National Park Service officials have announced additional modifications to operations on the Blue Ridge Parkway in a continuing effort to support federal, state and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Effective immediately, and in addition to all existing restroom, visitor center, campground and picnic area closures, the Blue Ridge Parkway is implementing closures at other locations. (Submitted)
National Park Service officials have announced additional modifications to operations on the Blue Ridge Parkway in a continuing effort to support federal, state and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Effective immediately, and in addition to all existing restroom, visitor center, campground and picnic area closures, the Blue Ridge Parkway is implementing closures at other locations.
The health and safety of park visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners remains the Parkway’s number one priority. Some sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway motor road and outdoor spaces, including trails, remain accessible to the public in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local health guidance. If contemplating a visit to a national park during this pandemic, the NPS asks visitors to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees. As services are limited, the NPS urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safer and healthier.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is implementing closures at the following locations in North Carolina until further notice:
MP 292 - 294.5 Road closed near Blowing Rock, including Moses Cone Parking Area and Hwy 221 Bass Lake Parking Lot.
MP 294.5 - 296.4 Road closed, including Price Park Picnic Area
MP 298.6 - 305 Road closed through Grandfather Mountain area, including Rough Ridge and Linn Cove Viaduct
MP 305 - 308 Road closed
MP 316.4 Linville Falls Spur Road closed, including parking at Linville Falls trailheads
MP 334 - 342 Road closed, including Crabtree Falls Area, near Little Switzerland
MP 355 - 375.6 Road closed from Mt. Mitchell to Ox Creek, including Craggy Gardens
MP 377.4 - Parking areas closed at Craven Gap (Town Mountain Road) for MST Trail access
MP 384.7 - Roadside parking closed at MST Trailheads at US 74A Parkway access ramps
MP 393 - 469 Road closed from French Broad River Overlook to Southern Terminus of Parkway
*All listed closures are to vehicular traffic only.