Blue Ridge Parkway

This is a Documentary that Andy Lockett and I worked on for 10 years. When I first moved to NC in 1982 I took my motorcycle on this grand balcony nestled in the spine of the Southern Appalachians and knew it was a national treasure. Andy and I produced this program with little funding and never really got to finish it. If you are interested in helping preserve this National Park please consider making a donation to The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. Here is a link. brpfoundation.org/content/make...

[@luannyates5199]

I remember having a flower sack dress!!!

[@wesleybarton3871]

I entered the Blue Ridge Pky from Route 220 right near Franklin Co. and Roanoke Co. line in Virginia Some weekends i drove south, other days north. Spring and Fall I went every Saturday. When we moved 100 miles north from Roanoke to Harrisonburg I drove the Skyline Drive. You see the Great Designers handiwork all the way.

[@ducatione]

I’ve done all 470 miles 7 times by motorcycle. Best rides ever!

[@nancee6450]

I live on the parkway in Virginia. It’s MARVELOUS. The best part is the animal life , so abundant and free.

[@brad4110]

Lucky 😃

[@donnagriffin9750]

As I look at all this beauty I'm wondering if parts have been trashed, or are there people who keep the roads free of litter. The last time I was on the Natchez Trace, a year ago, it wasn't as clean as it should be. If I was as healthy as I wish I was, I would stop along the way and pick up trash. It wouldn't be long until the Trace would be free of debris and beautiful. I've always been a "picker upper" wherever I go so I know how important that really is.

[@bonesc7201]

Excellent documentary. Should be taught in schools to this day.

[@Jiggidywig]

My great uncle worked in CCC camps and had money sent home. He later retired as a postal worker.

[@adinatasetiawan32]

Back in 2005 I was an internship student from Indonesia on summer job program in Cherokee. Took a ride on this scenic road start from Cherokee up until Asheville, forgot the exit point, just before fall. Great view of leaves turning red and yellow. Unforgettable memory, loves the experience. Hope to be able to come again.

[@sparksstartsfires_]

💙💙💙 the well dressed gentleman featured in this documentary Dr. Harley Jolley ,is so well spoken and wonderfully descriptive good job sir!

[@luanneoneill]

I live just below the Chestoa View overlook in NC. We just refer to it as "the parkway" ...but we love it so much!

[@tyrannicaltypomichaeltester]

Used to go to the parkway daily. Nothing better

[@billcarothers9182]

My favorite motorcycle ride in this country !!!!

[@jorgepachecojr8581]

The Blue Ridge Parkway truly is beautiful. You have to see in person to appreciate the beauty. NC💙💙

[@LoriFoster]

My Uncle worked on it NC part! I’d love my tax money to go for worthwhile projects like this!

[@chriscook9504]

Myself and my wife spend alit of time on the parkway every chance we get. Thank God it is almost in our back yard here in western NC. Mount Mitchell is a great stop along with Grandfather Mountain.

[@jamieturnage4574]

every one enjoys the blue ridge parkway .and they should its a work of art. made by men with vision and forsight.

[@luannyates5199]

I’ve been on this road for a short trip. I wish we had went further.

[@grney3415]

With the passing Dr. Jolley this video takes on a greater meaning. The Parkway and the world lost a great man.

[@ObeyJesusOurLord]

Wow! Didn't know he had died!

[@disco07]

Pretty good Parkway. I enjoyed my drive on it. The FDR Administration saved all these Parkways and America. President Roosevelt is still very much missed by the American people. There is still a void in America waiting for an outstanding President.

[@kathyannpardi9888]

Absolutely 💯

[@toddthepanamericanbrooks888]

Spectacular documentary! I will ride the whole 469 miles on my motorcycle in 3 weeks as I have over 10 times before. It never gets old, the BRP is the best highway anywhere!

[@jenrivard133]

I started taking my kids to Grandfather Mountain last year and now I try to go at least twice per year. We’re going next week to drive on part of the Parkway for the first time. I’m super excited!

[@almeggs3247]

Maybry mill and more will always be in my heart as my little girl grew up playing in those beautiful memories

[@ctcpitt]

What a GREAT documentary. I recently drove the entire length of the Parkway and he's right when he says it will change your life. Overwhelming, Emotional beauty is my favorite way to describe it. Put this on your bucket list along with Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Redwoods, etc.... I've been to all the aforementioned places but the BRP is by far my favorite.

