Flat Hat Journal

NPS Photo

 

In this series, Blue Ridge Parkway's Rangers share tips, tricks, stories and resources about the parkway. Some of these Rangers have worked on the Parkway for decades while others are just starting out in their careers, however each will bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to this project. Watch and enjoy as these rangers impart to you a deeper understanding and appreciation of this wonderful place that we all love.

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Mileposts

  The Blue Ridge Parkway's iconic milepost markers are the perfect tool for wayfinding during a parkway journey. Learn more about this handy tool in this short video.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 26 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Bears

  Join Ranger Stephen as he answers the popular question, "Where are the Bears?" and learn how to stay safe in bear country as well.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 26 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Summer Blooms

  Of the over 1250 species of flowering plants on the Parkway these four shrubs get the most attention! Join Ranger Jonathan to learn more about some of the Parkway's most popular wildflowers.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 52 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Fishing Basics

  Join Ranger Conrad next to the banks of the Linville River to learn more about fishing on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 52 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Becoming a Junior Ranger

  Learn how you can complete activities to earn badges and become a Junior Ranger.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 28 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Picnicking on the Parkway

  Join Ranger Stephen to learn about the picnic facilities open for public use along the Parkway!

  Duration:

  1 minute, 19 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Poison Ivy

  Learn all about Poison Ivy including how to identify it, what to do if you come into contact with it, and why it is beneficial to animals species on the parkway.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 39 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Hiking in the Heat

  Join Ranger Tina to learn how to stay safe while recreating in the summer heat.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 49 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Hiking during Thunderstorms

  What would you do if you hear thunder on the trail? Learn how to plan safe hikes during the summer months and what to do if you are caught in a storm.

  Duration:

  2 minutes, 14 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Brinegar Cabin

  Learn about Brinegar Cabin and the lives of Appalachian subsistence farmers prior to the creation of the parkway.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 53 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Hemlock Wooly Agelid

  Join Ranger Stephen to learn about the damage caused by the Hemlock Wooly Agelid and what you can do to help prevent invasive insects from damaging the unique habitat of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 59 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Webworms

  What are those webs covering deciduous trees around the parkway? Are they killing the trees? Join Ranger Conrad to learn about this native moth and their larvae.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 20 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Virtual Overmountain Day

  In fall of 1780, an army of patriots known as the Overmountain Men passed through the mountain gaps where the Parkway now lies on their way to the Battle of King’s Mountain in the Revolutionary War. Join Ranger Conrad to learn about virtual resources for connecting with this history.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 4 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Milkweed

  Join Ranger Susan Brown at Moses Cone Memorial Park to learn about Milkweed, a wildflower essential to many of the enigmatic insects of the parkway like butterflies, bees, and more.

  Duration:

  2 minutes, 52 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Fall Color Tracker

  Curious about the best time and locations to catch fall colors on the parkway? Join ranger Jonathan Bennet to learn how the fall color tracker team is working to provide up to date information from around the parkway!

  Duration:

  1 minute, 31 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Why Do Leaves Change Color?

  It may be hard to believe, but the spectacular display of fall colors we see on the parkway doesn't happen just for our benefit. Join ranger Jonathan Bennet to learn how and why the leaves of deciduous trees change color and fall off each year.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 58 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Fog on the Parkway

  The characteristic rolling fog of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a central part of their enigmatic beauty, but do you know how to stay safe on the parkway when you end up in the middle of it? Join Ranger Conrad as he shares tips for navigating the parkway safely in the fog.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 47 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Elevation's Effect on Peak Color

  Think you missed seeing peak fall color this year? Join Ranger Jonathan Bennett to learn about why there can be three distinct peaks for fall color in the mountains and learn where you can find them!

  Duration:

  1 minute, 37 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal-National Park Pumpkin Carving

  What better place to find inspiration for your annual Jack 'o Lantern than YOUR National Parks?!? Join Ranger Jonathan as we describes where to find and use some fun templates to create some National Park pumpkin art.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 39 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Winter Facility Closures

  Each year, as the fall season comes to a close, seasonal park facilities begin to close for the winter as well. Learn about how you can plan for these closures in this video with Ranger Conrad.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 18 seconds

 

• 

  Flat Hat Journal - Road Closures

  Weather conditions, maintenance projects and emergency events can all cause temporary road closures along the parkway. Join Ranger Sharon to learn more about road closures and how to plan ahead to avoid them on your next trip.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 38 seconds