Operating Hours & Seasons

From back country trails and camping, to favorite picnic areas and full service concession operations, the Parkway offers visitors a wealth of opportunities to experience the scenic beauty and natural and cultural heritage of the southern Appalachian region.


Please note, facility operating schedules are subject to change due to adverse weather conditions and other uncontrollable factors. Real-time road closing/opening information is available at www.nps.gov/maps/blri/road-closures.

 

Visitor Centers & Areas of Interest

Milepost	Visitor Center/Area	2018 Operating Dates	Notes
5.8	Humpback Rocks Visitor Center	May 11-Oct 28	Open daily, 10:00 AM.- 5:00 PM
63.6	James River Visitor Center	June 8 - Oct 28	Open Friday-Sunday, 10:30 AM-3:30 PM
85.6	Peaks of Otter Visitor Center	May 11-Oct 28	Open Friday-Sunday, 10:00 AM.- 5:00 PM until May 20. Open daily beginning May 23.
85.6	Johnson Farm	May 5-Sept 30	Grounds around farm open for self-guided tours. Buildings closed until spring 2019.
169	Rocky Knob Visitor Center	May 25-Oct 28	Open daily, 10:00 AM.- 5:00 PM
176.2	Mabry Mill Cultural Site	May 25-Oct 28	Open Friday-Tuesday, 10:00 AM.- 5:00 PM. Closed Weds-Thurs.
213	Blue Ridge Music Center	May 4-Oct 28	Open Thursday- Monday until May 21, 10:00 AM.- 5:00 PM. Closed Tues-Weds. Beginning May 24, the center will be open daily. Visit blueridgemusiccenter.org for more information.
238.5	Brinegar Cabin	May 26-Oct 28	Open Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 AM.- 5:00 PM
241.1	Doughton Park Visitor Center	April 27-Oct 28	Open Thursday-Monday, 10:00 AM.- 5:00 PM. Closed Tues-Weds.
294	Moses Cone Manor House	March 30-Nov 30	The Craft shop is open 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily through November 30; The bookstore is open daily through November 12, and Friday-Sunday only from November 13-25.
304.4	Linn Cove Visitor Center	June 4- Oct 28	Open daily, 10:00 AM.- 5:00 PM
316.4	Linville Falls Visitor Center	April 27-Oct 28	Open daily, 10:00 AM.- 5:00 PM
330.9	North Carolina Museum of Minerals	Open Year Round	Open daily, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
364.5	Craggy Gardens Visitor Center	April 13-Nov 12	Open daily, 10:00 AM.- 5:00 PM
382.2	Folk Art Center	Open Year Round	Open Daily 9:00 AM-6:00 PM in April-December; Open 9:00 AM-5:00 PM in January-March
384.5	Asheville Visitor Center	Open Year Round	Open daily, 9:00 AM.- 5:00 PM.
451.2	Waterrock Knob Visitor Center	April 13-Nov 12	Open daily, 10:00 AM.- 5:00 PM.

 

Campgrounds

Advance reservations available on www.recreation.gov. During the last week in October, all campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Last night of camping is October 28, 2018. Campers must check out by noon on October 29. Firewood regulations are in effect.

Milepost	Campground	2018 Operating Dates	Notes
60.8	Otter Creek Campground	May 4-Oct 28	Reservations available on recreation.gov for May 20 - October 20. All sites are first-come, first-served during the last week in October.
85.6	Peaks of Otter Campground	May 20-Oct 28	Reservations available on recreation.gov for May 20 - October 20. All sites are first-come, first-served during the last week in October.
167.1	Rocky Knob Campground	May 4-Oct 28	Reservations available on recreation.gov for May 20 - October 20. All sites are first-come, first-served during the last week in October.
239.2	Doughton Park Campground	May 4-Oct 28	Reservations available on recreation.gov for May 20 - October 20. All sites are first-come, first-served during the last week in October.
296.9	Price Park Campground	April 6-Oct 28	Reservations available on recreation.gov for May 20 - October 20. All sites are first-come, first-served during the last week in October.
316.4	Linville Falls Campground	April 6-Oct 28	Reservations are available on recreation.gov for May 20 - October 20. All sites are first-come, first-served during the last week in October.
339.5	Crabtree Falls Campground	May 4-Oct 28	Open first come, first served. Reservations not available.
408.8	Mount Pisgah Campground	May 4-Oct 28	Reservations available on recreation.gov for May 20 - October 20. All sites are first-come, first-served during the last week in October.

 

Concession Facilities

Milepost	Concession	2018 Operating Dates	Notes
85.6	Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant	Open year round	Visit peaksofotter.com for operating dates and reservation information.
85.6	Peaks of Otter Country Store	See peaksofotter.com for schedule
85.6	Sharp Top Shuttle at Peaks of Otter	See peaksofotter.com for schedule
85.6	Sharp Top Store	See peaksofotter.com for schedule
176.2	Mabry Mill Restaurant & Gift Shop	April 27 - Nov 4	Visit mabrymillrestaurant.com for more information.
258.7	Northwest Trading Post	April 14 - Nov 4	Visit www.sallymaesgifts.com for more information.
294	Parkway Craft Center at the Moses Cone Manor	March 30 - Nov. 30	Visit craftguild.org for more information.
296.9	Price Park Boat Rental	See pricelakeboatrentals.com for schedule
382.2	Folk Art Center	Open Year Round	Visit craftguild.org for more information.
408.8	Pisgah Inn & Restaurant	April 1 - Oct 31	Visit pisgahinn.com for more information.

 

Picnic Areas

Milepost	Picnic Area	2018 Operating Dates	Notes
8.5	Humpback Rocks Picnic Area	May 25-Oct 28
63.6	James River Picnic Area	May 25-Oct 28
85.6	Peaks of Otter Picnic Area	May 25-Oct 28
120.4	Roanoke Mountain Picnic Area	May 25-Oct 28
154.5	Smart View Picnic Area	May 25-Oct 28
169	Rocky Knob Picnic Area	May 25-Oct 28
188.8	Groundhog Picnic Area	May 25-Oct 28
217.5	Cumberland Knob Picnic Area	May 25-Oct 28
241.1	Doughton Park Picnic Area	May 25-Oct 28
271.9	Jeffress Park Picnic Area	May 25-Oct 28	Portable toilets available in off season from late October to mid-May
296.4	Price Park Picnic Area	Open Year Round	Portable toilets available in off season from late October to mid-May
316.4	Linville Falls Picnic Area	April 6-Oct 28	Portable toilets available in off season from late October to mid-May
340.2	Crabtree Falls Picnic Area	May 25-Oct 28
367.6	Craggy Gardens Picnic Area	May 25-Oct 28	Portable toilets available in off season from late October to mid-May
407.8	Mount Pisgah Picnic Area	May 25-Oct 28