[@marykiplinger7380]

What a great trip to see a special part of Va

[@ObeyJesusOurLord]

Nice comment!

[@audreylowe2941]

AWESOME !

[@Ricogrime]

Damn I wish I had the money to waste the gas!

[@ruthmccormick3246]

​@@Ricogrime so do I

[@cuzzintruck2]

2 Years ago, I drove the Entire Blue Ridge. It was amazing!

[@john8606]

How long does that take you, when driving an rv?

[@andreah6379]

Wow! Some beautiful road. I love the spacious turnouts! FDR was a genius! My favorite president. And Stanley Abbott was the perfect man for this project--another brilliant man. Brilliant Americans all working together to create real stunning national treasure. This IS what we need to be doing today--investing in our country. Gorgeous parkway.

[@dennislaws5187]

I live within 60 miles of this and never been on it, Going to see it this summer.

[@paulwright2335]

Dude I wish I lived that close You’re in for a treat

[@myredeemerlives0923]

First, wow that was one of the greatest documentaries i have ever watched. I watch alot of documentaries. The southern Appalachian mountains have always had my heart and soul. I'm still blown away by the writing of this documentary

[@jeremy2539]

I rode my motorcycle from Cherokee to Asheville beautiful ride

[@EmoKen]

Salute!

[@jayarajjohnson2476]

A GREAT INSPIRATION - STANLEY ABBOT..."MARRY BEAUTY WITH UTILITY" AND ONE COULD ALSO ADD, "HUMANITY". HE IS TRULY A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A GOOD HUMAN BEING.

[@stephens1392]

I rode my motorcycle twice on this beautiful and awesome road, I'v rode all over this great country of ours and this was the most enjoyful and most memorable ride's of my life, I'm to old now but I'm glad that I rode it.

[@superblastpressurewashing.7256]

I ride my motorcycle every year on this awesome road! I call it Americas Highway!!

[@atlantaguy762]

Thoroughly enjoyed this documentary. I learned a lot and it enhanced my appreciation of the parkway. Thanks for sharing. Great job!

[@jamieturnage4574]

i been on the blue ridge so many times on my moped .loved every mile. and the fall clolors

[@ronald5629]

Cool . If I had a choice I would probably drive a Sears Allstate moped from the '60s although I might have to use my Honda Hobbit

[@Orthodoge]

I live in Asheville, just drive 30 minutes up the mountain and it’s 10 degrees cooler

[@wingnutjack9463]

made many trips up and down by motorcycle, nice and easy, never been on a better road to many places as the blue ridge

[@alo42d]

I plane on doing it this spring with my mom From the beginning in NC to Virginia Driving slow, looking long and visiting the motels along the way

[@tyrannicaltypomichaeltester]

Hope the trip Was fun

[@masterjet90]

i have 2 DVD's on the Parkway.. this may be the best video .. love the history...

[@dennislaws5187]

And so you know, I was told the better milling companies put Flour in higher quality cloth, in bright patterns and colors, for the point of using for clothes.

[@kathyannpardi9888]

I made a blouse, and matching shorts from 3 bags of beautiful pale blue flowers back in the early 60's. The cats MEOW.

[@marmeedoll]

Imagine courting up there. High, chilly, cloudy, misty, blue and smoky. 60 + years ago. She knew the high country. I was an outlander from the Chesapeake. I got my education there. She tended to the rest of my education. The mountain girl was fantastic. Her mother had traveled twice a year to South Carolina for supplies. Her tiny community combined its ration stamps to get my wife's first pair of shoes.

[@TheWinterShadow]

The Great Generation....they did it.

[@karenreichenbaugh856]

Was there as a kid on vacation with my parents. Probably in the 60's?

[@monicacall7532]

I’ve been able to trace along much of the Parkway and hope that I’ll sometime be able to travel from the southern end of Shenandoah NP to Occonnaluftee, NC which is the eastern end of the road that goes from there to Gatlinburg, TN on the western side of the Great Smokies NP in one entire trip. It’s a stunning experience.

[@49carol]

I go every year normally but missed 2020. My favorite place in the world. Beautiful.

