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Blue Hill (Maine)

Blue Hill  is a small town in Hancock County, in the US state of Maine, located on Blue Hill Bay, about 14 miles southwest of the county seat of Ellsworth and quite near Acadia National Park.

Understand
The population is less than 2,500 people, but Blue Hill is quite busy during the summer tourist season. Visit historic houses and art galleries, shop for antiques, and view the small harbor. There is also a small local hospital on Water Street and a newspaper, The Weekly Packet. Additional information is available from the Blue Hill Peninsula Chamber of Commerce located at 28 Water Street. Tel: +1 207 374-3242.

By air
Nearest major airports are the Hancock County - Bar Harbor Airport near Ellsworth (about 20 miles), Bangor International Airport in Bangor (about 30 miles) and Portland International Jetport in Portland (about 120 miles). Even if you fly, you'll need to rent a car at one of these airports.

By car
You will most likely enter Maine on Interstate 95, especially if you are coming from southern New England or U.S. points beyond. The standard routes to Downeast Maine are to either follow I-95 to the capital, Augusta, and then to break east on state highways, or to leave I-95 around Brunswick, Maine, and follow U.S. 1 north along the coast toward Ellsworth and Bar Harbor. The drive along U.S. 1 is typically more scenic, but also generally slower.

By boat
Blue Hill does have a pretty tidal harbor on Blue Hill Bay that is fairly sheltered from the open ocean. The K.Y.C. yacht club welcomes members of other yacht clubs, to drop anchor there and to come ashore. K.Y.C., however, is located some distance from the center of town, and it might be preferable to ask for a ride to go shopping. There are several boat yards in Blue Hill, offering their services. By road, Blue Hill is approximately 45 minutes away from Bar Harbor. The high-speed car ferry "The Cat" links Bar Harbor with Yarmouth (Nova Scotia, Canada).

Get around
You'll generally travel around the Blue Hill area by car, as public transportation in the Blue Hill area is nonexistent and the main grocery store, Tradewinds Marketplace, is most of a mile up a steep hill.

Traffic during the summer months is incredibly busy (by Blue Hill standards), although seekers of solitude might want to visit from October to April, when the tourists and summer residents haven't come up yet.

There is a public transportation system serving Blue Hill and Hancock County. It is called Downeast Transportation. This service is offered Monday through Friday, to and from Ellsworth, the county seat. Connections can be made to other parts of the county-wide network.

Buy
There are a number of art galleries and antique shops in the area. Yard sales are popular in the summer. Look for roadside signs.

Eat
Situated right on the ocean and in Maine, fresh seafood is widely available and often a specialty here. There are few chain restaurants in town, so you should be prepared to eat at local establishments, unless you want to drive in to Ellsworth. Here are a few:

Sleep
Blue Hill has a number of inns and bed and breakfasts. Even more numerous than those options, however, are private vacation homes for rent, although for many these are cost-prohibitive. Blue Hill is typical of Downeast Maine in this regard. You often have more choices of lodging in renting private homes than you do for motels, hotels and inns, especially in small towns like Blue Hill. Backpackers and those looking to take the path less travelled, camping out on their own are unlikely to be hassled, as long as they pack light and keep out of sight of houses. The edges of blueberry fields are excellent in this regard.

Go next

 * Acadia National Park - the first National Park east of the Mississippi. Busy during tourist season but one of the most beautiful parts of the Maine coast.
 * Bar Harbor
 * Ellsworth - the local center for shopping.
 * Mount Desert Island

title: Blue Hill (Maine)


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Blue Island

Blue Island is in Chicagoland, located on South Western Avenue between 119th St and 135th Street.

Get in
Accessible by the Rock Island and Electric Metra lines.

Do
The biggest attraction for people who make their way out to Blue Island is to railfan. The major railroad junction along Broadway is very popular among the railfanning community, as the location can see upwards of 100 freight trains in a single day.

Buy
Visitors can do some antique shopping around Western & Vermont. Many Hispanic businesses in the area also provide Mexican imports.

Eat
Blue Island has a variety of Mexican food. Great pizza at Beggars Pizza (127th & Western).

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Blue Island


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Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon (Icelandic: Bláa Lónið) (BLAU-ah LONE-eeth) is a geothermal spa in southwest Iceland, that is almost mid-way between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavík, close to the town of Grindavik. Entry is expensive, starting at 9,990 kr per person for the basic package at off-peak time slots (April 2023) and rises rapidly from there. This is a very popular tourist destination, attended by over 80% of tourists (around 1.3 million in 2017).

It is a byproduct of the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant. The warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur and bathing in the Blue Lagoon is reputed to help many people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis. The water temperature in the bathing and swimming area of the lagoon averages 37-39 °C (99-102 °F) and is enjoyable year round, even in freezing conditions.

Understand
The Blue Lagoon is an artificial hot spring. The nearby geothermal plant operates by exposing water to superheated geothermal vents, converting the water to steam. Once the steam condenses back into water, it is fed into the Blue Lagoon. In this sense, the Blue Lagoon is a hot spring, but no pool existed here prior to construction of the geothermal power plant.

The setting is impressive and the baths are almost unique in the world (their closest counterparts are the Nature Baths in Mývatn, North Iceland). However, they are also slightly overpriced and overcrowded, as is to be expected of a place so popular.

Practical considerations
Adhere to the signs:
 * You receive a bracelet with a chip at the reception which you use to lock your locker and to pay for drinks during the stay.
 * You have to leave your shoes shortly after entering.
 * You have to shower fully naked before you enter the water.
 * If you go to your locker again, you have to be dry immediately after the shower area. Be sure to take a dry towel to the cubbies so that you can dry yourself without going to the locker while being wet.
 * Towels are included in the entrance price. And new dry towels are provided to the guests throughout the stay.
 * Phone number: +354 420 8800

Get in
There are two options to enter the Blue Lagoon. The Comfort package, which is 9,990 kr for off-peak hours (April 2023), gives you entrance to the Blue Lagoon, a silica mud mask, use of towel, and a drink of your choice. The Premium package gives bathers these amenities and a second mask of choice, slippers, use of bathrobe, a table reservation at the Lava Restaurant, and sparkling wine if dining. The Retreat Spa option (from 89,000 kr) offers 4-hour exclusive entry to the Retreat Spa and the Blue Lagoon, and includes access to private changing rooms, the Blue Lagoon ritual (silica, algae, and minerals), skin care amenities, and a drink of your choice.

Opening hours:
 * 1 Jan - 24 May 08:00 - 22:00
 * 25 May - 28 Jun 07:00 - 23:00
 * 29 Jun - 19 Aug 07:00 - 00:00
 * 20 Aug - 1 Oct 08:00 - 22:00
 * 2 Oct - 31 Dec 08:00 - 21:00

By car
It takes approximately 20 minutes to drive from Keflavik International Airport to the Blue Lagoon and 45 minutes to drive from downtown Reykjavík to the Blue Lagoon. There is lots of free car parking.

Take Reykjanesbraut and turn at the sign pointing to Grindavík (road nr. 43, 10 km east of Keflavík).

By bus
There is a scheduled service from the main BSI bus terminal in downtown Reykjavík, and a cheaper bus service that includes hotel pickup and Blue Lagoon entrance fee (Netbus).

It is possible to take a bus from Keflavík International Airport and stop in the Blue Lagoon on the way to Reykjavík, with a bath included in the price. If you're arriving on your own by public transport, take the buses to Grindavík from Keflavík or Reykjavík.

By tour
There are lots of tour companies offering all inclusive package deals.

Reykjavík Excursions and Iceland Excursions run all inclusive trips from Reykjavík. There are tickets available that make it possible to call in en route between Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík, or vice versa.

By taxi
Many taxi companies offer trips to the Blue Lagoon, with the taxi waiting while the visitor enjoys the Blue Lagoon and its surroundings. This option can be extremely expensive.

Do

 * Swim in the lagoon.
 * Put the silica mud all over your body.
 * Relax and float in the mineral waters.
 * Get up close to the wooden boxes as these are the vents where the hot water arrive, and thus are the warmest parts of the pool.
 * Tuck yourself away in one of the caves, slip under the waterfall or enjoy the busy steam baths.

A great tourist snap is to drink a 'Krap' slushy, especially in freezing conditions!

Buy
Blue Lagoon has its own skin care products, which are very expensive.

There is also a gift shop (also down town and at the international airport in the duty-free section).

Eat
There is a cafeteria and the Lava Restaurant; both are very expensive. Lava books up early, so make reservations ahead of time, especially if visiting around lunch or dinner time, if you wish to visit.

The cafeteria has snacks, sandwiches, and coffee, but they are expensive and poor quality.

Food brought in from outside is forbidden in the Blue Lagoon.

Drink
There are water fountains in various locations to keep you from dehydrating.

The cafeteria has a selection of drinks.

Sleep

Accommodation can also be found in the nearby town of Grindavík.

Go next
Other geothermal spas in Iceland, all of which are less expensive and less crowded than the Blue Lagoon, include:
 * Mývatn Nature Baths
 * Laugardalslaug (public pools in Reykjavik) (1000 kr for adults; kr 160 for children)
 * Secret Lagoon (admission from 2800 kr)
 * Laugarvatn Fontana

title: Blue Lagoon


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Blue Lake

 * See Mount Kosciuszko summit trails for the Blue Lake in Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales

Blue Lake is a city in Humboldt County.

title: Blue Lake


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Bluemont

Bluemont is in Loudon County, Virginia, getting close to the Shenandoah Valley.

Get in
Cars only.

VA-7 runs from Winchester or Shenandoah in the west and from Leesburg in the east, going right through the center of Bluemont (not that Bluemont has any kind of downtown "center"). From US-50, which connects to other parts east in Northern Virginia, take a right on Snickersville Tpke after crossing US-15. Speaking of US-15, it runs south to connect with I-66 at Gainesville (near Manassas National Battlefield)

Coming from Harpers Ferry, you can take VA-671/Harpers Ferry Rd south from US-340, and then take a really scenic route through the back roads, starting with a right on Cider Mill Rd (bring a map). From D.C., the best and simplest route is the aforementioned I-66 W to US-50 W. From Baltimore and Central Maryland, take US-70 W to Frederick and switch to US-340 S, then continue as from Harpers Ferry.

See

Well, the mountains on the horizon. Consensus is wineries are the best place for viewing!

Drink

title: Bluemont


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Blue Mounds State Park

Blue Mounds State Park, in southwestern Minnesota, consists of more than, mostly tallgrass prairie, but also including a small man-made lake and some woods.

Landscape
The most exceptional characteristic of this park is the mound for which it is named.

