Linn Cove Viaduct May 2008Construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began in 1935. All but 7.5 miles of it was completed by 1967. The last section was not completed until 20 years later, in 1987. That section included Grandfather Mountain, which is privately owned and one of the oldest mountains in the world. |
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The primary issue in the design of this last segment of the parkway was a concern for the local environment. The compromise was that the road should be elevated, or bridged, where possible. Some have termed that resulting bridge, the Linn Cove Viaduct, "the most complicated concrete bridge ever built". 
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According to the National Park Service Sign at the Linn Cove Viaduct Visitors' Center: ""The first bridge of its type in the United States, the Linn Cove Viaduct is a product of design and construction techniques developed in Europe. The S-shaped structure contains 153 concrete segments, only one of which is straight. Weighing 50 tons each and joined by epoxy and massive steel tendons, the segments form a deck nearly 1/4 mile long that is supported by seven piers." 
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Today, this route offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are several overlooks where visitors can stop to take in the view and take photos. The Tanawaha Trail passes through this area: "Tanawha, which appropriately is the Cherokee word for "fabulous hawk or eagle," offers soaring sights along its 13.5-mile course, none more beautiful than those on the segment from the Rough Ridge overlook (milepost 302.9) to the top of a rocky ridge. Long stretches of boardwalk and boulder-filled pathways lead past spectacular overlooks to the breathtaking summit. Striking panoramas of the Linn Cove Viaduct adjacent to Grandfather Mountain and the vast horizon punctuated by Hawksbill and Table Rock mountains are always in sight." - Sherpa Guide to Tanawha Trail (see link below) 
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