News Release

Blue Ridge Parkway initiates preemptive, temporary closures along southern portion of route

Date: September 25, 2024
Contact: BLRI Public Affairs

September 26, 2024, 10:30 a.m. UPDATE

Additional Blue Ridge Parkway closures in North Carolina due to storm impacts

Based on updated forecasts, these additional Blue Ridge Parkway closures are in effect:

• Milepost 217 - 314 from the NC state line to Linville Falls
• Milepost 375 – 393 from Ox Creek to NC 191/Brevard Road

As a result, the following facilities are also closed:

• Doughton Park Campground and Picnic Area at milepost 239 & 241 and Price Park Campground and Picnic Area at milepost 296.9. Reservation holders will be notified.
• Doughton Park Visitor Center at milepost 241.1, Moses Cone Manor House at milepost 294, the Minerals Museum at milepost 330.9, and the Asheville Visitor Center at milepost 384 

Additional updates are as follows:

• The Pisgah Inn at milepost 408.6 is only accessible via Hwy 276.

• The Folk Art Center at milepost 382 is accessible via US-70.

These severe weather closures are full closures to all public use. Closures are expected to remain in place until the storm passes, and staff can safely assess the park and clear any storm damage. The park will issue updates when they are available.
 
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Original message sent September 25, 2024, 2:15 p.m.

Blue Ridge Parkway initiates preemptive, temporary closures along southern portion of route

Weather forecasts suggest preparedness for high volumes of rain and strong winds at higher elevations due to expected impacts from Hurricane Helene

ASHEVILLE, NC - National Park Service officials are closely monitoring the projected path of Hurricane Helene, a “predecessor” rainfall event ahead of Helene, and preparing for a range of potential impacts across the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Based on expected periods of heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong wind, and the projected course of the storm over the next several days, closures will begin the afternoon of Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in the following locations:

• Milepost 314 - 375.6 from north of Linville Falls to Ox Creek

• Milepost 393 - 455 from the NC191/French Broad overlook to Soco Gap

These severe weather closures are full closures to all public use. Closures are expected to remain in place until the storm passes, and staff can safely assess the park and clear any storm damage. The park will issue updates when they are available.

As a result, the following facility impacts are also planned:  

• Linville Falls Campground at milepost 316.4 and Pisgah Campground at milepost 408.8 will be closed as of Thursday morning, September 26, 2024. Reservation holders will be notified.

• Pisgah Inn will remain accessible via both Hwy 151 and Hwy 276, providing two egress routes in opposite directions for visitors.

• Linville Falls Visitor Center at milepost 316, Craggy Gardens Visitor Center at milepost 364, and Waterrock Knob Visitor Center at milepost 451.2 will be closed. 

Where conditions permit and the road remains open, park visitors are reminded to use extreme caution and be aware of the potential for falling rocks and downed trees. As always, the Parkway requires driving with extra care due to its narrow road shoulders, steep grades, and numerous curves. Park visitors must use caution, adhere to posted speed limits and be prepared to stop or turn around at closed gates or road debris during this storm event.

Updates and information regarding the status of park facilities, including the road itself, will be available on Parkway’s website, and its X, Instagram, and Facebook pages.