Blue Mound is not a mound; it's a cliff, and a manifestation of the Coteau des Prairies, an enormous plateau in the Northern Plains of the United States. The Coteau has maximum dimensions of approximately 200 miles by 100 miles, and extends from eastern South Dakota through the southwest corner of Minnesota, and into northern Iowa. Locally the Coteau is known as Buffalo Ridge.

Blue Mound isn't actually blue, either, although it does appear to be when viewed from a distance on a dusty or hazy day. The rock is actually a pink or reddish hue.

Flora and fauna
The park is home to about 40 species of mammals and no fewer than 200 varieties of birds. The park's 2000 acres represent the largest segment of preserved tallgrass prairie in the Minnesota State Parks system. Common varieties of tall prairie grass that occur in Blue Mounds include Big Bluestem, Indian Grass, Sawgrass, Prairie Smoke, and others. In addition, prickly pear cactus thrive in the park's dry and rocky soil. The cactus typically bloom in June and July. Wildflowers bloom all spring and summer. The Western Fringed Orchid is believed to be present here as well, but due to its rarity and fragility, its location is a well-kept secret.

Climate
Temperature extremes in excess of may be observed in July and August, and temperatures of   or colder may occur in January and February. Annual precipitation runs just short of on average.

Get in
Blue Mounds State Park is three miles north of Luverne on US Highway 75.

See

 * The resident bison herd. The population of this herd is carefully managed to simulate wild conditions.  Toward that end, an auction is held every spring to "thin the herd;" to adjust the herd's makeup in terms of age, gender, and health.
 * The view from the top of the cliff. A leisurely hike will take you around the bison range to the cliff, from which you can gaze down on soaring hawks and a picturesque landscape.

Do

 * Survey the park from the observation tower.
 * Swim at the beach on Lower Mound Lake.
 * Camp - rustic camping is available, as are campsites with amenities.

Camping
The park has 73 drive-in campsites, of which at least 40 have electrical hookups. Showers and toilets are available on site as well.

title: Blue Mounds State Park


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Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains, immediately to the west of the sprawling metropolitan area of Sydney, constitute one of the most accessible areas of relatively unspoilt natural highland beauty in New South Wales. Although not particularly high as a mountain range, the Blue Mountains are nonetheless renowned for their majestic scenery of a unique kind, their cultural attractions and a relatively tranquil, alternative mode of life.

Part of Australia's Great Dividing Range, the Greater Blue Mountains region has been inscribed as a World Heritage Area.

Cities
Settlements are listed in order from east to west along the Great Western Hwy (A32) and the Blue Mountains Line (Main West railway line).

Lower Mountains

 * - The entry point to the Blue Mountains National Park. Close by to Blaxland
 * - Known for its small art galleries, including the Norman Lindsay Gallery

Mid Mountains

 * - A small town in the middle of the mountain range; there's a group of small villages surrounding the town.
 * - Close to Katoomba, bush, views and Bed and Breakfasts.
 * - Right next to Katoomba, is known for its quaint craft shops, cafes and boutique shopping.
 * - The largest and most visited town in the Blue Mountains, with Echo Point, Scenic World, and shopping. Known for its artsy, hippie population.

Upper Mountains

 * – the home of the Hydro-Majestic, and its sweeping views along the Megalong Valley
 * – genuinely pretty mountain town, surrounded by parks and scenic walks.
 * – the highest point of the mountains.
 * – two small towns 14 km apart, one home to the area's train station and an important road tripoint, the other is home to the several privately-run botanic gardens known for their impressive autumn colours.
 * (including Zig Zag) – the end of the Blue Mountains region. A mining & train town, close by to the Zig Zag historical railway.
 * – small country railway town, primarily visited for its agricultural and daffodil show.
 * – at the crossroads of the Main Western and Oberon railway lines.
 * – at the crossroads of the Main Western and Oberon railway lines.

Oberon Council

 * – well-renowned for its autumn colours.

Other destinations
The Blue Mountains range is most famous for its national parks and other sites of natural beauty:
 * – the state's most visited national park.
 * – known for the Kanangra Walls.
 * – the world's oldest cave network.
 * – known for the Newnes Plateau Cliffs, which are very similar to many of the other cliffs but rather quiet and hidden.
 * – contains dinosaur-era trees.

History
The Blue Mountains have been inhabited for several thousand years by the Gundungurra people.

The European settlers found that the Blue Mountains cliffs were sufficiently challenging to prevent explorers from penetrating the inland of New South Wales from Sydney for some time. Attempts to cross the mountains began in the very early 1800s and it was not until 1813 when Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson found a way across the mountains by following the ridges rather than the watercourses.

Once the route was found, roads, railway and development followed rapidly. The roads and railways today follow almost exactly the route taken by the original explorers. A visit to many of the scenic vistas, cliffs and waterfalls in the mountains will give you some appreciation of the challenges anyone would face trying to follow the rivers and creeks across the mountains.

People
The mountains are a major weekend destination for Sydneysiders, but also have a passionate local community. Making your way up involves passing through many villages and towns.

The lower villages are almost an extension of the Sydney urban area, but the higher you go the more a mountain way of life becomes evident.

Locals of the Blue Mountains tend to be retirees, folks looking for an alternative lifestyle, including a large and active gay and lesbian community, artists (including, in the past, the infamous Norman Lindsay) and people who want to get back to nature.

There are also the Gundungurra Aboriginal people, who are now represented by the Gundungurra Tribal Council Aboriginal Corporation, based in Katoomba. It is a not for profit organisation representing the Gundungurra traditional owners, promoting heritage and culture and providing a support for Gundungurra people connecting back to Country.

The Blue Mountains locals have resisted much development - you'll only find one fast food restaurant between Glenbrook and Lithgow.

If you stay long enough to get to know the place, you'll find an interesting mix of 1860, 1960 and last year.

Climate
The temperature is usually a few degrees cooler in the mountains, but it can be up to 10°C colder than on the coast during the day, and drop even further overnight. There is probably only one or two days of snow every one or two years, but there are many more winters days where it feels like it might snow!

If you're in Sydney for a week or so, and planning a day trip to the mountains, it pays to check the weather forecast for each region before deciding which day to travel. A hot day in Sydney can make the mountains a pleasant escape, and coastal showers in Sydney can also see the mountains still dry and sunny. However, cold winter rainy days can see mountain views completely obscured by fog for the entire day – sometimes this adds mood and atmosphere, but more often than not, it can act as a hinderance.

Orientation
The main visitor district of the mountains centres around Katoomba, with Echo Point (Three Sisters), Scenic World, Wentworth Falls and Leura all within a few kilometres each direction. The towns of Blackheath and Mount Victoria are smaller tourist centres in their own right, only around 15 minutes drive from Katoomba. Jenolan Caves are a significant distance further, over an hour to drive from Katoomba.

Get in
Travellers visiting Sydney are often faced with the dilemma of how to best get to the mountains to spend a day or a couple of days. It is quite possible to visit for a day, and to see many of the main sights.

The closest airport is Sydney Airport.

By car
Take the M4 out of Sydney, then continue as the M4 becomes the Great Western Highway (A32) on Lapstone Hill. Sydney to Katoomba is 103 km and takes about one hour and fifty minutes in good traffic.

Renting a car from Sydney to spend a day or two in the mountains is a popular option for visitors to Sydney, however an issue often encountered by people staying in the CBD is that car rental companies along the city strip generally close before 6PM, and can have queues when they open at 9am. This can make for a very short day in the mountains. The alternative is paying for an extra days car hire, and for overnight parking in the city for two nights, which can add considerably to the cost.

By train
Trains run every hour (or half hour during peak periods) to the Blue Mountains from Sydney Central, and can also connect at major stations along the way, including Strathfield, Parramatta and Blacktown. Standard trains are used with no seating reservations. Trains run every hour or so as far as Mount Victoria and usually every second one will proceed to Lithgow. While the train will get you to the mountains, you need to determine how to get around when you get there, as there are a number of locations that you won't be able to reach without a car. That said, most of the main towns in the Blue Mountains are linked together by the rail line, and the prime tourist spots are walkable or accessible by visitor friendly bus services. See how to Get around below.

By tour
Many tour companies operate single- or multi-day tours up to the Blue Mountains from Sydney. A number of companies operate chartered tours that offer tour guides and coaches with modern facilities such as toilets and air conditioning. Expect a rushed trip, to take in all the sights and the usual wildlife park stop on the way.

By bus
Blue Mountains Transit operates bus route 690P from Penrith to Springwood.

By car
Once you get up the mountains, it is easy to get around the mountains by car, and congestion or parking is generally not a problem. Popular car parks like Wentworth Falls can fill on summer weekends, but travel on the street until you find an available spot. The Great Western Highway (A32) crosses the Mountains east to west, and most places aren't far from it. Expect to pay for parking at Echo Point (The Three Sisters) at $8 per hour, but everywhere else is free of charge. There are large free multi-storey parking lots at Scenic World. if you are going to Scenic World and Echo Point, then park at Scenic World, and walk from the Skyway east station to echo point, to save the drive and parking costs.

 * Local Car Rental is available in Katoomba from Hertz. You pay a premium to hire in the mountains - but after considering the additional fuel, car parking in Sydney, and inconvenient opening times, you may still end up ahead.

By public bus
Blue Mountains Transit operates public bus services in the mountains under a service contract to the state government. Their routes are extensive, but can be infrequent - especially on weekends. Check the timetables before deciding to get around the mountains by public bus.

The most useful bus is the 686, that runs between Katoomba station, Echo Point, and scenic world every 30 minutes. This route is actually the same bus as the express trolley, that forms part of the Trolley Tours Hop-on Hop-off service. It is a real bus, just painted on the outside to resemble a trolley. Other useful buses are the 685 Wentworth Falls Katoomba loop that will take you near to Wentworth Falls.

All the Blue Mountains public buses use the same tickets and ticketing structure as Sydney. You can pay cash fares or use an Opal Card.

If you are taking the train from Sydney for the day and using an Opal Card, you'll probably already have hit your day-cap, and using the public buses in the mountains comes at no incremental cost.

Bus route 690K is also a useful bus for people who want to see the scenic mountains. It goes from Springwood to Katoomba. There are 38 services a week departing from Springwood train station and arriving at the Carrington Hotel in Katoomba.

By Blue Mountains Explorer bus
The Blue Mountains Explorer Bus consists of two routes: A Katoomba - Leura circuit, that is similar to route 686 bus above, and a second longer route, which includes some areas more remote from Leura station. Many of the stops in both routes are close to a number of the hotels in the Upper Blue Mountains region.

Opal cards are not valid on these services. You can buy tickets just for the bus for $55 that includes travel for one calendar day, or online.

By train
If travelling between towns in the mountains (like from Katoomba to Leura, Blackheath, Medlow Bath, or Mount Victoria), train is also available. Trains generally run every hour or so east of Mount Victoria, more frequently during peak times.

