Roanoke Mountain Campground -- Open or Closed?

We recently received an Action Alert from the Virginia Bicycling Federation (VBF) regarding the status of Roanoke Mountain Campground near Roanoke, Virginia, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway is a gem of a road ride and touring destination in the region not far from the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail and U.S. Bike Route 76.

If the General Management Plan drafted by the National Parks Service (NPS) for the Parkway is passed, the campground will be closed.

According to VBF board member Barbara Duerk, "Cyclists from around the world fly into Dulles airport and home from Ashville, North Carolina. The challenge is to bicycle the Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Annually, individuals and groups persevere [over] the terrain for bragging rights, 'I conquered the Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway.' Many of the riders are camping. Campsites on the parkway are adequately spaced for bicyclists. And they do come. ? even without showers."

"This is a tough stretch from a touring standpoint, and there aren't many camping options for the loaded cyclist. IMHO, closing this campground would be a great loss for the touring cyclist," added VBF board president Champe Burnley.

VBF is encouraging its members and the public at large to comment and encourage the NPS to leave the campground open. They recommend that the Roanoke Mountain campground be maintained (option A) or upgraded (option C). You can add your voice by leaving a comment on the VBF Action Alert or the NPS website. Comments must be received by December 16, 2011.

--

GEOPOINTS BULLETIN is written by Jennifer 'Jenn' Milyko, an Adventure Cycling cartographer, and appears weekly, highlighting curious facts, figures, and persons from Adventure Cycling's Route Network with tips and hints for personal route creation thrown in for good measure. She also wants to remind you that map corrections and comments are always welcome via the online Map Correction Form.

Source: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2011/11/roanoke-mountain-campground-open-or.html

cycling parts