[@lightsourcer1703]

Wonderful documentary!!!❤

[@labtide]

I've done about 3/4 from Cherokee north. This flatlander loves The Parkway. It should be done either North or South then it should be done traveling in the opposite direction.

[@grney3415]

I will be taking my first trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway in 27 days. Can't wait!

[@ObeyJesusOurLord]

Hope you had a great time!

[@esalva1948]

Absolutely fabulous. I have traveled the 469 miles of the Parkway 3 times but like most, unaware of the rich history of this wonderful road.

[@tommycaldwell9447]

Jump in my camper and take my time. Love the Blue Ridge

[@hikergirladventures1315]

The blue ridge parkway is absolutely stunning!

[@aprilhilliard3302]

Greetings...just started watching this...5 minutes in. I assume the rest will be just as good! Awesome work, love your style! Drove the whole length of the BRP and the Skyline Drive back around 1996...wonderful country and engineering on the roads. This sure brings back some memories.

[@DCross235]

what a great documentary. I remember traveling the Parkway many times on a motorcycle while stationed in Norfolk in the late 80's. Planning on taking a week long motorcycle trip the entire length with my wife this September. She's never been on it,what a treat she's in for.

[@2000viperrt]

Stanley Abbott was an amazing man of remarkable forethought. Thank you sir for your amazing vision.

[@joslynandcarltonramsubhag1836]

From TNT: May never be blessed with the golden opportunity to enjoy this Parkway during my lifetime, but surely enjoyed this lovely documentary thoroughly. Will surely be sharing this documented experience with others! Amazing handiwork marvelously documented!

[@davidyemington7377]

I lived on Apple Orchard Mountain from November 1967 to August 1970. U.S. Air Force Radar Installation.

[@vmax8481]

And I'm not far from you... Amherst County, next to your Bedford County.... The James River... The Parkway Bridge over it, Big Island, VA., From There go to Roanoke one way or to Waynesboro the other... Otter Creek and yes The Air Force Base... 《🥰》

[@johnprice8503]

VERY well done....thanks for all the history and content. Watching this changed my whole itinerary for a long planned trip back east this year....much appreciated

[@TheCustomsMP]

I've been numerous times and have the certificate for completing the ENTIRE trip!

[@mickeyhuggins7850]

The most beautiful place I've ever seen heaven according to the bible but until I see it these mountains God made are the most incredible and beautiful and as close to heaven as one can get.C.E.Huggins

[@kmcfar]

I live here.....Make no mistake some did not leave their land easily or peaceful.

[@veteransfortrump8916]

What they don't tell you is these people were educated and God fearing and self sufficient . They didn't sell their land, the Government Stole it. Yes I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains and know the History.

[@alleyeson2594]

I grew up just below Mt Lyn Lowry overlook. The parkway is a big part of my childhood and family memories. Enjoying rediscovering it right now with my kids after 26 years in fl.

[@CarlaPage]

i have family buried at mile marker 6 on the blueridge parkway

[@billcarothers9182]

Makes my heart race

[@dabrain7045]

I was just there last week, this documentary tells the full story. Terrific film in every way. Thanks.

[@jayarajjohnson2476]

A GREAT DOCUMENTARY JUST LIKE THE GREAT PARK.

[@foxhillgal1]

Great documentary, loved every minute! I would love to go and drive, see, soak in every beautiful mile of it!!!!

[@genomamone1097]

foxhillgal1 - This may sound strange, but I always thought that, if a big-time college football player about to be drafted into the NFL for millions of $$$, rather than waiting for my name to be called in the ESPN New York City studio amid the other players, I'd instead take a trip to a place like Blue Ridge Parkway. There, I'd park and, while ensconced within the surreal beauty, listen to the car radio (sports station, of course) as my draft is announced. Then, knowing for which team I'd be playing, I'd thank God for the great opportunity (possibly weeping in appreciation), and then continue absorbing every morsel of the glorious serenity of my wooded surroundings! (Bottom line: Why wait [for such spectacular news!] amid the hustle and bustle of metropolis Manhattan when the quiet, private, sublime forests -- like Blue Ridge -- are indeed much more apropos to the gratitude and happiness you're experiencing!)

[@supercuda1950]

Very good video, especially with the people connected to the building of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I have been on the part near Maggy Valley and hope to travel the rest this year. Truly an engineering marvel that should benefit generations to come.

