Last Updated on October 1, 2013 4:47 pm
With the government shutdown, which began at midnight on Tuesday Oct 1, 2013, there are many questions regarding is the Blue Ridge Parkway open or not.
The Blue Ridge Parkway remains open for driving & hiking but as of Tuesday afternoon (Oct 1, 2013), all Parkway facilities including visitor centers, campgrounds and lodges are closed until further notice. Travelers on the Parkway are advised to plan their travel accordingly.
The High Country Host has put together a list of gas stops along the parkway, where you can fill up, eat up and use the restrooms:
US Hwy 21 to Sparta & Elkin: Milepost 229.7, US 21 Crossover. West 7 miles to Sparta, NC. 17 miles west to Independence, VA. East 4 miles to Roaring Gap, NC. 22 miles east to Elkin, NC.
Gas is available within 8 miles west of this access point.
NC Route 18 to Laurel Springs & North Wilkesboro: Milepost 248.1, NC 18 Crossover. 2 miles west to Laurel Springs. 24 miles east to North Wilkesboro, NC.
Gas is available within 3 miles west of this access point.
NC Route 16 to West Jefferson & North Wilkesboro: Milepost 261.2, NC 16 Crossover. West 12 miles to Jefferson, 14 miles to West Jefferson, 26 miles to Grassy Creek. East 20 miles to North Wilkesboro.
Gas is available within 12 miles west of this access point.
US 321/US 221 to Boone & Blowing Rock: Milepost 291.8, US 321/221 Crossover. 7 miles north to Boone. 2 miles south to Blowing Rock.
Gas is available within 2 miles north or south of this access point.
NC Hwy 181 to Pineola & Morganton, NC: Milepost 312, NC 181 Crossover. 2 miles north to Pineola, NC. 32 miles southeast to Morganton, NC. In Pineola, NC 181 changes to NC Hwy. 221.
Gas is available within 3 miles north of this access point.
NC 226 to Spruce Pine, Little Switzerland, & Marion: Milepost 330.9, NC 226 Crossover. 6 miles north to Spruce Pine. 14 miles south to Marion.
Gas is available within 3 miles north of this access point.
Also note that State Parks along the Parkway through the High Country of North Carolina are still open as well! These parks include:
Grandfather Mountain State Park
Mt Mitchell State Park