These Before And After Pics Of The Blue Ridge Parkway In Virginia Show Just How Much It Has Changed

Virginia's Blue Ridge Parkway is iconic. Easily one of the most scenic drives in the country, this beautiful route shared between Virginia and North Carolina is one that belongs on every traveler's bucket list. If you've never enjoyed this drive, then you owe it to yourself to plan an epic road trip right away. But, in the meantime, we've put together a group of before and after photos of the parkway to show you just how much has changed -- and remained the same -- since its beginnings.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is easily one of the most famous drives in Virginia, if not the entire East Coast.

And while it may seem as though the Parkway has been around forever, these photos showcase the famous drive during its early years.

The photo above was taken in October of 1939.

The Blue Ridge Parkway was inspired by a need to provide jobs after the economic hardships of the Great Depression.

As thousands of families living in the mountains were on the verge of poverty, jobs created by the construction of the parkway offered hope.

Moreover, it was a way to inspire an appreciation for nature from travelers near and far.

According to Stanley Abbott, Chief Landscape Architect for the Parkway, "The idea is to fit the Parkway into the mountains as if nature has put it there."

Through the years, the Blue Ridge Parkway has meant many things to many people. From bikers to campers to hikers and photographers, the route between the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Park inspires a bit of magic.

This photo was taken in the 1970s. If you do choose to ride your bicycle on the parkway, helmets, reflective gear, and riding in a single-file line are a must!

So the next time you find yourself on a drive, you'll be able to enjoy the road with a newfound appreciation for its history.

When's the last time you took a drive on the famous Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you!