By foot
If you are travelling by train and wish to have a mountains experience around Katoomba, you can walk in about 30 minutes to Echo Point, then descend the Giant Staircase at the Three Sisters, walk along the valley floor to Scenic World, come back up the Scenic Railway, then walk along the top of the cliff back towards Echo Point, and then back to Katoomba.

Wentworth Falls is about an hours walk along the Charles Darwin Walk from Wentworth Falls station, however if you can skip this part and allow more time to do the National Pass walk that is more worthwhile. (The National Pass is closed due to rockfall risk).

By taxi
If you are without a car, taxi is a good option to see worthwhile destinations like Wentworth Falls and Leura Cascades that are away from the stations.

Lookouts

 * Cliff Drive, around Katoomba and Leura has many pull-offs for admiring the view.
 * at Kanangra Boyd National Park.
 * Cliff Drive, around Katoomba and Leura has many pull-offs for admiring the view.
 * at Kanangra Boyd National Park.

Attractions

 * Watch a IMAX movie at The Edge Cinema in Katoomba - its giant screen has somewhat regular showings of 'The Edge Movie', which is a documentary about the Blue Mountains, but check times on their website first, to make sure they aren't showing the latest Disney feature when you plan to visit.  The cinema is about 10 minutes walk from Katoomba Station, the other direction from Echo Point.

Monuments

 * In the more residential lower Mountains commuter belt, there are a couple of mildly interesting tourist sites at Faulconbridge - the Corridor of Oaks, which has oak trees planted by many Australian Prime Ministers, and Sir Henry Parkes' Grave, the final resting place of a man considered to be the 'Father of Federation'.

Do

 * Writes of Passage Retreats, 7 Seventh Avenue Katoomba +61 402 959 946 A boutique retreat centre to stay or day visit for tarot readings, astrology/numerology readings, art therapy and other self-development activities.
 * Writes of Passage Retreats, 7 Seventh Avenue Katoomba +61 402 959 946 A boutique retreat centre to stay or day visit for tarot readings, astrology/numerology readings, art therapy and other self-development activities.

Walks
There are literally hundreds of walking opportunities in the mountains, from short 1 km trips to lookouts, to multi-day walks, and the famous Six Foot Track from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves. They will have all the details at the visitor information at Echo Point, and online.

Do check for track closures before setting out on the national parks website. Closures are becoming more common, in an increasingly risk-averse environment.

 * The Giant Stairway descends to the bottom of the Jamison Valley, right next to the Three Sisters at Echo Point. You can walk along the base of the valley for around 2 km to get to Scenic World, at take the Scenic Railway back up the hill.  From here you can walk to 2 km back along the top of the cliff, by following the Price Henry Cliff Walk back to Echo Point, via Katoomba Falls.  There is food and drink at Echo Point, at Scenic World, and at a kiosk along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.  The track is well marked, (you will see the signs to Scenic Railway) and well traversed, so you don't need to be too prepared to do this one.  If you are driving, then consider parking at Scenic World, and doing the Prince Henry Walk first, that way you can avoid the parking charges at Echo Point.  If you want to test your fitness, go down the scenic railway, and then up the thousand steps.
 * National Pass Trail at Wentworth Falls opened originally over 100 years ago. Running along the cliff line at Wentworth Falls, and not as steep as it may sound, it can be conquered as a challenge by someone of average fitness.  There is about 3 hours of walking in all.  If you choose to only do a section of the walk be aware that but the steep sections are at the very beginning and end of the track, with the centre being largely level along the cliff line.  It really is best to plan to do the entire length of the walk if you can.  The shortcut track at the top of the cliff will get you back to the start in only 30 minutes or so.  Many sections of the walk are fenced, but many steep sections are not.  If you are travelling with young children, then you may not be comfortable on sections of this walk.  The walk is closed due to risk of rock fall (2017).
 * Faulconbridge Point Lookout/Grose River.
 * Govett's Leap.
 * To get away from the crowds in "scenic" Katoomba, get a bus (or taxi) to Leura falls, and walk down the steps to the wedding veil falls and along Federal Pass - a fantastic walk, not too hard, and loads of wildlife!

Mountain bike

 * Ride the Oaks Trail on your mountain bike. This is a classic mountain ride, through bushland fire trail well away from the highway.  It goes from Woodford to Lapstone, almost all downhill.  You can get the train from Lapstone back up the hill to the start.
 * Ride on one of the scenic rides into the Jamison Valley from Katoomba.

Sleep
There are many accommodation options in the mountains, including resorts, bed and breakfasts (popular, but can be expensive, especially on weekends), guest houses, motels, pubs (many have been gentrified, but not all) and camping.

Listings can be found in city pages.

Stay safe
People have died when they have lost the trail while bushwalking in the Blue Mountains. There is a large variation in the signposting and difficulty of walks. Know your limits, and check with visitor information. Also note that getting lost is easy to do and can prove fatal.

There are a number of walks you can take in the mountains to experience them, where the tracks are well marked and well traversed. You can walk from Echo Point to the Scenic Railway, down the steps at the Three Sisters, and take the Scenic Railway back to the top. You can also walk the National Pass walk. These walks have some mobile reception, and you will have no problem following the tracks and signs if you are careful. However, even on the cliff walks near civilisation some places do not have any mobile phone coverage whatsoever. There are shorter walks at Echo Point too. Check at visitor information.

Personal locator beacons are available free of charge from Katoomba Police when undertaking more remote walks. Always let someone you trust know your route, and when you will be back. Take a mobile phone (not always in range) and a GPS.

Some cliff edges are unfenced. Cliff edges near creeks and water may be slippery, and losing your footing can prove fatal.

Although the Blue Mountains are a large nature reserve, the wildlife is not particularly dangerous. However, if you see snakes on the path, stay clear until they move away. Don't disturb rocks and branches with your bare hands for spiders and insects.

Go next

 * Tour the show caves at Jenolan Caves. Note that this is quite a long way from the Blue Mountains proper, and is probably a full day affair. If you don't have a car, you'll need to join a bus tour.
 * West to Oberon or the historic gold rush towns of Bathurst and Sofala

title: Blue Mountains


text:
Blue Mountains (disambiguation)

There is more than one place called Blue Mountain or Blue Mountains:

Australia

 * Blue Mountains — a beautiful mountain range west of Sydney in New South Wales.

Caribbean

 * Blue Mountains (Jamaica) — a national park and famous coffee growing region in Jamaica.

New Zealand

 * Blue Mountains (New Zealand), in West Otago

North America

 * Blue Mountains or Abajo Mountains, near Monticello (Utah)
 * Blue Mountains (Pacific Northwest) and the Blue Mountains Level III ecoregion near Baker City, Oregon, United States
 * Blue Mountains (Nunavut), Canada
 * Blue Mountain Lake, New York, United States
 * The Blue Ridge Mountains are a part of the Appalachian Mountains range; they extend from southern Pennsylvania to Georgia
 * Village at Blue Mountain, Ontario, a town in Canada

Africa

 * Blue Mountains (Congo), northwest of Lake Albert, Democratic Republic of the Congo
 * Blue Mountains (Niger), a mountain range near the Aïr Mountains in Niger

Eurasia

 * Sinimäed Hills (Blue Mountains) in Estonia, near Narva
 * Nilgiri mountains (Blue Mountains), southern India

title: Blue Mountains (disambiguation)


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Blue Mountains (Jamaica)

Blue Mountains is a region of Jamaica. The Blue and John Crow Mountains are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The mountains are shrouded almost perpetually by mists that give Jamaica’s highest mountains their bluish colour.

Understand
"It is the fairest island eyes have beheld; mountainous and the land seems to touch the sky."

- Christopher Columbus, 1494

The Blue Mountain range sprawls across the eastern portion of the island for a length of 28 miles (40 km) and an average width of about 12 miles (20 km). They rise steeply in an area so compact that it is possible to drive from the coastal plains to an elevation of over 7,000 feet (2000 m) in less than an hour.

When Christopher Columbus was the first European to arrive in Jamaica in 1494, the mountains were heavily forested. Early Spanish settlers established their hatos or cattle ranches at the foot of the Blue Mountains on the southern coast at Liguanea, the Yallahs Valley and around the Morant Bay area. However, their numbers were few and it was after the island was captured by the English that the lower slopes were cleared for farming and the forests were harvested to meet the great demand in England for Jamaican hardwoods. Today, economic and population pressures have pushed the forest line to around on the northern slopes and almost 5000 feet (1500 m) on the southern slopes.

The 194,000-acre (80,000-ha) Blue Mountain and John Crow Mountain National Park was established in 1992 to preserve some of the remaining forests and to protect the island’s largest watershed. The park comprises about 6% of Jamaica’s total landmass. These diverse mountain forests have more than 800 species of endemic plants, the world’s second largest butterfly, Papilo homerus, 200 species of resident and migrant birds and is one of the largest migratory bird habitats in the Caribbean. There are also more than 500 species of flowering plants of which almost one half are native to Jamaica. Of these, the most interesting is perhaps the Jamaican bamboo, Chusquea abietifolia, that flowers only once every 33 years. The next flowering will take place in 2017.

Newcastle
The town of Newcastle, located 2 miles (3 km) below Holywell, is the common trailhead for several well-known hikes.

Newcastle has an interesting history. The British established it in 1841 because troops manning the lowland forts were dying of yellow fever in alarming numbers. The buttercups that grew in great numbers following the rains were blamed for exuding some sort of effluvium that caused the deadly sickness.

The troops were stationed high in the forest at Newcastle so they would be far enough away from the buttercup fields to be affected. It was much later before someone made the connection between yellow fever and the hearty, thriving mosquito population that--along with the buttercups—also mushroomed with the rains.

Enslaved Black people were much less susceptible to yellow fever than their British owners. Slaves named the buttercups after the white people (or "backras"), calling them "kill-backras." The saying also developed that "If backra wants to live long, he must ask nayga leave" because it appeared the less sickly Negroes knew the secret to good health and long life.

Almost all of the area's hikes, such as the Fern Walk Trail, start at the Old Stables Inn.

Irish Town and Redlight
Irish Town is a pleasant residential area stretching along the main road for some distance. Some of the other residences have Irish place names, as this was where the Irish coopers who made the coffee barrels lived.

Other destinations
There is a noticeable change in vegetation and climate at Hardware Gap, where on most days mist descends on one of Jamaica's few remaining mountain forest areas. Ginger lilies grow thickly on the roadside.
 * Hardware Gap: The parishes of St. Andrew and Portland meet at Hardware Gap.

