Work Continues On Access Trail - Blue Ridge Parkway, Peaks of Otter

The National Park Service Maintenance Crew from the Blue Ridge Parkway are continuing their work on the boardwalk for the handicap accessible trail around Abbott Lake at the Peaks of Otter (see blog post dated July 3, 2010).

On August 23rd workers were placing the boardwalk planking over the first section.  The planking is made of recycled plastic boards.  This section of the trail will include an approximately 6' by 6' deck where those in wheelchairs can sit and enjoy the view of the lake and lodge.  A future section of boardwalk will include a larger deck directly across Abbott Lake from the Peaks of Otter Lodge that could allow for those in wheelchairs to fish in comfort and safety.

The walkway will include bumper type curbing along the edges and handrails where the boardwalk crosses feeder streams above the lake such as the one shown above.

This project was originally planned eleven years ago and is finally coming to fruition.