Last Updated on September 11, 2014 4:55 pm
The Blue Ridge Parkway is expecting a robust fall visitor season along the 469-mile linear national park which offers breathtaking scenic beauty and a wide variety of educational and cultural experiences. October is historically one of the Parkway’s highest visitation months and park managers anticipate that tradition to continue.
Visitors can find helpful information as they plan for their Parkway experience from a variety of sources. The park website provides a real-time road closure map, facility schedules, safety information, suggested itineraries, visitor center locations, and much more atwww.nps.gov/blri. Recorded late season wildflower blooming and fall foliage information is available at 828.298.0398 and is updated regularly. Visitors can follow park updates on social media at www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeNPS.
Park visitors are encouraged to plan visits carefully to avoid unexpected road or weather conditions. Considering its unique design and changes in elevation, the Parkway drive is different than most and visitors are encouraged to pay extra attention when driving. The safest way to enjoy fall color is by parking at overlooks available along the motor road at regular intervals. In addition, park staff remind visitors that the Parkway is a living and fragile resource. Visitors can help protect it by following park regulations while in the park.
Parkway staff has begun making preparations for seasonal facility closures. The full listing of facilities, with 2014 closing dates if applicable, is available below and on the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/hours.htm.
