With the end of the traditional autumn travel season, most Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds, picnic areas and concessioner-operated lodges, restaurants and other facilities will close November 1.
Parkway officials said there are some exceptions, including the Price Park Picnic Area (MP 197), Peaks of Otter restaurant and lodge (MP 86), the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center at Explore Park (MP 115)the Folk Art Center (MP 382), and the Museum of North Carolina Minerals (MP 331). These facilities are all open year-round. In addition, the Parkway Craft Center at the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park (MP 295) will operate through November 30, while the visitor center at Craggy Gardens (MP 365) will be open Friday through Sunday, November 5-7 and 12-14.
Except for the short road sections that are currently closed because of damage from September storms, the 469-mile scenic road will remain open, weather permitting. Call (828) 298-0398 for current road conditions. Parkway information is also available on the Internet at www.nps.gov/blri.
