Autumn comes to the highlands later than you might think. The sumac, gums, the famous southern sourwood, turn brilliant red early in October, but are usually not joined by the colorful display of the hardwoods until the last part of the month, even early November.
Winter sometimes comes suddenly to the Blue Ridge. Travel then becomes uncertain at best. Ice storms, persistent fogs, and blustery winds make it so. There are many times when the mountains are clear and beautiful, but we advise local inquiry about travel conditions during the winter months before venturing on to the Parkway.
What to Do and Where
Motoring.
Blue Ridge Parkway is meant to serve this American pleasure. In the course of a motor trip along the Parkway, plans should include a stop at one of the several recreational areas for a picnic lunch. Here comfort stations and drinking water will be found from April 15 until the first freeze, usually mid-October. In these areas we suggest a leg stretcher along an easy trail, or there are short trails leading from many of the parking overlooks to selected vantage points.
Picnicking.
Picnic areas, ideal for the family group, include parking spaces, tables, fireplaces, drinking water, and refuse cans. These areas are designated on the maps by the Parkway emblem.
Tourist Facilities.
Gas stations are being constructed at Rocky Knob, The Bluffs, and Crabtree Meadows. The one at The Bluffs will be ready during the 1949 travel season. Others are located within a short distance of the Parkway on the more important State highways.
At Cumberland Knob, Mile Post 219, there is a sandwich shop operated during the travel season by National Park Concessions, Inc. This company will also operate the coffee shop and lodge being built at The Bluffs, but these facilities may not be available until well into the 1949 travel season.