Archived Outdoors

Blue Ridge Parkway vista protected Near Waynesville

out bigcoveA 34-acre tract along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Waynesville has been preserved, protecting important views along the scenic road from encroaching development in the future.

The Conservation Trust for North Carolina purchased the land in a charitable sale from the Ferguson family.

“The more pristine we can keep our mountains, the better it will be for all of us and for generations to come,” said Phil Ferguson, one of the landowners.  

The tract is part of a growing landscape on conserved land along the Parkway corridor above Waynesville. This tract borders two other private tracts totaling 210 acres, adding to a larger conservation corridor along the Parkway above.

The tract, which lies between milepost 439 and 440 and visible from the Cove Field Ridge Overlook, will be donated to the National Park Service for inclusion in the Parkway’s official boundary. 

“If Big Cove Ridge was developed, it would mar the scenic views from nearby overlooks. We appreciate the Conservation Trust for North Carolina stepping in to protect this wonderful property in its natural, forested state,” said Phil Francis, Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent.

The three conserved tracts also border the 8,000-acre Allens Creek watershed owned by the town of Waynesville, which is also protected through a conservation agreement.

“People travel from all over the country to experience the Blue Ridge Parkway’s majestic views. The protection of Big Cove Ridge will ensure the integrity of the vistas, protect water quality in Richland Creek, and contribute to the growing tourism economy in Haywood County,” said Francis.

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.