Signage

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is developing a region-wide system of gateway and interpretive signage to raise awareness of the National Heritage Area designation, help increase visitation, and deepen appreciation for the national significance of our region's heritage.

In its first phase, the program will consist of 80 interpretive signs at major heritage attractions and 20 gateway signs at major entrance points and welcome centers.  Interpretive signs will be placed at the 80 natural and cultural heritage sites identified by the Governor's Year of the Mountain Commission.  This first phase is made possible by an enhancement grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation and by partner organizations across the region that are providing local matching funds for each sign.  Haywood County is providing administrative assistance.

To help promote these heritage attractions and increase visitation throughout the region, the state of North Carolina will publish three million Heritage Trail Guides for distribution in the state travel guide, at welcome centers, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and at other locations.