America’s Blue Ridge Parkway

Rebecca Gaskin Gain, who currently lives in the United Arab Emirates’ city of Abu Dhabi, has extensive experience consulting and advising on legal, financial, and other matters for governments in Africa and many companies doing business there. She earned her JD from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and has a special interest in international and corporate finance, especially as it relates to investment in Africa. Rebecca Gaskin counts hiking among her recreational hobbies, particularly along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Constructed as a public works project during the Great Depression, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a major scenic roadway that runs 469 miles along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains from North Carolina to Virginia. Billed as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the parkway and much of the land through which it travels features extraordinary vistas and is best enjoyed at moderate speeds. It is maintained by the National Park Service, which offers a multitude of interesting attractions and activities, including camping, fishing, and hiking, throughout the park system. 

The Parkway operates year-round except when closed for inclement weather or road maintenance; park facilities like picnic areas and visitor centers, however, are generally closed from November until April. Visitors are advised to check the Parkway’s website at www.blueridgeparkway.org for closures and other alerts when planning their trip.