Permits & Reservations

Special Use Permits

Certain types of activities require a special use permit. These include sports events, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events, provided there is a “meaningful association between the park and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the park area…” [36 CFR §2.50(a)].

Applications for events on the Blue Ridge Parkway will be processed in areas where the motor road is safe and open for normal visitor use, and appropriate staffing levels are available for monitoring, when needed. Up-to-date information on park conditions can be found on the Blue Ridge Parkway - Road Status and Closures and Road Construction Projects webpages. Please check the status of your requested area/locations prior to submitting an application/paying the application fee, as the park cannot issue refunds. Applicants are encouraged to provide at least 60 days’ notice prior to the requested event date to ensure sufficient time for processing. Thank you for your understanding!

Hurricane Helene | Due to the catastrophic damage to the Blue Ridge Parkway caused by Hurricane Helene in September of 2024, sections of the North Carolina motor road will remain closed until necessary construction and recovery work can be completed. Further information on Helene-related closures and other areas of limited accessibility can be found on the park’s Helene Impacts and Recovery webpage, as well as within the Superintendent’s Compendium. Please note that the National Park Service cannot process applications or issue permits for special uses/events requested in areas that are closed for construction or recovery work until these areas reopen.

Types of Special Use Permits

• Weddings, Elopements or Vow Renewals
• Group Events (marathons, running groups, bicycle rides)
  • More information specific to organized group runs at Moses Cone Park
• Filming
• Hand gliding/paragliding at approved locations
• Motor vehicle/motorcycle cruises
• Ceremonies or public assembles
• Certain first amendment activities
• Construction, commercial vehicle access, survey, or maintenance activities

Memorialization: the scattering of human ashes from cremation, without a permit, is allowed under certain terms and conditions.

For more information regarding special use permits or to determine if your activity requires one, please e-mail us

Special Use Permit Restrictions

Special events such as bicycle events, running events, and other larger-scale events are prohibited over Memorial Day Weekend, on the Fourth of July, and over Labor Day weekend.

The following areas are closed to the issuance of any Special Use Permits:

• MP 241.1 Bluffs Lodge and surrounding grounds
• MP 294.0 Bass Lake
• MP 302.8 Rough Ridge Overlook and boardwalk
• MP 305.2 Beacon Heights left fork trail (May be permitted at the end of the right fork trail)
• MP 316.4 Linville Falls
• MP 339.5 Crabtree Falls
• MP 364.1 Craggy Gardens Pinnacle Trail, Pinnacle Scenic View, and Craggy Dome Parking Area (May be permitted at Craggy Flats Bald)
• MP 418.8 Graveyard Fields
• MP 422.4 Devil’s Courthouse
• MP 451.2 Waterrock Knob

All other locations are considered on a case-by-case basis

UAV/Drone use is prohibited within the boundary of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Fees

As authorized by (54 USC §103104), there are cost recovery fees for Special Use Permits. The current basic fees for permits on the Blue Ridge Parkway are as follows (fees subject to change):

• Wedding permits - $75 application fee, $75 administrative fee – total $150.00
  • 10-930 Application Form (Weddings)
• Other Special Use Permits - $100 application fee, $300 administrative fee – total $400.00
  • 10-930 Application Form (Special Events)
• We only accept electronic payments for SUP fees. We do not accept cash or checks.
• An event requiring additional NPS (National Park Service) management and monitoring will be charged cost recovery for the actual cost of NPS personnel, equipment, travel and other related items. These costs will be calculated and billed after the conclusion of the event.
• New Fee Structure effective Oct. 1, 2024.

To Apply for a Special Use Permit

1. Download the application for a special use permit here.
   • Wedding
   • Special Event
   • Filming/Photography
2. Pay application fee online at pay.gov. To pay fees at pay.gov:
   • Search for “Blue Ridge Parkway”
   • Click “Continue” under “Blue Ridge Parkway Special Use Permit Fees”
   • Complete the form and submit payment
   • A permit number is not required to pay the application fee
   • We do not accept cash or checks
3. After payment is made, e-mail the completed application to: [e-mail]

Permit applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event date, to allow review and processing.
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Other Activities That Require Use-Specific Permits

• Commercial Use Authorization
• Scientific Research and Collecting Permits
• Agricultural Uses
• Right of Way Permits

General Reservation Information

• Reservations for parkway campgrounds can be made at recreation.gov
• Information regarding backcountry campsites
• Reservations are not required, nor accepted, for any picnic area on the Blue Ridge Parkway. All picnic areas are first-come, first-served. A permit is not required for general family/group picnicking in a designated picnic area.
• Reservations for the Peaks of Otter Lodge or the Pisgah Inn must be made directly through their individual websites.

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