Blue Ridge Country May/June 2024 - BRPG46

ADVERTISER INDEX
Alleghany Inn NC.......................... 29
Amherst County VA ...................... 13
Beagle Ridge Herb Farm VA ........... 19
Bedford County VA ....................... 15
Biltmore Estate NC ....................... 48
Blowing Rock NC .......................... 33
Botetourt County VA ..................... 17
BRPF - Blue Ridge Parkway
Foundation NC & VA ....................... 5
Chetola Mountain Resort NC ......... 31
Cocke County NC .......................... 45
Dogwood Crafters NC .................... 41
Foscoe Rentals NC ........................ 29
Franklin - Nantahala NC ................ 41
Franklin County VA ....................... 17
Fryemont Inn NC .......................... 41
Grand Caverns / Town of
Grottoes VA ................................. 10
Grandfather Mountain NC ............... 2
Grayson County VA Tourism........... 21
Hemlock Inn NC ........................... 35
Lexington VA - Rockbridge ............. 13
Linville Caverns NC ....................... 39
Martinsburg - Berkeley County WV.... 3
Martinsville - Henry County VA ........ 20
Mast General Store NC & VA .......... 47
Mitchell County NC ....................... 39
Morganton - Burke County NC ....... 35
Mystery Hill NC ............................ 33
Nelson County VA ......................... 13
Patrick County VA ......................... 19
Roanoke County Parks, Recreation
& Tourism - VA ............................. 17
Seasons' Yield Farm VA ................. 11
Staunton VA ................................. 10
Sugar Tree Inn VA ......................... 11
Swiss Mountain Village NC ............ 35
Valdese NC................................... 39
DID
YOU
FLOURISHING
FLORA & FAUNA
The Great Smoky Mountains
National Park is the most
biodiverse in the whole National
Park system, primarily due to
its broad variations in altitude.
Its elevation ranges from 850 to
6,643 feet, imitating the diverse
climates and habitats found
from Georgia to Maine.
With 30 different species
calling it home, the park has
been dubbed the " Salamander
Capital of the World. " Also
residing in the park are over
200 types of birds, 43 species
of amphibians, 68 kinds of
mammals, 67 native fish
varieties and 39 reptile species.
The Smokies' plentiful rainfall
and humid summers also
contribute to its unparalleled
biodiversity. In excess of 1,500
flowering plants have been
identified, making it worldrenowned
for its wildflower
diversity. Visitors get an indepth
look at the park's robust
medley of vegetation during
their annual Spring Wildflower
Pilgrimage which features
guided hikes, exhibits and more.
46 BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
of its many overlooks to
really take in the Smokies'
grandeur.
The national park has
four visitor centers, all of
which are located within
charming areas bustling
with dining options, lodging
accommodations and
shopping opportunities.
Visitors can make their way
into the northern end of the
park through Gatlinburg's
Sugarlands or Cades Cove
at Townsend. On the North
Carolina side, Oconaluftee
serves as an entrance at
Cherokee, and Bryson City's
Clingmans Dome sits at the
base of a trail that leads
to the highest point in the
entire park.
Over 12 million travelers
stop in each year, making
the Smokies one of the
most visited national parks
in the country. Tips for
planning your trip and other
important information to
know before you go can
be found at nps.gov/grsm/
planyourvisit.
Know
BILL LEA
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit
Blue Ridge Country May/June 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country May/June 2024
