Last Updated on May 22, 2025 9:45 am
Parkway-wide, NC/VA – With many campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers opening on the Blue Ridge Parkway this weekend, the National Park Service reminds park visitors and neighbors to plan ahead and be flexible to ensure a memorable Parkway experience this season.
Park visitors are encouraged to confirm schedules and operating hours for places within the park in advance. A comprehensive schedule for all park sites and locations, including visitor centers, campgrounds, picnic areas, and other popular destinations is available online or by downloading the NPS app. Campground reservation information is available at recreation.gov.
“As the Parkway and our neighbors recover and reopen from damage sustained during Hurricane Helene, we are reminded of the important relationship the parkway has with its gateway communities” shared Park Superintendent Tracy Swartout. “We encourage visitors to explore experiences both on and off the Parkway as a part of their summer plans. Many popular destinations on the Parkway will be open and our gateway communities are eager to support visitors from far and wide.”
As in most years, multiple planned road maintenance projects are underway, resulting in a variety of impacts along several sections of the Parkway. This year planned projects are joined by a series of Helene recovery projects now underway. Visitors must exercise caution around road projects and refrain from entering areas marked as closed- even on foot. The Parkway website and interactive map provides milepost by milepost status information with links to additional project information or detour maps where applicable.
Park visitors play an important role in preserving this park for future generations. Simple actions like packing out trash, driving the speed limit, and parking in authorized areas only, create a safer experience for everyone. The Parkway’s unique design, including steep grades, limited sight distances, and beautiful built-in distractions also means drivers must pay extra attention while navigating the route, especially during summer storms. Helpful driving, motorcycle, and hiking safety information is also available on the Parkway’s website.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the largest designed landscapes in the country, providing visitors with a wide variety of opportunities to experience southern Appalachian nature, history, and culture. The park’s drive-a-while, stop-a-while design enhances the experience; and whether driving the scenic route, hiking a trail or taking in a concert or ranger program, Parkway staff remind visitors to have a plan, recreate responsibly, and take time and explore the Parkway’s many gateway communities during their visit.
