News Release

Two Storm Closures Remain on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Date: August 20, 2021

Contact: BLRI Public Affairs
 

Additional time and public cooperation with closures is needed

As of Friday, August 20, 2021, most sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway previously closed due to downed trees and debris from Tropical Storm Fred have reopened. Road status information is updated daily on the park website. Road status information is organized according to gated sections on the Parkway from north to south, with adjacent route information at the various access and exit points provided for context.

Remaining storm-related closures include:

• Price Lake, Milepost 296.7, is closed. The dam used to regulate the lake’s water levels was damaged in the storm, and the lake has now emptied. Fishing, boating, and other activities in the lake are prohibited until further notice. Price Lake Boat Rentals, the on-site concession operator, will be open with limited hours to offer firewood and some snack items.
• Milepost 411.9 – 423.2, from US Route 276 to NC Route 215, is closed due to multiple small landslides. The area is being cleared of debris and will reopen after engineers’ complete inspections to ensure the road is not comprised or damaged. Access from the Parkway to US Route 276 is open towards Brevard. US Route 276 to Waynesville and Haywood County remains closed.

These sections of Parkway remain closed to all traffic, including cyclists and hikers. Hazardous trees, downed trees, and heavy equipment in these areas make it unsafe for recreating behind the gates. Visitors behind closed gates or in closed areas, such as Price Lake, will be asked to leave the area. The public’s cooperation with these remaining closures is important to personal safety as well as the protection of Parkway resources.

“Park staff have worked over the past few days to restore access in as many areas as possible.” said Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout. “The remaining closures in place require additional time to address, and we appreciate the public’s cooperation by avoiding these areas.”

Additional information is available on the park’s website and social media channels, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.