PRESERVE THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

Protect Blowing Rock Views

A proposed 199-foot industrial cell tower near Edmisten Road threatens the iconic viewshed at Milepost 291. Join local residents in active preservation to stop this massive visual intrusion on our pristine historic landscapes.

Join The Fight

Scroll to explore the visual threat in detail.

Why You Should Be Concerned

Scenic & Visual Impacts

  • The tower has been confirmed as visible from Thunder Hill Overlook and several other locations on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

  • The proposed structure would stand nearly 20 stories tall.

  • FAA-required red aviation lighting would make the tower visible during both daytime and nighttime hours, blinking 20 to 40 times per minute.

  • Residents are concerned about impacts to mountain views, overlooks, trails, and the scenic character of the Parkway.

Nighttime Lighting

  • FAA requirements include flashing aviation obstruction lights.

  • Nearby homeowners are concerned about impacts to dark skies and nighttime views.

  • Questions remain regarding whether nighttime visibility impacts have been fully evaluated.

Leaf-Off Visibility

  • The balloon test was conducted during summer leaf-on conditions.

  • Trees in the Blue Ridge Mountains are without leaves for approximately six months each year.

  • Residents believe additional evaluation during nighttime and leaf-off conditions is warranted.

Historic and Cultural Resources

  • Milepost 291 is located in one of the most scenic and heavily visited sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock in Watauga County.

  • The proposed tower site lies near Milepost 291 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most visited and scenic sections of America's favorite scenic drive. The area includes Thunder Hill Overlook and Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and serves as a gateway to Blowing Rock and Boone. Millions of visitors travel this corridor to experience its mountain vistas, historic landscapes, hiking trails, and dark night skies.

  • The project lies within the viewshed of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

  • The tower is located near Moses H. Cone Memorial Park.

A close-up photograph of lush dark green pine trees on a rocky ridge in the North American / Appalachian Blue Ridge Mountains during twilight, soft dark forest mood.
A close-up photograph of lush dark green pine trees on a rocky ridge in the North American / Appalachian Blue Ridge Mountains during twilight, soft dark forest mood.
A distant shot of layered mountain ridges under a deep blue and orange sky at sunset, depicting beautiful clean vistas of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
A distant shot of layered mountain ridges under a deep blue and orange sky at sunset, depicting beautiful clean vistas of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
A winding asphalt road along the forest in Watauga County, North Carolina, morning fog rising from the deep valleys, documentary style.
A winding asphalt road along the forest in Watauga County, North Carolina, morning fog rising from the deep valleys, documentary style.

Alternative Locations

Community members have asked whether less visible locations have been fully considered.

Residents support improving wireless service while minimizing impacts to nationally significant scenic resources and nearby neighborhoods.

Project Information

FCC ASR Application Number: A1384900

Applicant: Skyway Towers, LLC

Location: Near Edmisten Road, Blowing Rock, Watauga County, North Carolina

Structure Type: Self-supporting lattice telecommunications tower

Height: Approximately 199 feet

Nearby Landmark: Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 291

AI generated image of the proposed cell tower

An aerial photo looking down over layers of hazy green forest ridges under high white clouds in the North American / Appalachian Blue Ridge Mountains.
An aerial photo looking down over layers of hazy green forest ridges under high white clouds in the North American / Appalachian Blue Ridge Mountains.

What You Can Do

Submit Comments to the FCC

Residents and visitors can participate in the federal review process by filing:

  • Environmental Review Request

  • Informal Objection

Contact Reviewing Agencies

Community members may also share concerns with:

  • National Park Service

  • North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office

  • Local elected officials

Call or email Watauga County Commissioners at (828) 265-8000, commissioners@wataugacounty.org, or write them individually

Will I be affected if I cannot see the tower from my property?

Potential impacts may extend beyond immediately adjacent properties and may affect the broader scenic character, property values, and visitor experience in the area.

the broader scenic character, property values, and visitor experience in the area.

FAQS

Is the community opposed to improved cellular service?

No. Many residents support improved cellular coverage but believe alternative locations

and designs should be considered to minimize impacts to the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding residential communities.

How can I help?

Stay informed, share information with neighbors and second-home owners, participate in the public process, and encourage others who enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway to become involved.

GET INVOLVED TODAY

Help Us Protect Blowing Rock's Historical Views

Questions, information, photographs, or documents related to the project can be submitted through the contact form below.