Blue Ridge Parkway hiking

Update: Due to a slow in donations because of the COVID-19 crisis, the deadline for the Trails & Views match has been extended to September 30, 2020. Just in time for the holiday giving season, we're announcing a matching grant for our new Trails & Views Forever Fund for the Blue Ridge Parkway. An anonymous donor is offering a challenge grant of $300,000 to jump-start this initiative to repair trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, overlooks, and other amenities.

Sharp Top Shelter is looking its best thanks to your support! This summer, a crew with the National Park Service repaired and reset the windows, sills, and door frames, replaced the roof, and painted the clapboard siding on the structure at Peaks of Otter in Virginia. The most noticeable improvement is the removal of prolific graffiti that marred the charm of the circa-1850s building. You can still make a gift to show your appreciation for the rehab of this hikers’ haven.

Cold but dreamy snowfalls punctuated by balmy, hurry-up-and-hike days made for an unpredictable winter on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but according to the calendar (we had to check twice), it’s officially spring. Soon campgrounds, visitor centers, picnic areas, and historical sites will be ready for the influx of travelers. In 2017, more than 16 million came to experience the mountains and the communities along the way.  

You did it! Thanks to you, we exceeded the “I Love Craggy” Matching Challenge! You donated $6,195 to match $5,497 from RomanticAsheville.com. That’s a total of $11,692 to repair the Craggy Bald Trail and create new exhibits at the Visitor Center.