Air Bellows Gap Road
I am told that Air Bellows Gap Road was the main road into what is today Alleghany County during Colonial times.
And, here's a section of a map from 1863 that looks about right. It seems to cross the Blue Ridge Mountain escarpment (just above the "D") and the headwaters of the Little River at the correct places. But, there's no name for it on the map.
Beginning at Pine Swamp Road in Whitehead, today's improved portion indeed goes through Air Bellows Gap and then down the mountain as a Jeep trail to Stone Mountain State Park. I'm also told that an Air Bellows Gap Road can be found in the Wilkesboro area but I've yet to find it.
Anyhow, here's where the road passes under a bridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Air Bellows Gap. The passage is quite narrow and visitors always seem to remember going through it. Although it isn't necessasary, I've even seen some folks get out of their vehicle and tuck the side mirrows in.
And, here's a section of a map from 1863 that looks about right. It seems to cross the Blue Ridge Mountain escarpment (just above the "D") and the headwaters of the Little River at the correct places. But, there's no name for it on the map.
Beginning at Pine Swamp Road in Whitehead, today's improved portion indeed goes through Air Bellows Gap and then down the mountain as a Jeep trail to Stone Mountain State Park. I'm also told that an Air Bellows Gap Road can be found in the Wilkesboro area but I've yet to find it.
Anyhow, here's where the road passes under a bridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Air Bellows Gap. The passage is quite narrow and visitors always seem to remember going through it. Although it isn't necessasary, I've even seen some folks get out of their vehicle and tuck the side mirrows in.
It is so romantical to follow ancient roads, using old maps...
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