 * Holywell Nature Reserve: Holywell Nature Reserve, a recreational area is on the left. Since 1993 it has been a part of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. The reserve offers a view of Kingston, picnic spots, tents and tent spaces, and cabins that can be rented from the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust. There are several trails through the forest, and guides are available. The Oatley trail is of particular interest. It passes through tall tree ferns and trees bearing epiphytes such has wild pines, orchids, ferns, lichens and fungi, through fern brakes and mossy sections. Watch for birds and other wildlife. Behind the parking area is the Waterfall trail, with several farm roads leading off it.
 * Old Tavern Coffee Estate: On a small farm, nestled high on the cool northern slopes of the Blue Mountains, is perhaps the perfect setting for growing coffee. The area produces exceptional Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee... nature provides ideal growing conditions, and workers painstakingly tend fields and hand select berries for processing and on-farm roasting.

Newcastle Barracks Jamaica Defence Force training centre: The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) was formed just a few days prior to Jamaica becoming a sovereign independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations. The JDF has a long history of descent and traditions stemming from units raised in the West Indies since the mid-17th century.

Talk
Most Jamaicans speak Jamaican Creole, also known locally as Patois (Patwa). Jamaican pronunciation and vocabulary are significantly different and because of this the language is almost completely unintelligible to a native speaker of English. Jamaicans speak Jamaican Creole between one another. In all other cases English is used.

You may hear some Jamaicans say "Waah gwan?" or "what tah gwan", which is the patois variation of "What's up?" or "What's going on?” More formal greetings are usually "Good morning", or "Good evening".

Get around
Excursions to Kingston A route taxi is available from Mount Edge to Papine. This will cost approximately J$150, these are more economical than others taxis but you share the space. A good experience.

From Papine you can take a taxi or a bus (the large white JUTC bus) have their stops in front of the market in Papine. No timetables seem to apply, but if you wait “a likkle bit” there will soon be one going your direction. These are very cheap. The route taxi is more expensive and should cost about J$100.

With buses number 61 and 78 you reach Liguanea with shopping malls and eateries, Sovereign Centre is one of the malls. The same buses continue to Half Way Tree where you find more shops and stalls. If you are on your way to the Bob Marley Museum, you can ask a taxi-driver to drop you off there.

When it’s time to catch a ride back to Papine, look for a JUTC bus stop from where you can catch a number 61, 75 or 78 bus or ask for a route taxi.

When you reach Papine you need to find Park View Supermarket; from here you can take a minibus or a taxi to Mount Edge, again this will cost approximately J$150.

See

 * Coffee estates: The once'forested lower slopes of the Blue Mountains are now mostly grasslands but some areas are used for the cultivation of vegetables, spices and the world-renowned Blue Mountain coffee. The first coffee seedlings were brought to Jamaica from Hispaniola in 1728 by the Governor, Sir Nicholas Lawes. The mountain slopes were cleared to establish coffee plantations and by the first quarter of the 19th century, Jamaica was the leading coffee producer in the world. The industry fell into decline after Emancipation when Jamaica could no longer compete with slave owning countries like Brazil and Cuba.
 * Today, Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is considered to be among the best of the gourmet coffees in the world. To ensure the quality, the Jamaica Coffee Industry Board set standards for the coffee beans and the processing in order to carry the ‘Blue Mountain Coffee’ label. 90% of the island’s production is exported to Japan.
 * Although some coffee estates remain, most of the beans are grown on small plots by local farmers. Considering the retail price of Jamaican coffee worldwide, the farmers get a pittance for their crop and some opt to roast and sell their own beans. A number of them can be found on the Kingston-Buff Bay road near the little town of Section. The process of hand picking ripe berries then drying, curing and roasting the beans is time consuming. Each farmer has his own ‘secret’ process and is happy to explain why his is the very best. It’s an excellent opportunity for coffee connoisseurs to sample a variety of roasts and to purchase a truly unique product.

The Peak Trail
The trail to Blue Mountain Peak begins at Abbey Green; it can be reached in several ways. A 4WD vehicle can be driven from Mavis Bank down to the Yallahs River at Mahogany Vale, where you can cross the river and drive to Hagley Gap. From here a very steep road leads to Epping Farm. Bearing right, you pass Wildflower Lodge and Whitfield Hall and reach Abbey Green, above which the trail begins.

Another route from Hagley Gap is to turn downhill to the Negro River, where there is a fording and pedestrian bridge. In wet weather the fording is often impassable. A rough track then leads left through the former coffee estate of Radnor. It is privately owned and the road privately maintained with wire gates across it at two places, which can be lifted aside but must be replaced. The track emerges near Whitfield Hall. Turn right for Abbey Green.

The trail has been described in many ways, one of which is "the longest six miles in Jamaica" (10 km). It is also described in terms of the plants and trees you may see as you move up from the trailhead to the Peak. The steepest part of the journey is in the first half, before Portland Gap. Jacob's Ladder, as it has long been named from the former stepping formation, is the steepest stretch of all, but it has bow been tarmacked. Soon after that stretch, you come to Portland Gap.

There are wooden cabins here with bunks for sleeping, space for tents and simple sanitary arrangements including a shower. There is also a tuck shop where you can buy food. If you wish to cook, you have to bring your own food and equipment, but some wood is provided. Sponge mattresses for the bunks can be rented at a minimal cost; you must however supply your own sleeping bags and blankets.

After Portland Gap the path is less steep for awhile and you pass through more of the natural forest-trees and ferns, epiphytes, wayside shrubs and herbs. As you climb higher the vegetation changes and the trees become noticeably shorter.

The Peak
At the top there are the remains of a vandalized forest shelter, which is still used by walkers although the roof is collapsing. The views are tremendous if you are not in the mist. On a very fine day, with the aid of binoculars, you may be able to see the tops of the Sierra Maestra Mountains of southern Cuba. The highest point, where the Trigonometry station stands, is to the right of the flat area where the shelter is.

Hiking in Holywell with afternoon coffee at Gap Café
Make your way up to Holywell National Park, the options for this are walk up (it’s 4 miles or 6½ km), or rent a bike (US$15 per day) or hitchhike.

The entrance fee to the park is approximately J$200. Once there you can follow any trail or just have a stroll, bring water to drink and remember to return to the entrance before sunset.

After a few hours of walking when it’s time for a break you can relax at the Gap Café. The hummingbirds come to feed here and you can enjoy a cup of Blue Mountain Coffee or just take in the view. To get back to Mount Edge; you can walk, roll down on your bike or hitchhike.

Sleep

 * Gap cafe, listed above.

title: Blue Mountains (Jamaica)


text:
Blue Mountains National Park

The Blue Mountains National Park is a large, world Heritage-listed national park occupying much of the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales. The park has many cliffs, plateaus, valleys, waterfalls and something a trip to Sydney is never complete without. Blue Mountains National Park is also New South Wales' most visited national park receiving over 8 million visitors in 2018.

Flora and fauna
The park is home to many kangaroos and other wildlife. When walking in the bush, especially in the summer, be aware of snakes.

In the open forests, the Australian echidna is relatively common. Presumably some koalas, which were still common in this area around 1900s, are still in the park. Species that are nocturnal and therefore difficult to observe include brushtail possum and various flying squirrel possums unless you choose to camp.

The denser forests are also inhabited by bandicoots, broad-legged bag mice, swamp wallabies, and giant gliders. The largest marsupial predator is the giant quoll, which also inhabits dense forests. Especially in the more open areas, where grasses and woody coexist, there are nudibranch wombats, red-necked wallabies , mountain kangaroos and eastern grey kangaroos. The region's largest predator is the dingo, which is a feral dog. There are also foxes, cats, horses and cattle in the park, which are not originally native and were introduced by the British, and have a negative impact on the local wildlife.

Visitor information

 * Park website

By car
Most roads are gravel roads, but are gazetted formed roads. Check your rental agreement if you are renting a car.

There's a few ways to get into the key areas of the park...

Along Great Western Highway
Glenbrook — Turn off left into Rose St to enter into Glenbrook. At the T intersection of Burfitt Parade, turn left and follow that street down into Bruce Rd. Follow that road down past the bridge over the railway. Park at the National Parks & Wildlife Office to get your pass.

Katoomba — The easiest path to get to Echo Point: Once you enter into Katoomba from Parke St, turn left on the first roundabout, and then straight along the second. Turn right onto Lurline St, and follow that street until the end. You should get to the corner of Echo Point Rd and Cliff Dr.

Blackheath — When you enter Blackheath, turn right onto Grovetts Leap Rd. The entry is the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.

Along Bells of Line Road
Lower Grose Valley (Vale of Avoca Lookout) — After driving into Kurrajong, turn left onto Old Bells of Line/Grose Vale Road. Follow it until you turn right on Cabbage Tree Rd,  and drive until you reach the end carpark. The road is mostly sealed until you enter the park, where it comes unsealed.

Mount Wilson — Turn right into Mount Wilson Rd.

By bus
Some buses run to Katoomba close to Echo Point. See the Katoomba article for information. Other buses also run to Blackheath, although this is not that common.

Fees and permits
A cost of $8 per vehicle applies at the Glenbrook entrance. Further up the mountains visitors there are no fees but you may have to pay for parking within the park.

NSW Parks passes are valid in the park, which provide unlimited access to the park for a year or two years. The passes provide faster entry and are valid for 12/24 months from date of purchase. The fees per vehicle (as at 2022) are as follows:
 * All Parks Pass – access to all parks in New South Wales, including Kosciuszko National Park ($190 for one year, $335 for two years)
 * Multi Park Pass – access to all parks in New South Wales, excluding Kosciuszko National Park ($65 for one year, $115 for two years)
 * Country Parks Pass – access to all parks in Country New South Wales, excluding Kosciuszko National Park ($45 for one year, $75 for two years)

There is also a fourth pass; the Single Park Pass, worth $22 for one year and $40 for two. Note that having an NSW Parks pass does not give you free parking at Katoomba, as the parking lot is outside the park.

Get around
The Main Western Line has frequent trains that run from Penrith to Lithgow and Bathurst, with stops at various towns in the Blue Mountains. Bushwalking tracks are within short walking distance from the Katoomba, Leura, Blackheath, Lithgow, Wentworth Falls, Woodford, Glenbrook, and other train stops along the Main Western Line.

See
When bushwalking, try not to miss the beautiful flora (plants) and fauna (animals). You will find a lovely and colourful range of flowers. If you ever come across animals, you should never do anything to hurt them, as they will not like to be disturbed.

Another thing to consider when going bushwalking is that you make sure you don't step on any animals' homes and you should never make new trails and cause erosion.

Do
The Blue Mountains National Park has many interesting things to do.

