Bred Campbell

Bred Campbell

A Journey Through Nature and Community

The Blue Ridge Parkway is more than just a road; it’s a living tapestry of natural beauty and shared memories, weaving through the majestic Appalachian mountain chains and connecting rural communities. This scenic byway is celebrated as one of America’s most cherished national parks, drawing millions of visitors each year.

                    Tracy Swartout: A Homecoming

Tracy Swartout’s relationship with the parkway began long before her first words or steps. “Even before I was born, my dad was hauling my mom up and down the parkway,” she recalls with a smile. Though raised in Columbia, South Carolina, her North Carolina roots run deep. A student at Montreat College and a Duke University graduate, she often escaped to the mountains for apple and pumpkin picking as a teenager. “The parkway was our route,” she fondly remembers, cruising in her family’s Galaxie 500.

In 2021, Swartout became the first female superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, marking a full-circle moment in her life. “All those trips are woven into my existence,” she says, expressing her profound connection to the landscape. Even unfamiliar overlooks spark memories: “I’ll pull in and think, ‘I sat under that tree as a kid.’”

                              A Collective Legacy

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a place of belonging, cherished by both locals and visitors. It is home to diverse flora and fauna, from the delicate larkspur to the majestic black bear. It holds cultural significance for the Cherokee, who call these mountains Shaconage, or “Land of the Blue Smoke.” Cyclists, hikers, and families all share this landscape, contributing to its vibrant tapestry.

Originally dubbed “The Scenic” by locals in the 1930s, the parkway emerged from a Depression-era initiative to connect Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains. This monumental undertaking required collaboration across various interests—tourism leaders, Indigenous communities, rural landowners, and conservationists.

In 2023, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation launched “Blue Ridge Rising,” a project aimed at unifying the 29 counties along the parkway. “This is the first effort since the parkway’s inception to create a regional voice,” explains Carolyn Widner Ward, CEO of the foundation. Engaging local communities is vital to preserving the parkway's breathtaking views, which are often framed by the lands of the 4,700 neighboring residents.

                            Nature’s Rich Tapestry

The southern Appalachian Mountains, home to the parkway, are a biodiversity hotspot, boasting more tree species than all of Europe combined. This landscape is not just a natural treasure but also an economic engine for nearby towns. Ward, who also has deep personal ties to the parkway, emphasizes its significance. After years in California, she returned to North Carolina to help launch the Kids in Parks program, which has inspired over 1.8 million children to appreciate the outdoors.

Through Blue Ridge Rising, over 1,200 community members participated in developing 69 strategies to enhance visitor experiences and protect the parkway. Unlike many national parks, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a recurrent destination for visitors, fostering deep connections to its beauty.

                 Personal Narratives of the Parkway

For many, the parkway is intertwined with cherished personal stories. At a recent Earth Day event, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper reminisced about family drives along the parkway, where he first experienced the awe of mountain vistas. He invited attendees to pause and soak in the beauty, fostering a collective appreciation for the area.

Ward recalls a poignant encounter at the Pounding Mill Overlook, where an elderly man toasted his late wife on what would have been their anniversary. “This was her favorite place on the parkway,” he shared, highlighting the emotional ties that the landscape evokes.

                                 Adventures Await

For others, the parkway serves as a pilgrimage. Janet Botnen and Ron Schillinger embarked on a month-long journey, covering 6,000 miles to reach the Tanbark Ridge Overlook. Their itinerary included iconic spots like Mount Mitchell and Linville Falls, each offering a unique slice of the parkway’s splendor.

Superintendent Swartout treasures many locations along the parkway, especially the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center near Asheville. “It’s the gateway for those experiencing it for the first time,” she says.

                                A Call to Action

Swartout emphasizes a simple but powerful message: “Everyone has a role in the stewardship of this place. People protect what they know and care about.” As she navigates her responsibilities, her heartfelt commitment to the parkway reflects the passion of countless North Carolinians.

In the heart of North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway continues to thrive as a symbol of connection—between people, nature, and the stories that bind them together. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, this remarkable roadway invites everyone to discover and cherish its wonders.

Tags: Explore North Carolina, North Carolina's  Blue Ridge Parkway stands out among America’s national parks

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