Construction of the parkway began in 1935 with the initial plan calling for a viaduct given the effects that a traditional cut-and-fill road would have on Grandfather Mountain. Towering almost , this mountain is the most rugged peak on the Blue Ridge and geologically the most ancient mountain on the North American continent.
Initiation of the parkway began in 1935, with an initial plan incorporating a viaduct to counteract the detrimental effects that a conventional road would have on Grandfather Mountain. This mountain is almost towering , being the most rugged peak on the Blue Ridge and geologically the oldest mountain on the North American continent.