News Release

Park Visitors Reminded to Plan Ahead for Busy and Dynamic Season 

Visitors enjoy the view at one of nearly 200 Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks, near milepost 172.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: May 19, 2026 PARKWAY-WIDE, N.C./Va. — As campgrounds, picnic areas and visitor centers open for the season this Memorial Day Weekend, the Blue Ridge Parkway reminds park visitors and neighbors to plan ahead and pack their patience for upcoming visits.

Multiple maintenance and repair projects are underway this season across several sections of the Parkway. This work is primarily related to ongoing Hurricane Helene repairs and two Great American Outdoors Act road projects underway in North Carolina and Virginia, all of which represent historic investments at the park advancing under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump.
 
Visitors should use caution near all project areas and must not enter closed sections. The Parkway website and interactive map provide milepost-by-milepost status updates, with links to project information and detour maps. 

In a sign of ongoing Helene recovery progress, the Blue Ridge Parkway recently re-opened direct access to the Linville Falls trail system at milepost 316.4. This opens recreation access to the area by way of the 1.5-mile spur road. Visitors may continue to access the Linville Falls trail system from Old NC 105 from the US Forest Service parking lot. The visitor center, picnic area and campground remain closed.  

Visitors are encouraged to confirm schedules and operating hours for all Parkway locations before they travel. A comprehensive list of open facilities—including visitor centers, campgrounds, picnic areas and other popular destinations—is available online and through the NPS App. Camping reservations are available at Recreation.gov. 

Visitors also play a vital role in protecting this treasured place for future generations. The following simple actions help improve everyone’s experience, such as: 

• packing out trash,

• obeying posted speed limits, and  

• parking only in designated areas.

The Parkway has winding grades, limited sight distances and stunning scenic views. Drivers should remain alert at all times. Safety guidance for drivers, motorcyclists and hikers is available on the Parkway website. 

The Blue Ridge Parkway is among the largest designed landscapes in the United States, offering countless opportunities to experience southern Appalachian nature, history and culture. Whether driving the scenic route, hiking a trail or enjoying a concert or ranger program, visitors should plan ahead, recreate responsibly and take time to explore the thriving gateway communities along the route. 

nps.gov

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.