Bushwalking
This is a very popular pastime in the Blue Mountains and there are a number of well-maintained trails that will offer you the opportunity to go down into the valley floor, viewing the changing vegetation as you descend. Lyrebirds can be found in the undergrowth in the valley. They imitate the sounds of other birds, so you will probably need to keep your eyes open for them but they are quite a find for any bushwalker to come across. With many things to do, and many places to explore, why wouldn't you try it some time.

Sightseeing
There are a number of amazing sites to see just from the main highway and major roads. The Three Sisters is one famous site that every visitor to the Blue Mountains must stop and see. There are fabulous views from many vantage points and it is evident on a clear day why the Mountains received their name of "Blue", as the Eucalyptus shimmer in the distance, creating a hazy blue as far as the eye can see.

The Zig-Zag Railway
At Lithgow, you will come across the famous Zig-Zag Railway. This train is a switchback form and was built in the 19th century as a tourist attraction, which it remains today. At the time it was built, it was a major engineering feat.

Buy
The only sort of shop is at the discovery centre (see #See) or at Echo Point Visitor Centre. Otherwise, you there's plenty of shops in the towns that make up the Blue Mountains.

Eat and drink
There is only a single place to eat in the entire park area, but that should be no surprise given how the park is just a vast wilderness. However, a few metres outside the park and there's plenty of choices to choose from. See the Katoomba, Blackheath and all the other cities listed in Blue Mountains.

However, if you are going out in the vast wilderness or going on trek, you will need to bring some food with you.

Sleep
In addition to staying in the Blue Mountains National Park itself, many visitors stay in the various towns dotted along the Great Western Highway, particularly in Katoomba.

Camping
There are many camping areas in the national park, managed by several different National Parks and Wildlife administration centres.

Backcountry
In the part of the park north of the Great Western Highway camping is limited to established campgrounds. South of the highway you can camp anywhere, as long as you are not in a picnic area or lookout; and you are not within 200 m of a park facility, including roads and walking tracks.

Go next
Now that you've checked out Blue Mountains, why not travel north to Wollemi National Park?

Or head down south to Kanangra-Boyd National Park.

title: Blue Mountains National Park


text:
Blue Ridge (Georgia)

Blue Ridge is a small resort town in the Georgia's Northeast High Country. It is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Trail.

Understand
Blue Ridge is a very popular vacation destination, especially in the fall when leaf color is at its peak, but the pristine mountain lake draws a crowd during the summer months as well.

Get in
Blue Ridge is 90 miles north of Atlanta and is easily reached by taking I-75N to I-575 (exit 268). I-575 will become Hwy 515/76 as you drive north and will take you directly into Blue Ridge.

By foot
Due to the relatively compact and tourist-oriented nature of this town, walking is quite easy, although as is true for most of the state, pedestrians do need to be careful for cars.

Do

 * "Gem Mining"
 * Helicopter rides
 * Ziplining
 * cherry log festival ( in the fall)
 * cherry log festival ( in the fall)

Eat

 * sue's cafe
 * Circle J steakhouse
 * Blue ridge mountain bbq ( across sue's)
 * Mike's trackside bbq ( right beside previous mention)

Go next

 * Jasper is 50 minutes south.
 * Ellijay is 20 minutes south.
 * Atlanta is a 90 minutes south.

title: Blue Ridge (Georgia)


text:
Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway is in the states of North Carolina and Virginia in the United States of America. The parkway wanders between Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, along a very scenic stretch of road.

Understand

 * National Park Service Headquarters, 199 Hemphill Knob Road, Asheville,, (Fax: +1 828 271-4313).
 * Recorded Information Line: +1 828 298-0398. Includes information on attraction, road or trail closures. Also updated Parkway weather (but check weather forecasts elsewhere as well).

History
Although the Blue Ridge Parkway is often seen primarily as a scenic byway with many natural attractions, it is also a cross-section of Appalachian mountain history. Stretching almost 500 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge mountains through North Carolina and Virginia, it encompasses some of the oldest settlements of both pre-historic and early European settlement. Overlook signs, visitor center exhibits, restored historic structures, and developed areas, all point out and explain the interesting history.

Native American culture and influence
The Cherokee Indians of North Carolina, and the Monacan, Saponi, and Tutelo Indians of western Virginia, were among the earliest inhabitants of the Blue Ridge, leaving artifacts and changes in the landscape as evidence of their existence. Many of the fields still visible at the base of the mountains date back centuries to ancient American Indian agricultural methods of burning and deadening the trees and underbrush to provide needed grazing and crop land. Mountain and river names along the Parkway also reflect the American Indian influence. The best place to learn about the pre-history of the Appalachian chain in Virginia is at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center museum (milepost 85.9). Arrowheads and early tools found in the Peaks area are exhibited. In North Carolina, the Parkway enters the Cherokee Indian Reservation at milepost 457.7 and features an informational display on the reservation at the Lickstone Parking Overlook (milepost 458.9).

European homesteads
There are many surviving examples of early European pioneer structures along the Parkway, beginning at Milepost 5.8 at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center and Mountain Farm exhibit. The easy Mountain Farm Self-Guiding Trail takes you through a collection of 19th century farm buildings, and in the summer months there are often living history demonstrations. The Visitor Center exhibits represent the most complete effort at interpreting the Blue Ridge region with stories about early housing, community, entertainment, and transportation. At the Peaks of Otter (Milepost 85.9) there is a moderate loop trail leading to the Johnson Farm, in which generations of the Johnson family lived and worked with other members of the now-vanished community. Another structure of interest here is Polly Woods Ordinary, representative of the early days of tourism in the area. The Trail Cabin (Milepost 154.6), Puckett Cabin (Milepost 189.9), Brinegar Cabin (Milepost 238.5), Caudill Cabin (Milepost 241), and Sheets Cabin (Milepost 252.4) are all 19th-century log cabins illustrating the occasional isolated existence of mountain residents and the efforts of the original park planners to save log structures as opposed to other types of larger farm houses they found. The Jesse Brown Farmstead (Milepost 272.5) consists of a cabin, spring house, and the relocated Cool Springs Baptist Church.

Industries
Just about every form of 19th-century industrial development in the mountains has its story told somewhere along the Parkway. Yankee Horse Ridge Parking Area (milepost 34.4) has a short stretch of reconstructed narrow-gauge railroad track once known as the Irish Creek Railway, along with an exhibit on logging in the area. The James River Visitor Center (Milepost 63.6) has an exhibit on the ill-fated James River and Kanawha Canal, with a self-guiding trail to a restored lock dating from the mid-19th century. Mining operations in the Appalachians are remembered in place names such as Iron Mine Hollow (mile posts 96.2, 96.4) and at an exhibit in the North Toe Valley Overlook, Milepost 318.4. Of all the points of interest on the Parkway, perhaps Mabry Mill (Milepost 176.2) is the best known. The Mabry Mill Trail features a black smith shop, wheel wright's shop, and whiskey still, as well as the most photographed structure on the Parkway, Mabry Mill itself. As anyone who has traveled in the Appalachians knows, mountain crafts are one of the most popular attractions. Traditional crafts and music still thrive in the Blue Ridge mountains of today. Along the Parkway in North Carolina are several places to view and purchase locally made items, such as the Northwest Trading Post (Milepost 258.6), the Moses Cone Estate and Parkway Craft Center (Milepost 294.1), and the Folk Art Center (Milepost 382).

Modern era
By the 20th century, the Blue Ridge was viewed as a desirable location for men of wealth to build retreats. The Moses H. Cone and Julian Price Memorial Parks (Mileposts 292 - 298) are examples of this. The Cone estate includes a turn-of-the-century manor house and 24 miles of carriage roads, while the Julian Price Park offers several short trails and a lake.

The most obvious modern contributor to the landscape is of course the Parkway itself, conceived and designed over 60 years ago as a scenic motor road and conservator of the natural and historical treasures of the Blue Ridge. Groundbreaking took place in September 1935 and the work was contracted and completed in "sections." By World War II, about one-half of the road was completed and by the 1960s, all but one section was opened to the public. Fifty Celtic laborers died during the construction, earning the nickname of Bealach Báis. In 1987, the last section was completed around Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina, including the Linn Cove Viaduct at Milepost 304, an environmentally sensitive, award winning bridge. Today, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited site in the National Park system.

Landscape
From Milepost 0 at Rockfish Gap, Virginia to Milepost 355 near Mount Mitchell State Park, North Carolina, the Parkway lives up to its name by following the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, averaging about 3,000 feet in elevation, and occasionally dipping down into the coves and hollows or crossing low-elevation water gaps. At Mount Mitchell, the Parkway veers westward through the Black Mountains, then into the Craggies before descending toward Asheville. From there, the road climbs to elevations over 6,000 feet in the Balsam Mountains before entering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee.

Along this route an unsurpassed diversity of climate, vegetation, and geological features are passed. The more than 81,000 acres (32,779 ha) of Parkway lands pass through a highland area of five degrees longitude and approximately 3 degrees latitude, making it the third largest unit of the National Park Service in terms of area covered. The Parkway includes 400 streams, including 150 headwaters. Forty-seven Natural Heritage Areas (areas set aside as national, regional or state examples of exemplary natural communities), a variety of slopes and exposures, and possibly 100 different soil types.

Flora and fauna
With an elevation range of 5,700 feet (1,737m) the Parkway provides a home for both southern species at the lower elevations and northern species on the mountaintops. Taking advantage of this diversity are 14 major vegetation types, over 1,200 vascular plant species (50 threatened or endangered), and almost 100 species of non-native plants. Nearly 100 species of trees grow along the Parkway, about as many as are found in all of Europe. Added to that are estimates of almost 400 species of mosses and nearly 2000 species of fungi. The wide variety of trees makes for a particularly colorful autumn landscape.

Purple rhododendrons bloom from early June around the Peaks of Otter in Virginia to the third week of June at Craggy Gardens in North Carolina. Any time between those dates, there are spots of this variety blooming. Larger white rhododendrons begin in mid to late June and bloom into July, primarily through Rocky Knob, Virginia. Flame Azalea, Pink Azalea or Pinxter Flower bloom early to late May in many Parkway areas. Mountain Laurel blooms mid to late June and into July in higher elevations.

Many species of animals live along the Parkway. Fifty-four different mammals, more than 50 salamanders and 40 reptiles can be found on Parkway lands. One hundred fifty-nine species of birds are known to nest here with dozens of others passing through during fall and spring migrations.

The Parkway's varied vegetative habitats, successive floral displays, autumn foliage, geological features, and animals are major attractions each year for 20 million visitors--the highest visitation in the NPS system.

Climate
The Parkway varies in elevation from just under 650 feet at Virginia's James River to over 6,000 feet south of Mount Pisgah in North Carolina. Weather can vary tremendously over these elevations. Keep abreast of weather conditions for the area you will be traveling in and be prepared with extra clothing or blankets if appropriate.

