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October 2015 - In this Issue of The Scenic:
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| | This summer, a crew with The Student Conservation Association constructed the bridge over Basin Creek at Doughton Park. |
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Piedmont Hiking & Outing Club steps up to support new span at Doughton Park
Just in time for a fall hike or backpacking trip, there's a new bridge on Doughton Park's Grassy Gap Trail. In the past, the crossing at Basin Creek was often difficult, with only a long, precarious log spanning the waterway for hikers. Thanks to generous donations to the Foundation by members of the Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club, the 30-foot bridge now makes the trek safer and more accessible. It's an inspiring example of a group recognizing a need on the Parkway and working together to make a project a reality. Under the direction of the National Park Service, the bridge was constructed by a crew from The Student Conservation Association.
This important connector provides access to the popular Basin Creek Trail up to Caudill Cabin and the rugged Bluff Ridge Primitive Trail that leads to the Bluff Mountain shelter near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Grassy Gap Trail is also the route from Longbottom Road to the backpacker campground at the confluence of Basin and Cove creeks. To explore this area of Doughton Park, you get there from Longbottom Road between McGrady and Traphill, make the gentle but long hiking descent from the Parkway via Grassy Gap Trail, or take a steep trek on Bluff Ridge Primitive Trail. Click here for a map.
Is there a new project you want to support on the Parkway? Click here to tell us about it.
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There's a lot of activity at Abbott Lake recently, and not just because of the arrival of fall. The loop trail here is one of the Foundation's Centennial Challenge projects. Crews are replacing the bridge nearest the Peaks of Otter Lodge and completing the paving of the one-mile loop trail to make it accessible to all visitors. You can still help complete this project with a gift. And best of all, your donation will be matched dollar for dollar thanks to a special allocation from Congress in anticipation of the National Park Service's centennial anniversary in 2016. Click here to make a difference at Abbott Lake. You can also double your gift at Mount Pisgah, Johnson Farm, Polly Woods Ordinary, and Price Lake.
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Upcoming Events!
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| | Upper Falls Overlook at Linville Falls |
Friday, October 9, Boone
Come out at 8 a.m. for "Wake Up, Watauga" and breakfast at the Daniel Boone Inn. Foundation CEO Carolyn Ward and Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Mark Woods will discuss the current needs along the 469-mile scenic route and answer questions about its future. If you can't attend, listen in from 8:15 to 9 a.m. on WATA AM 1450.
Friday, October 16, Linville
Join us for a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. to officially celebrate the expansion of the Upper Falls Overlook at Linville Falls. The viewing area and new interpretive signs allow visitors, students, and geologists to see and learn more about the Linville Falls Thrust Line, which is the origination point of Linville Gorge. Geologist Alex Glover will provide insight into the unique area. Light refreshments will be served.
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Many Thanks!
The Parkway is a better place because of your help
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Elise Kahl and Amy Heald with Kids in Parks and Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
CEO Carolyn Ward enjoy lunch at Mayfel's in Asheville during Plates for the Parkway.
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Great Food, Great Cause
September 15 was a wonderful day to dine out for the Parkway. We'd like to thank you for supporting all the restaurants that donated a portion of sales during the annual Plates for the Parkway event! Cheers to The Admiral, Aloft W XYZ Bar, Chai Pani, Highland Brewing, The Hop, The Hop West, Loretta's, The Local Joint, Mayfel's, Pour Taproom, Canyon's, The Gamekeeper, Pepper's, Red Onion Cafe, The Phoenix, Village Tavern, Local Roots, Jack the Dipper, Stella, Bella & Lucy's, Boondocks Brewing, and Ryan's. We thank you, and the Parkway thanks you!
The Best of Friends
We had a blast meeting customers at Mast General Stores in Asheville, Hendersonville, Boone, and Valle Crucis for Friends' Day on September 12. Mast showed its commitment to the Blue Ridge Parkway by donating 10 percent of sales from the day to the Foundation, with additional contributions from Patagonia. We're so grateful for the support from a business that cares about the Parkway and the mountains.
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Order your specialty license tag and help the Parkway.
For each attractive Blue Ridge Parkway license plate sold, $20 funds important projects on the scenic route. Learn More.
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Ride the TRACK Trail at
Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park!
Kids in Parks unveils trail in Boone
Thank you to all the children and families who came out to celebrate the opening of Kids in Parks' new biking TRACK Trail at Rocky Knob Park Pump Track in August. The track now features informational signs to help budding cyclists develop their skills on two wheels. Want to go? Click here.
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Just Two Concerts Left!
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| | The Steel Wheels play Saturday, October 3, at The Earle Theater in Mount Airy, N.C. |
The Blue Ridge Music Center's concert series is wrapping with two fantastic shows.
Saturday, October 3, 5 p.m.; $15 *The Music Center is taking this show on the road due to heavy rains in the forecast for Saturday. The concert will be held at 5 p.m. in the historic Earle Theatre in Mount Airy, N.C. For directions, click here.
Saturday, October 10, 4 p.m.; $10 Blue Ridge Music Center, 700 Foothills Road, Galax, V.A., milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
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Your Support Matters
Join our Community of Stewards
As the primary fund-raiser and trusted steward of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Foundation is forever committed to preserving the past, enhancing the present, and safeguarding the future of America's Favorite Journey™. Learn more about joining our Community of Stewards at BRPFoundation.org.
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STAY CONNECTED  
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