Temporary Closure Order Public Notice

SHEN USSS Closure Notice Map of Dickey Ridge Visitor Center

Pursuant to the authority outlined in 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(a)(1), which provides that the Superintendent may “impose public use limits, or close all or a portion of a park area to all public use or to a specific use or activity,” as necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, the grounds of the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (Visitor Center) at Shenandoah National Park (Park) will partially closed at the southern point connecting the Visitor Center and Skyline Drive on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The northern access point and public restrooms will remain open to the public during the identified time.

Additionally, the Visitor Center will be closed in their entirety on Thursday April 30, 2026, from approximately 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to provide security during a dignitary visit and ensure public health and safety. These closure dates and times may be adjusted as necessary based on the needs of the United States Secret Service (Secret Service).

The attached map shows the closed areas outlined in red.

In addition to the above closures, please be advised the Secret Service will be maintaining security and restricting the possession of firearms, weapons, and other potentially hazardous items in the area.

The Park’s designated First Amendment area at Dickey Ridge will be unavailable during the entirety of the designated closure times. An alternate First Amendment Area will temporarily be established at the picnic grounds to the south of the Visitor Center for the duration of the closure.

Violating a closure, designation, use or activity restriction or condition, schedule of visiting hours, or public use limit is prohibited.

 

Signed Closure Order