Get in

 * In North Carolina – Asheville and Boone are the largest cities along the Parkway. In North Carolina Interstates 40 and 26 have directions for accessing the Parkway.

 * In Virginia – Roanoke is the largest city along the way. In Virginia, Interstates 64, 81, and 77 all have directions for accessing the Parkway.

Fees and permits
There is no fee to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway and entrances and exits are available at intersections with all major highways.

There is a charge for camping of $16 per site (2007) and those visitors with Golden Age or Golden Access Passports or the new Interagency Senior or Access Pass pay a reduced camping fee.

For organized activities such as sporting events, ceremonies or large group gatherings, a Special Use Permit may be necessary. Commercial Filming of any type also requires a permit.

Get around
The Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park near Waynesboro, Virginia at Milepost 0 (MP 0) with Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, North Carolina at Milepost 469 (MP 469). The Parkway is meant to be a leisurely drive; various overlooks and trails are great places to stop, stretch and learn about the area.

See
The Folk Art Center in Asheville, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals at Spruce Pine, and the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant north of Roanoke are open year round. Other facilities, including visitor centers, campgrounds, and picnic areas, begin opening on a staggered schedule in late April and stay open through the fall leaf color.

Virginia

 * MP 0 The northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Connects here to Skyline Drive, which runs north 105 mi through Shenandoah National Park. Route 250 and I-64 go to Charlottesville to the east and Waynesboro and Staunton to the west.
 * MP 1 Afton Overlook
 * MP 2 Rockfish Valley Parking Overlook
 * MP 3 Shenandoah Valley Overlook
 * MP 5 to 9.3 Humpback Rocks Visitor Center Has a self-guiding trail through a collection of antique Appalachian farm buildings. A short but fairly strenuous hiking trail from the parking area (at mile 6.1) leads 0.75 mile to the Humpback Rocks. Picnic area near parking lot.
 * MP 10 Dripping Rock Parking Area
 * MP 10 Rockpoint Overlook
 * MP 10.7 Ravens Roost Overlook Views of Torry Mountain and the Shenandoah Valley.
 * MP 12 Hickory Spring Parking Area
 * MP 14 Three Ridges Overlook
 * MP 16 Route 814 crosses. Sherando Lake 4.5 miles from the parkway. A recreation area in George Washington National Forest with swimming, picnicking, and camping. Fees.
 * MP 17.6 The Priest Roadside exhibit about hickory trees.
 * MP 19 Twenty Minute Cliff, roadside exhibit explains origin of name.
 * MP 20 The Slacks Overlook
 * MP 23 View Fork Mountain Overlook
 * MP 23 Bald Mountain Overlook
 * MP 26 Masons Knob Overlook
 * MP 26 Big Spy Mountain Overlook
 * MP 27.2 VA Route 56 crosses.
 * MP 29 Whetstone Ridge Overlook Food, phone.
 * MP 32 Stillhouse Hollow Parking Area
 * MP 34.4 Yankee Horse Ridge where a Union soldier's horse fell and had to be shot. A reconstructed spur of an old logging railroad is on the trail to Wigwam Falls.
 * MP 37.5 VA Route 605 crosses.
 * MP 38.8 Boston Knob Overlook Birds of the Parkway exhibit.
 * MP 43 View Irish Creek Valley
 * MP 45 White's Gap Overlook
 * MP 45 Chimney Rock Mountain Overlook
 * MP 46 View Buena Vista
 * MP 48 Indian Gap Parking Area
 * MP 49 View House Mountain Overlook
 * MP 52.8 Roadside display. The Appalachian Trail runs parallel to this section of the Parkway.
 * MP 53.1 Bluff Mountain Tunnel 630 ft long.
 * MP 54 View Rice Mountain
 * MP 55 White Oak Flats Overlook
 * MP 56 Dancing Creek Overlook
 * MP 58 to 63.6 Otter Creek Overlooks Otter Creek runs 10 miles to the James River. Otter Lake is at MP 63.1 with a handicapped-accessible dock. The Park Service runs a campground at MP 60.8 with sites for 42 tents and 26 trailers. Facilities include water, comfort stations with flush toilets and sinks but no showers or hook-ups. Enjoy the campfire circle where interpretive programs are given during the summer.
 * MP 63.7 US Rt. 501 crosses. Lowest point on Parkway at 670'.
 * MP 63.8 James River and Kanawha Canal Visitor Center A footbridge leads across the river to some restored canal locks and exhibits. A self-guiding trail along the river bluff.
 * MP 71 Onion Mountain's short loop trail leads through rhododendron and mountain laurel.
 * MP 73 View Terrapin Mountain Box turtle exhibit.
 * MP 75 Thunder Ridge Overlook
 * MP 76 View Arnold Valley Overlook
 * MP 76.5 Apple Orchard Mountain Overlook
 * MP 79 Sunset Field Overlook
 * MP 80 Onion Mountain
 * MP 80 View Black Rock Hill
 * MP 81.9 View Headforemost Mountain Tulip tree exhibit.
 * MP 83.1 Fallingwater Cascades can be seen along a 1.6 mile loop trail.
 * MP 86 Peaks of Otter Visitor Center Peaks of Otter Lodge and restaurant, campground, picnic area and historic farm. Trails ranging from less than a mile to more than four miles, with nearby access to Appalachian Trail. A shuttle bus provides service to Sharp Top. Fee.
 * MP 89 Flat Top Trail Overlook
 * MP 90 Upper Goose Creek Valley Overlook
 * MP 90 Porter's Mountain View
 * MP 92 Mills Gap Overlook
 * MP 92 Purgatory Mountain View
 * MP 93 Peaks of Otter Overlook
 * MP 93 Boblett's Gap Overlook
 * MP 95 Pine Tree Overlook
 * MP 95 Harvey's Knob Overlook
 * MP 96 Iron Mine Hollow Overlook
 * MP 96 Montvale Town Overlook
 * MP 97 Iron Mine Hollow
 * MP 97 Taylor's Mountain View
 * MP 100 The Great Valley Overlook
 * MP 101 Quarry Overlook
 * MP 107 N & W Railroad Overlook
 * MP 107 View Coyner Mountain
 * MP 110 Read Mountain Overlook
 * MP 110.6 Stewarts Knob Overlook
 * MP 113 View Roanoke Basin Overlook
 * MP 115 Roanoke River Gorge a short walk takes you to the overlook.
 * MP 115.1 Virginia's Explore Park depicts Virginia's role in westward expansion. Historic buildings, demonstrations and exhibits. Fee.
 * MP 120.4 Roanoke Mountain is a 3.7 mi side trip on a one-way loop road over the mountain for great views. Steep grades. Towed vehicles not permitted.
 * MP 121.5 US Route 220 crosses.
 * MP 123.2 Buck Mountain Overlook
 * MP 129.6 Roanoke Valley Overlook Views of Roanoke, Virginia.
 * MP 130 Lost Mountain Overlook
 * MP 130 Roanoke Valley Overlook
 * MP 133 Slings Gap Overlook
 * MP 134 Bull Run Knob Overlook
 * MP 135 Poor Mountain Overlook
 * MP 139 Cahas Knob Overlook
 * MP 144 Devil's Backbone Overlook Ridge drainage exhibit.
 * MP 145 Pine Spur Overlook
 * MP 154.5 Smart View Trail Cabin built in the 1890s. In early May the dogwoods bloom, but always a "right smart view". Picnic area.
 * MP 158 Shortts Knob Overlook
 * MP 159.3 VA Rt. 860 crosses.
 * MP 163.4 Rakes Mill Pond Turnout
 * MP 155.4 VA Rt. 8 crosses.
 * MP 168 The Saddle Overlook
 * MP 168 Rock Castle Gorge Overlook
 * MP 169 Rocky Knob Overlook
 * MP 177 Mabry Mill A trail leads you to a gristmill, sawmill, blacksmith shop, and other exhibits. Old hand skills are demonstrated seasonally.
 * MP 177.7 US Route 58 crosses near Meadows of Dan.
 * MP 185 Round Meadow Overlook
 * MP 189 View Pilot Mountain Overlook
 * MP 189 Groundhog Mountain See various types of fences: snake, post-and-rail, picket and buck. Observation tower, picnicking.
 * MP 190 Aunt Orelena Puckett Cabin.
 * MP 190.6 VA Route 608 crosses.
 * MP 193.7 VA Route 691, to Hillsville.
 * MP 194.7 VA Route 608 crosses.
 * MP 199.4 Turnoff connects with US 52 near Fancy Gap.
 * MP 203 Mt. Airy Granite Overlook
 * MP 204 View of Piedmont
 * MP 209.4 VA Route 89, 7 mi to Galax.
 * MP 214.3 Hostels International-Blue Ridge Mountains, 214507 Blue Ridge Parkway, Galax, +1 540 236-4962.
 * MP 216.9 State Line Virginia/North Carolina

