national park unit. The monumental task of building the Parkway started as a New Deal-era project under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Travelers were finally able to drive the entire route in 1987 with the opening of the final section, the Linn Cove Viaduct. That’s right, for 52 years of its history, the Parkway was under construction! 

We are grateful for those who worked to complete all 469 miles of the scenic route and those members of the National Park Service who protect it today.

We'd like to thank you for playing an important role in the story of this amazing national park unit. For more than 20 years, donors have made so much possible—renovations of historic landmarks, wildlife studies, overlook clearing, trail repairs, and so much more. Your commitment to the Parkway makes it a better place today, tomorrow, and for the decades to come!

Ways to Celebrate

Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway’s online archive of photos, maps, and documents 

Plan your next Parkway adventure

Share your favorite Parkway story with us 

Join our Volunteer Corps

Give in honor of the Parkway's Birthday!