Laws & Policies

 

The laws enforced on the Blue Ridge Parkway are contained in two documents:

• Federal regulations covering all National Park Service lands are contained in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36, Chapter 1 also known as 36 CFR.
• In addition, regulations pertaining specifically to the Blue Ridge Parkway are contained in the Superintendent's Compendium of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and other restrictions imposed under Discretionary Authority

Index to the 2021 Superintendent's Compendium

• 36 CFR §1.5 Visiting Hours, Public Use Limits, Closures, and Area Designations for Specifice Use or Activities
• 36 CFR §1.5 Mask Wearing
  This requirement applies to all individuals in federal buildings and on federal lands managed by the NPS including employees, contractors, concessioners, volunteers, partners and visitors.
• 36 CFR §1.6 Permits
• 36 CFR §2.1 Presevation of Natural, Cultural and Archeological Resources
• 36 CFR §2.2 Wildlife Protection
• 36 CFR §2.3 Fishing
• 36 CFR §2.10 Camping and Food Storage
• 36 CFR 2.11 Picnicking
• 36 CFR 2.13 Fires
• 36 CFR §2.15 Pets
• 36 CFR §2.16 Horses and Pack Animals
• 36 CFR §2.17 Aircraft and Air Delivery
• 36CFR §2.18 Snowmobiles
• 36 CFR §2.19 Winter Activities
• 36 CFR §2.20 Skating, Skateboards and Similar Devices
• 36 CFR §2.21 Smoking
• 36 CFR §2.22 Property
• 36 CFR §2.35 Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances
• 36 CFR §2.62 Memorialization
• 36 CFR §3.21 Swimming and Bathing
• 36 CFR §4.11 Vehicle Load, Weight and Size Limits
• 36 CFR §4.21 Speed Limits
• 36 CFR §4.30 Bicycles
• 36 CFR §7.34 Special Regulations – Blue Ridge Parkway

 

As of February 22, 2010, federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park. It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances. Check state regulations for Virginia or North Carolina to make certain of your compliance while in the park.