North Carolina

 * MP 217.5 Cumberland Knob Visitor Center Great place for walks or hikes through lush woodlands or open meadows. Nearby Sparta, NC and Galax, VA offer off-parkway services.
 * MP 218.6 Fox Hunters Paradise, a short walk to a spot where hunters could hear their hounds baying in the valley below.
 * MP 238.5 Brinegar Cabin A vintage 1880 cabin.
 * MP 238 to 245 Doughton Park Campground. One of the best places to see deer. Back country campsites.
 * MP 248.1 NC Route 18, 2 mi to Laurel Springs.
 * MP 258.6 Northwest Trading Post Crafts from North Carolina's northwestern counties.
 * MP 258.6 NC Route 16, to Glendale Springs.
 * MP 260.6 Jumpinoff Rock, at the end of a short woodland trail, offers a beautiful view.
 * MP 264.4 The Lump Panoramic views of the forested foothills.
 * MP 272 E. B. Jeffress Park Self-guided trail to the Cascades. Another trail goes to an old cabin and church.
 * MP 276.4 US Route 421, 12 mi. from Boone.
 * MP 285 Daniel Boone's Trace Frontiersman Boone's road to the West crosses near here.
 * MP 291.9 US Routes 321 & 221, 2 mi. to Blowing Rock.
 * MP 292 to 295 Moses H. Cone Memorial Park Horse and hiking trails. Flat Top Manor houses the Parkway Craft Center.
 * MP 295 to 298 Julian Price Memorial Park. The largest campground on the Parkway is here. Interpretive programs, fishing, and boat rentals for Pice Lake. Extensive trails including the Tanawha Trail across the face of Grandfather Mountain.
 * MP 304.4 Linn Cove Viaduct, a design and engineering marvel, skirts the side of Grandfather Mountain. Visitor center and trails.
 * MP 305.1 US Route 221, 3 mi. to Linville.
 * MP 308 Flat Rock parking area. A walk to a dazzling view of Grandfather Mountain and Linville Valley.
 * MP 315 Camp Creek Overlook
 * MP 317.6 US Route 221; 6 mi from Spruce Pine.
 * MP 318 North Toe River Valley
 * MP 320.7 Chestoa View A .6 mi. easy trail with scenic views of vertical cliffs and forests below.
 * MP 331 Museum of North Carolina Minerals, 828-765-9483. Open every day 9AM-5PM. Renovated and expanded in 2002, educational exhibits on minerals and mining.
 * MP 333.4 Little Switzerland Tunnel 547 ft long.
 * MP 337 Deer Lick Gap Overlook
 * MP 339 Three Knob Overlook
 * MP 339.5 Crabtree Meadows Campground with both tent and RV sites, picnic area, restaurant/gift shop/camp store. Walk down to Crabtree Falls -- if you are prepared to hike back up.
 * MP 344.6 Twin Tunnel 240 ft long.
 * MP 344.7 Twin Tunnel 401 ft long.
 * MP 355.4 Mount Mitchell State Park, 2388 State Highway 128 (4.8 mi from Parkway), Burnsville, (828) 675-4611. Picnic area, lookout tower. Highest point east of the Mississippi River.
 * MP 361.2 Glassmine Falls Overlook, views of the 800 foot waterfall.
 * MP 363 Graybeard Mountain Overlook
 * MP 364.4 Craggy Pinnacle Tunnel 176 ft long.
 * MP 364.4 Craggy Gardens Visitor Center In mid to late June a sea of purple rhododendron. Craggy Pinnacle Trail and other trails are here at MP 364.1 - 364.6. Also a road to picnic area and trails at MP 367.6.
 * MP 365.5 Craggy Flats Tunnel 335 ft long.
 * MP 382 The Folk Art Center. Open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Jan-Mar 9AM-5PM; Apr-Dec 9AM-6PM. The flagship facility of the Southern Highand Craft Guild. It offers sales and exhibits of traditional and contemporary crafts of the Appalachian region. Intrepretive programs, three galleries, a library and book store.
 * MP 382.6 US Route 70, 5 mi. to Oteen & Asheville; 9 mi. to Black Mountain.
 * MP 384.7 US Route 74, 5 mi. to Asheville.
 * MP 388.9 US Route 25, 5 mi. to Asheville; 16 mi. to Hendersonville, 4 miles to Biltmore House, estate of George Vanderbilt.
 * MP 393 French Broad Overlook
 * MP 396 Walnut Cove Overlook
 * MP 397 Sleepy Gap Parking Area
 * MP 398 Chestnut Cove
 * MP 400 Bad Fork Overlook
 * MP 400.9 Ferrin Knob Tunnel No. 1, Trace Ridge 60 ft. long.
 * MP 401 Beaver Dam Gap Overlook
 * MP 401 Wash Creek Valley Overlook
 * MP 401.3 Ferrin Knob Tunnel No. 2 310 ft long.
 * MP 401.5 Ferrin Knob Tunnel No. 3 230 ft long.
 * MP 402 Stoney Bald Overlook
 * MP 403 Big Ridge Overlook
 * MP 403 Young Pisgah Ridge Tunnel 400 ft long.
 * MP 403.9 Fort Mountain Tunnel 350 ft long.
 * MP 404 View Hominy Valley Overlook
 * MP 404 Mills River Valley Overlook
 * MP 406.9 Little Pisgah Tunnel 500 ft long.
 * MP 407 Mount Pisgah Overlook
 * MP 407.4 Buck Springs Tunnel 380 ft long.
 * MP 408.6 Mount Pisgah Visitor Center At almost 5,000 ft elevation this is the highest developed area on the Parkway. Pisgah Inn, +1 828) 235-8228, has 52 rooms, a restaurant, and gift shop. Campground The concessions-operated campground at MP 408.7, has sites for 70 tents and 67 trailers. Facilities include water, comfort stations with flush toilets and sinks. No showers or hook-ups. Camp Store/service station/gift shop during summer. There is a 50-site picnic area at milepost 407.8. The area was originally developed as part of George Washington Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate. The estate became home of the first forestry school in America and the nucleus of the Pisgah National Forest.
 * MP 410.1 Frying Pan Tunnel 275 ft long.
 * MP 411.8 US Route 276 Four miles to The Cradle of Forestry in America. The first American forestry school, the Biltmore Forest School was established by G.W. Vanderbilt, and operated from 1898 to 1913. Today it continues to teach visitors about American forestry. Visitor center, exhibits, movie, and interpretive trails.
 * MP 417.4 Looking Glass Rock is known for it's sheer face comprised of exposed Whiteside granite. Although it looks impossible to climb, there are many rock climbers that come here for what is considered one of the most strenuous climbs in our area. Fortunately for hikers there are easier ways to the top.
 * MP 418.1 Graveyard Fields flat high mountain valley is located where the Yellowstone Prong of the Pigeon River originates.
 * MP 420.2 Shining Rock Wilderness is the largest wilderness in North Carolina with over 18,000 acres, 25 mi of trails and peaks over 6000 ft.
 * MP 420.2 Black Balsam Knob is a grassy knob with panoramic views just outside of the Shining Rock Wilderness in Pisgah National Forest. The Wilderness also includes Cold Mountain.
 * MP 422.1 Devils Courthouse Tunnel 650 ft long.
 * MP 422.4 Devil's Courthouse is a rugged exposed mountaintop rich in Cherokee traditions. A walk to the bare rock summit yields a spectacular view of Pisgah National Forest.
 * MP 423.5 Herrin Knob Overlook. A hiking trail goes around Tanasee Bald and Herrin Knob. Legend says that Tanasee Bald is the home of the mythical Cherokee giant Tsul 'Kalu.
 * MP 430 NC Route 215 Balsam Grove.
 * MP 431 Richland Balsam's Overlook Highest point on the parkway at 6,047 feet. A self-guiding trail takes you through a remnant spruce-fir forest.
 * MP 439.7 Pinnacle Ridge Tunnel 750 ft long.
 * MP 451.2 Waterrock Knob Visitor Center. Trail leading to the summit, comfort station, exhibits. A panorama of the Great Smokies and a great place to watch sunrises and sunsets.
 * MP 455.7 US Route 19, 5 miles to Maggie Valley.
 * MP 458.2 Heintooga Overlook A side road leads to a mile-high overlook 1.3 miles off the Parkway.
 * MP 458.8 Lickstone Ridge Tunnel 402 ft long.
 * MP 459 Lickstone Ridge Overlook
 * MP 459.3 Bunches Bald Tunnel 268 ft long.
 * MP 460 Bunches Bald Overlook
 * MP 461 Jenkins Ridge Overlook
 * MP 461.2 Big Witch Tunnel 348 ft long.
 * MP 461.9 Big Witch Overlook Home of the last important Cherokee medicine man, "Big Witch".
 * MP 464 Thomas Divide Overlook
 * MP 465.6 Rattlesnake Mountain No. 4 Tunnel 410 ft long.
 * MP 466.3 Sherill Cove No. 6 Tunnel 572 ft long.
 * MP 467 Raven Fork Overlook
 * MP 467 Ballhoot Scar Overlook
 * MP 468 Oconaluftee River Overlook

Do

 * Hiking Both long and short trails are available on Parkway lands.
 * Fishing Fishing is allowed in Parkway lakes and streams with either a North Carolina or Virginia license.
 * Birdwatching
 * Photography
 * Photography

Eat
Seasonal restaurants at Otter Creek (MP 63), Mabry Mill (MP 176), Bluffs Coffee Shop (MP 242), and Crabtree Meadows (MP 340) offer local cuisine and the opportunity to extend your Parkway travels. Local cities and towns provide an expanded array of dining choices.

Lodging
Four lodges along the Parkway provide accommodations from spring through the fall foliage season. Many Parkway travelers may find that getting off of the road and into the local towns and communities in the region is an enjoyable option for lodging as well.

 * The Peaks of Otter Lodge, milepost 86, +1-800-542-5927. The only year-round lodging on the Parkway offers dining, trails, fishing and seasonal interpretive programs at the park amphitheater.Located twenty miles north of Roanoke, Virginia.

 * Rocky Knob Cabins, milepost 174, +1 540 593-3503. Open from May through the fall foliage season. Located near Meadows of Dan, Virginia, these are small, rustic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the early days of Parkway construction.

 * Bluffs Lodge, milepost 240, +1 336 372-4499. Open from May through the fall foliage season. Located at Doughton Park in North Carolina, this is one of the largest developed areas on the Parkway. Extensive hiking trails are available and the Bluffs Coffee Shop offers food service.

 * Pisgah Inn, milepost 408.6, +1 828 235-8228. Open from early spring through the fall foliage season. Phone for reservations. Located south of Asheville, North Carolina, Pisgah Inn is the highest elevation lodging on the Blue Ridge Parkway at over 5,000 feet.

Camping
Fee is $16 for all campgrounds. Camping is only permitted in established campgrounds.

 * Otter Creek (MP 61) is located at the Parkway's lowest elevation near Virginia's James River. Sites for 42 tents and 26 trailers. Facilities include water, comfort stations with flush toilets and sinks. No showers or hook-ups.

 * Peaks of Otter (MP 86) near the Peaks of Otter Lodge, Abbott Lake, the restored 1930s Johnson Farm, and a magnificent trail system. A 144-site campground at the foot of Sharp Top mountain, with sites for 92 tents and 52 trailers or RVs. Facilities include water, comfort stations with flush toilets and cold running water sinks. No showers or hook-ups.

 * Roanoke Mountain (MP 120) with easy access to Virginia's Explore Park and the largest city along the Parkway corridor.

 * Rocky Knob (MP 167) with easy access to Rockcastle Gorge and just nine miles from Mabry Mill.

 * Doughton Park (MP 241) near Basin Cove, Bluffs Lodge, and an extensive trail system

 * Julian Price Park (MP 297) near Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina and close to the Moses Cone Estate. This is the Parkway's largest campground and reservations can be made for portions of this campground on-line or by calling +1-877-444 6777.

 * Linville Falls (MP 316) on the Linville River and with access to the trail system into Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. Reservations can be made for portions of this campground on-line or by calling +1-877-444 6777.

 * Crabtree Meadows (MP 340) near the Crabtree Falls Trail and within 15 miles of Mt. Mitchell State Park.

 * Mt. Pisgah (MP 408) is the highest Parkway campground at almost 5,000 feet elevation. Formerly part of the Vanderbilt Estate and near the US Forest Service's Cradle of Forestry site. Reservations can be made for portions of this campground on-line or by calling +1-877-444 6777.

Stay safe

 * For emergency help dial 1-800-PARKWATCH.

