News Release

Parkway Announces Closures to Park Restrooms and Camping Shelter

Date: March 23, 2020
Contact: Public Affairs Office, [phone]

The Blue Ridge Parkway is announcing additional modifications to its operations in support of federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. As conditions change in our nation and region, the Parkway will continue to implement operational changes that help ensure the health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, partners, and local communities.

As of March 23, 2020, the following areas are closed until further notice:

• All public restroom facilities on the Blue Ridge Parkway; and the
• Paul Wolfe A.T. Shelter located near Afton, Virginia. Effective immediately, backcountry campers and A.T. thru-hikers with reservations for this location are authorized to use a tent outside the shelter to provide for social distancing.

We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels.

Park trails and the Blue Ridge Parkway motor road remain accessible to the public in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local health guidance, where not otherwise closed. The NPS encourages people who choose to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway during this pandemic to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees. As services are limited, the NPS urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy.