About this Project
Our mission is to research layers of ecological and human history of Craggy Gardens to construct a “deep map” (Heat-Moon) of the Craggy Gardens landscape. A deep map involves extensive exploration of place to weave literary and photographic media with the history, ecology, stories and intuition of the landscape. We highlight landscape, vegetation, the sky, and human narratives as layers woven into the fabric of a deep map. We hope that, by navigating through this project, viewers will develop a deeper understanding with and connection to their natural and human communities to promote sustainability and peace.
Craggy Gardens is an iconic hiking destination on the Blue Ridge Parkway outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Through the use of archival documents, scientific observation and nature writing, this website explores the story of Craggy Gardens.
A Note to Craggy Gardens Visitors
If you are visiting Craggy Gardens, please travel on marked trails. The ecosystem and, particularly, the vegetation on Craggy Gardens is fragile and endangered, and is damaged when trampled underfoot.