 * Driving Obey the posted speed limit, drive especially slow during rainy or foggy conditions, and watch out for wildlife.  Be alert for tight, spiraling curves that could catch you off guard. It is always a good idea to carry a few emergency supplies in the trunk of your car.

 * Large recreational vehicles Large RVs are popular means of travel on the Parkway, but going up or down steep grades can be slow.  Pull over often to let faster moving traffic get by.  You may want to check the heights of the Parkway's 26 tunnels (mostly south of Asheville) to ensure that your rig will negotiate all of them.

 * Bicycling Wear high visibility clothing, helmet and the required reflectors. Ride single file and well to the right of the lane.  Especially during rainy or foggy conditions, watch out for automobiles.

 * Hiking Wear good hiking shoes, stay on designated trails, and carry a few emergency supplies along with adequate water.  Be aware of any approaching weather systems and avoid ridgetops during thunderstorms.  Let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return.

Go next

 * National Parks at each end of the Parkway – Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Be sure to visit some of the towns nearby the parkway to get a "real feel" of the region.

title: Blue Ridge Parkway


text:
Blueskin Bay

Blueskin Bay is in Otago, New Zealand, 25 km north of Dunedin, 25 km south of Palmerston, and 350 km south of Christchurch. The area's small towns and villages of Waitati, Warrington, Seacliff, Evansdale and Doctors Point attract lifestyle-commuter types who work in the city and alternative dudes who want to do their own thing.

Understand
Blueskin Bay is an estuary where the Waitati River and Careys Creek meet the Pacific Ocean, on the east Otago coast. New Zealand's main north-south rail line, State Highway 1 and "The Other 1" all pass through here. The Bay lends its name unofficially to the surrounding district which is geographically and socially on the fringes of Dunedin. There is an unusually large proportion of Germans in Waitati.

By bus

 * The Christchurch-Dunedin highway bus transport services operated by Intercity stop at Evansdale or Waitati if requested. Information on all highway bus services is available from Taieri Gorge Railway, tel +64 3 477-4449. There is no regular long-distance train service.
 * Dunedin-Palmerston bus service provided by the Otago Regional Council and operated on their behalf by Passenger Transport Citibus serves Waitati and Evansdale on State Highway One: reservations are not essential but you can call the driver on +64 27 262 2465.
 * Oamaru-Dunedin-Oamaru shuttle operated by Coastline Tours +64 27 256 5651 serves the same routes as above and also Warrington and Seacliff on request via Coast Road.

By train
There is no longer a train service from Christchurch. The "Seasider" scenic train, tel +64 3 477-4449, operates twice weekly over the summer from Dunedin to Palmerston and back, and can be requested to stop en route by arrangement.

Get around
For transport between Waitati and Evansdale or Warrington refer to the local transport services mentioned in "By bus" above.

See

 * Doctors Point: picnic area, beach, boat launching area at the estuary mouth. Walk along the beach to volcanic sea caves. Access to Mapoutahi historic fortified headland and Purakaunui at very low tide.
 * Evansdale Glen: picnic area with small river and swimming hole with "Tarzan rope", toilets. Access from here to the Careys Creek Track.
 * Movies every Tuesday night at Waitati Film Society, corner Orokonui Rd and Harvey St, Waitati: visitors welcome.
 * Movies every Tuesday night at Waitati Film Society, corner Orokonui Rd and Harvey St, Waitati: visitors welcome.

Do

 * Surfing and beach swimming at Warrington Beach: summer beach lifeguard patrols operate November to March weekends 12:00-17:00 plus weekdays from Christmas to the start of February.
 * Shellfish gathering: Clams (locally called "cockles") can be gathered on Blueskin Bay: access from Doctors Point or Warrington Domain where fisheries information on daily limits is posted.
 * Mountain biking: in Silverpeaks Forest, a pine plantation accessible from Double Hill Road, Waitati
 * Hiking: Silverpeaks Scenic Reserve is a large DoC area with an extensive network of tramping tracks linking Dunedin City with the surrounding mountains. Take Double Hill Road, just north of the shop on Highway One and you enter the Silverpeaks tramping tracks. Navigation and high-altitude skills required: consult Dunedin office of Department of Conservation. Low-grade mountain huts available. Access via Double Hill Road, Waitati along Green Hut Track, or from Evansdale Glen along the Careys Creek Track.

Learn

 * Blueskin Bay Library, Harvey St, Waitati, tel +64 3 482-2444. M-Th 14:00-17:30, F 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-20:00, Sa 11:00-14:00. Usual library stuff and some ancient Māori artefacts on display.

Buy

 * Waitati harvest market: street markets held every few weeks.
 * Blueskin A&P Society Clearing Sale: annual auction of rural farm stuff, Spring 2008 at Bland Park, Waitati
 * Blueskin Nurseries, +64 3 482-2828. Waitati's garden centre with a wide range of plants, trees and other garden products.
 * Warrington Market: at Warrington School. First Su of the month, 11:00-14:00.
 * St Barnabas Church, Coast Rd, Warrington. Services every Sunday at 09:15.
 * Warrington Market: at Warrington School. First Su of the month, 11:00-14:00.
 * St Barnabas Church, Coast Rd, Warrington. Services every Sunday at 09:15.

Eat

 * Blueskin General Store, State Highway 1, Waitati, tel +64 3 482 2741. M-Sa 07:30-20:30, Su 09:00-20:00. Pies, sandwiches, takeaway coffee, ice creams.
 * Blueskin General Store, State Highway 1, Waitati, tel +64 3 482 2741. M-Sa 07:30-20:30, Su 09:00-20:00. Pies, sandwiches, takeaway coffee, ice creams.

Camping
Strictly "unofficial" camping and overnight parking for housebuses and vans, tolerated by local custom but not authorised, at:
 * Warrington Domain, Bay Rd, Warrington. Flushing toilets, changing sheds, summer beach patrols, children's playground
 * Evansdale Glen, off State Highway 1, Evansdale. Clean but rudimentary toilet (long-drop), large grassy area, bush walks, swimming hole.

Go next

 * Oamaru
 * Dunedin

title: Blueskin Bay


text:
Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring is a state park that is west of Orange City, in Volusia County.

Understand
The park is open from 8AM until sundown, 365 days a year.

The park frequently reaches capacity during the week and on the weekends, during the winter and summer months. To avoid waiting, visit the park early.

History
The largest spring on the St. Johns River, Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home (mid-November through March) to a growing population of West Indian Manatees.

For centuries, the spring area was home for Native Americans. In 1766 it was visited by Colonial American botanist John Bartram, and was settled by Louis Thursby and his family in 1856. The Thursby house, built in 1872, remains standing. The spring's crystal clear, 73 degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers with a partner. Canoes and kayaks can navigate the outlet's swift-flowing waters when manatees are not present.

Flora and fauna
Typical for central Florida. A combination of pines, palmetto scrub, some hardwoods (especially along outlet and spring). A variety of birds (incl. endangered Scrub Jay), squirrels, fish live here. Manatees come in the winter.

Get in
Take US-17 from Deland or Sanford to Orange City, look for French Avenue and signs to Blue Spring State Park. There is a street called Blue Springs Avenue, but this doesn't lead to the spring.

Fees and permits
Admission (Feb 2018):
 * $6 for 2-8 people in a vehicle.
 * $4 for a single-occupant vehicle.
 * $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Get around
The park is small and has several short walking trails and a boardwalk overlooking the spring and outlet.

See
The spring is pretty, and can be viewed from a boardwalk.

Do

 * Canoe rentals are available through the park.
 * Canoe rentals are available through the park.

Buy, eat, and drink
There is a small gift shop with manatee-themed items and snacks. There are three picnic pavilions and grills if you're bringing food to the park. The Park amenities page has more details.

For more options, there are restaurants in Orange City and DeLand.

Lodging
Various motels are available along US-17 in the Deland, Sanford areas.

Camping
Air-conditioned cabins, a full-facility campground, and primitive campsites are available in the State Park.

 * Camping (Feb 2018): $24 per night, plus tax, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee. Includes water and electricity.
 * Cabins (Feb 2018): $95 per night, plus tax, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee.

For campers who plan to arrive after sunset, call the park on the day of arrival at +1 386 775-3663 to get the gate combination and instructions.

Stay safe
You may not touch, feed or ride on a manatee. They are an endangered species, so messing with them is illegal.

Go next

 * Orange City

title: Blue Spring State Park


text:
Bluff

Bluff is a small port town and the southernmost town on the South Island of New Zealand. It is 30 km south of the city of Invercargill.

By car
It's a 20- to 30-minute drive from Invercargill.

By bus
The only bus service to Bluff is the Stewart Island Ferry coach transfer shuttle from Invercargill, which can be reserved through the online ferry booking system. By reservation only, $30pp each way (half price for children). Runs two to three times per day, in sync with the ferry departures. You can book it separately from the ferry, so you could use it even if you aren't getting on the boat, but it's unlikely you'll want to spend $30 just to go hang out in Bluff.

Provides pre-arranged pickup from the Invercargill airport and most accommodations in Invercargill. Try to either provide a New Zealand phone number or else show up 15 minutes early at the pickup site: the driver needs to pick people up at several different places, and expects to be able to get in touch with you either by phone or through the desk of your hotel.

Get around
Bluff is a small place. Find a place to park along the main street or at the viewpoint at the south end of town and walk.

Do
Hike the coastal walkway from the parking area and viewpoint at the south end of town around the southern point.

Eat
Bluff's famous oysters - if you visit at the right time of year!

Go next

 * Stewart Island, most of which is a conservation area, is accessible by ferry. The trip takes an hour and can be very rough if the wind is strong, which it often is. There are many hikes on the island and the chance to see kiwis (the bird, that is) because they can be seen during daylight hours here.

title: Bluff


text:
Bluffton (South Carolina)

Bluffton is a fast-growing coastal city in the Low Country of South Carolina located 7 miles (12 km) west of the major southeastern United States resort town of Hilton Head Island.

Understand
From its birth in the late 1700s to today, Bluffton hasn’t lost its identity. It's a beautiful coastal town with unspoiled marshes, stunning sunsets, and warm and friendly locals. Due to committed homeowners, local business owners and elected officials, Bluffton is a place that many tourists now call home.

Get in
Bluffton is accessible by air, road and boat. By air you can fly in to Savannah or Hilton Head Island. Both airports are small and easy to get around.

Get around
As there are very few public transit options in Bluffton, a car is the best way to get around.

The Bluffton Breeze service offers weekday bus service to certain destinations in Bluffton.

Old town Bluffton has a small walkable district and nearby parking.

Go next

 * Hilton Head Island - resort town in South Carolina, USA
 * Tybee Island - island and city in Chatham County, Georgia

title: Bluffton (South Carolina)