Scenic orchard now preserved

An apple orchard along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Spruce Pine in McDowell County has been permanently preserved. The Asheville Citizen-Times says a celebration was held over the weekend by people who worked to protect the Orchard at Altapass. The nonprofit orchard near Little Switzerland draws about 50,000 visitors annually. Associated Press

This story was originally published May 31, 2015 at 7:07 PM with the headline "Scenic orchard now preserved."