[@orrinfredericks5946]

Documentary is great. Thank you for putting this together. Looking forward to spending an entire week traveling the parkway and surrounding areas.

[@billcarothers9182]

Sure changed my life. Looking for property around Sylva now !!

[@garlinmiller5808]

loved watching the video great coverage awesome.

[@speedyone5924]

Wow,incredible documentary,I call the Parkway my second home,having lived in the surrounding area my entire life,my wife and I visit the Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mtn. areas almost every weekend,weather permitting,Thank You for taking the time to share our wonderful Parkway with the World.

[@davidjustice4029]

Awesome Documentary!!!

[@MarksKicksOnRoute66]

This is a spectacular presentation with the essence of The Blue Ridge Parkway! I love this area of the world!

[@GrizOnTheTrail]

Tremendous documentary for an even more tremendous accomplishment. Was this narrated by Mike Stevens from northeastern Pennsylvania!!

[@lsmedianclsmedianc9428]

Narrator is Leonard Simpson of North Carolina

[@Lauren-nf7gf]

Also, this is just the BRP. Then there's Skyline Drive. Another 105 miles. They say, Skyline is the one that costs money. The BRP is free. Support it however you can. I have BRP license plates, and love to drop in their visitor centers.

[@maximusaugustus6823]

Beautiful documentary, I love this road.

[@lnfitom2350]

I came to watch as well.

[@masterjet90]

i wish this video would be put on DVD...

[@kevinbeck6419]

I lived here all my life it's alright but after awhile it gets old if you seen it one time

[@kathyannpardi9888]

It's filled with a rich history, besides beautiful.

[@MotoPappy]

Great documentary! I can't wait to get back to this area.

[@BlueRidgeParanormalEst]

that's my backwoods

[@zorabanks5349]

Planning to drive this parkway in a few weeks!

[@grc0456]

Great documentary. Can't wait until our visit this June to Little Switzerland for the Blue Ridge (Porsche) Boxster Summit!

[@maxstewart635]

A true artist prolific minde lite over darkness..

[@nancybrown2668]

Beautiful video, majestic beauty!!!

[@Lauren-nf7gf]

Wonderful! Thank you so much for the time and effort you took to make this movie, and put it on youtube!

[@edwardmiller6353]

Great video! Well done!

[@luannyates5199]

So beautiful

[@chriscourson2824]

I love this!

[@beverlyhill6783]

Yes Bitter - Now - Lost homeland and our heritage

[@karenreichenbaugh856]

I traveled that at the age of 13.

[@dodgeguyz]

Very informative video. Anyone know of any good areas of the parkway around Lynchburg VA?

[@reneguzman720]

To Stanley👍👍

[@tomdudley4613]

Was that Bob Hinkle narrating? It sure sounded like him.

[@lsmedianclsmedianc9428]

Narrator is Leonard Simpson.

[@nicklineberry1542]

My uncle worked for Nello Teer all his life as did his son who ended up president of tje co.

[@franciscoortega5428]

Donde es esos tuneles porque yo acabo de ir al parway

[@brianholland2916]

I whish this kind of government thinking and mindset still existed today. I don't belive that current politicians could recite 2 sentences of the constitution

[@juicyjules7409]

Tennessee

[@ronald5629]

Kingsman dome Cherokee

[@lancepelissier5510]

I'm mixed up scenic yes; railway no. So why is this on Great Scenic Railway Journeys?

[@GreatScenicRailwayJourneys]

We are the production company. This is just one of our shows.

[@lancepelissier5510]

@@GreatScenicRailwayJourneys Ok but still comfushing.

[@luannyates5199]

You look like Gilmore

[@darrellcopeland4461]

what about all the families that had to leave so they could build this parkway? Hundreds lost their homes.

[@michaelmerck7576]

They got paid when they needed the money more than the land

[@MyHeart1955]

You’d wish the speed limit was strictly enforced. It’s not. We’ve been there 3 times in this month alone and people get on your a** and stay there until you pull off at an overlook….45 max mph, some try to make you go 50-55. Dangerous.

[@lawrencelewis1036]

It's a very beautiful parkway. For it to be built the government stole the land to build it. Remember that part of it also.