News Release

National Park Service Announces Leasing Opportunity for Bluffs Lodge on the Blue Ridge Parkway

View of Bluffs Lodge located at milepost 241.1 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

NPS Photo

News Release Date: June 1, 2026 LAUREL SPRINGS, N.C. — The Blue Ridge Parkway announced today a leasing opportunity for the Bluffs Lodge, a historic motor lodge located at milepost 241.1 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Laurel Springs, N.C. The Request for Proposals process invites interested individuals, businesses and organizations to submit proposals for the rehabilitation and long‑term operation of this property. This is the first step in restoring this key visitor service.

Interested parties can access the RFP and related key dates at the Request for Proposals page on the NPS website. To learn more about upcoming site visit opportunities, interested parties should contact [e-mail].

Completed in 1950, the Bluffs Lodge is a two-structure, two-story facility originally used as a 24-room hotel. The approximately 8000-square-feet facility has been vacant since 2010 and requires maintenance and repair.  
 
The historic Bluffs Lodge is located at Doughton Park in north-western North Carolina, 21 miles southwest of the Virginia state line. This mountainous 6300-acre area on the Parkway is located in both Wilkes and Alleghany Counties. Between the late 1930s and mid-1950s, a total of 225 acres were developed to provide visitor services in the area. These visitor service facilities included Doughton Park Campground, Bluffs Coffee Shop, the Bluffs Lodge, Bluffs Picnic Area, Brinegar Cabin and local Parkway maintenance and office areas. 
 
All questions related to this RFP should be directed to the Parkway’s commercial services office at [e-mail].  

About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.