Blue Ridge Parkway visitors reminded to plan ahead for busy season amid Helene recovery
As campgrounds, picnic areas and visitor centers open for the season this Memorial Day weekend, the Blue Ridge Parkway is asking park visitors to plan ahead and be patient for upcoming visits.
Multiple maintenance and repair projects are underway across several sections of the Parkway. This work is primarily related to ongoing Hurricane Helene repairs and two Great American Outdoors Act road projects underway in North Carolina and Virginia, according to a news release from the Parkway.
Visitors should use caution near all project areas and must not enter closed sections. The Parkway website and interactive map provide milepost-by-milepost status updates, with links to project information and detour maps.
In a sign of ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery progress, the Blue Ridge Parkway recently reopened direct access to the Linville Falls trail system at milepost 316.4. This opens recreation access to the area by way of the 1.5-mile spur road. Visitors may continue to access the Linville Falls trail system from Old N.C. Highway 105 from the U.S. Forest Service parking lot. The visitor center, picnic area and campground remain closed, according to the news release.
Visitors are encouraged to confirm schedules and operating hours for all Parkway locations before they travel. A comprehensive list of open facilities - including visitor centers, campgrounds, picnic areas and other popular destinations - is available online and through the NPS App. Camping reservations are available at Recreation.gov.
The Parkway has winding grades, limited sight distances and stunning scenic views. Drivers should remain alert at all times. Safety guidance for drivers, motorcyclists and hikers is available on the Parkway website.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is among the largest designed landscapes in the United States, offering countless opportunities to experience southern Appalachian nature, history and culture. Whether driving the scenic route, hiking a trail or enjoying a concert or ranger program, visitors should plan ahead, recreate responsibly and take time to explore the thriving gateway communities along the route, according to the news release.
Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.