The enduring dream of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a tribute both to the immeasurable beauty of nature and the great perseverance of the American people. Over 52 years in the making, the Parkway attracts over 18 million visitors annually who come for the stunning natural attractions, diverse cultural centers, and the pristine, unhurried drives. Stretching 469 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountain Chain, land on both sides is protected and maintained by the National Forest Service. This makes for the longest and narrowest National Park in the world. Several unique features of the park serve to enhance the visitor's experience. Since the road was intentionally designed without direct access to Interstates or other national thoroughfares, there's never any heavy traffic to break the spell of tranquility that inevitably descends upon Parkway visitors.