Protect the Blue Ridge Parkway
Stop the Proposed 199-Foot Cell Tower Near Blowing Rock
A proposed 199-foot telecommunications tower near Edmisten Road could permanently alter one of the Blue Ridge Parkway's most iconic mountain views at Milepost 291.
Scroll to explore the visual threat in detail.
What's At Stake?
Scenic Views
The proposed tower would be visible from parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Ravens Rock, Flat Top Mountain Lookout, and Thunder Hill Overlook, disrupting one of the region's most celebrated mountain vistas.
Dark Skies
FAA-required red flashing aviation lights that could blink 20–40 times per minute, affecting nighttime views for residents and Parkway visitors.
Year-Round Visibility
The tower was evaluated during summer foliage. During the six months when trees are bare, visibility could be significantly greater.
A National Treasure
Located near Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and one of the Parkway's busiest scenic corridors, this project could impact a nationally significant historic landscape enjoyed by millions each year.
Project Overview
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
The NC State Historic Preservation Office has formally ruled that this tower will adversely affect the Blue Ridge Parkway National Historic Landmark.
AI generated image of the proposed cell tower
Take Action
Your voice matters. Join local residents working to protect the scenic beauty, dark skies, and historic landscapes that make this area one of America's most treasured destinations.
Contact Reviewing Agencies
Call or email Watauga County Commissioners at (828) 265-8000, commissioners@wataugacounty.org, or write them individually
State Representatives (North Carolina General Assembly)
Ray Pickett NC House, District 93 (Ashe/Watauga) (919) 733-7727 Ray.Pickett@ncleg.gov
Destin Hall NC House, District 87 (Caldwell/Watauga) (919) 733-3451 Destin.Hall@ncleg.net
Ralph Hise NC Senate, District 47 (incl. Watauga) (919) 733-5742* Ralph.Hise@ncleg.gov
*General NC Senate switchboard; confirm direct line at ncleg.gov.
Federal Representatives
Virginia Foxx U.S. House, NC-5th District (828) 265-0240 foxx.house.gov/contact
Thom Tillis U.S. Senate (202) 224-6342 tillis.senate.gov/contact
Ted Budd U.S. Senate (828) 333-4130 https://www.budd.senate.gov/contact/
Sen. Tillis and Sen. Budd are best reached through their websites' contact forms or the offices above; Sen. Tillis has announced he will not seek re-election in 2026 but remains the sitting senator.
Community members may also share concerns with:
National Park Service 1-202-208-6843
North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (919) 807-6570
Local elected officials
Email comments and concerns to: towercomments@fcc.gov, mention application #A1384900
Join The Effort
Help protect the Blue Ridge Parkway by:
• Submitting comments during the FCC review process
• Contacting local and state officials
• Sharing this campaign with neighbors, visitors, and friends
• Joining our growing community of supporters
Email comments and concerns to: towercomments@fcc.gov, mention application #A1384900
GET INVOLVED TODAY
Help Preserve Blowing Rock's Iconic Views
Every voice helps protect the landscapes that define our mountains.
Questions, information, photographs, or documents related to the project can be submitted through the contact form below.