Friends chapters currently cover the entire Parkway — except for the section west of Asheville, mile markers 416 through 469. Volunteers with Friends of the Parkway help National Park Service staff clean up from winter storms, prepare facilities for spring opening and manage events. 

“The Parkway has a limited number of maintenance staff to handle what can be a large amount of work to prepare for opening the Parkway back up after winter,” explained Tanya Poole, who is spearheading the effort to form the new chapter. “Even during the busy months, there still aren’t enough maintenance workers to keep up with routine jobs like cleaning and repainting signs, clearing falling limbs and brush from picnic areas, etc.”

The Parkway is a powerful economic driver for the WNC counties through which it runs, bringing people from all over the nation and the world to drive its curvy roads and soak in its scenic vistas. In 2018, the Pisgah Ranger District, which includes miles 305 through 469, attracted 4.35 million visits, down slightly from the 4.57 million who visited the area in 2017. 

“A really big reason to have the chapter there (in WNC) is that it may be the end of the Parkway to some, but we know it is really the beginning of the Parkway,” said Libby Wilcox, head of the Rocky Knob Chapter that tends to miles 150 to 200 in Virginia. “It’ s the first thing people see when getting on at mile marker 469, which is where so many people begin their journey on ‘Americas Favorite Drive.’” 

The Nov. 5 gathering will include a short presentation about how other Friends chapters help the Parkway in their area and potential projects for the new Friends chapter. Contact Poole with any questions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.400.1049.