By Moss Brennan for THE AVERY JOURNAL-TIMES
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY — The Blue Ridge Parkway will remain open throughout the summer and fall after road work was set to close large sections over the next several months.
According to Boone Area Chamber of Commerce CEO/President David Jackson, the news comes after a “productive and informative meeting” held on Tuesday with leadership from the Blue Ridge Parkway and the National Park Service, along with staff from the local Congressional leaders, local elected officials, local business leaders, and partnering agencies.
According to Jackson, ongoing infrastructure improvements funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (2020) continue and some sections of the Parkway previously impacted by Hurricane Helene will also be opening further throughout the year in Watauga and Avery counties.
Travelers on the Parkway will experience some ongoing pre-scheduled construction work that visitors will be able to navigate with minimal disruptions. No full closures are planned in our area, including the section between Blowing Rock and Linville as previously reported.
“This news will be immediately impactful for the High Country business community, and we would not be in this position without our partners in the North Carolina Congressional Delegation, the Blue Ridge Parkway staff, and the National Park Service taking the time to listen to the concerns of those in our area. The Blue Ridge Parkway is an important piece of this community’s infrastructure, and the long-term repairs will come, but at a time where our local businesses can have some time to catch their breath from the economic impacts of the storm,” said David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.
These efforts are expected to enhance access as the summer progresses, and further updates will be shared as more information becomes available from officials with the Blue Ridge Parkway and National Park Service.
“The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce is proud of the united community efforts that allowed us to advocate for access to continue through our region during these challenging times. This will allow positive progress to continue for our businesses and communities as we move toward an exciting summer, while also ensuring needed long-term maintenance on the Parkway continues,” said Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Robin Miller.
The Avery Chamber of Commerce is also pleased with the news the Parkway will remain open.
“I am thrilled with the support of our elected representatives and local officials. I am also thankful that the National Parks Service and Blue Ridge Parkway staff listened to our concerns and worked with us to find the best possible solution,” said Avery County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Robin Morgan.
For Grandfather Mountain, the news is welcome as they host the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in July and that section of the parkway is crucial for event traffic.
“I commend the Parkway staff, along with the many community leaders and elected officials who are working tirelessly—often behind the scenes—to help our region recover and thrive in the wake of Hurricane Helene as well as continuing the important ongoing maintenance to ensure the Parkway is open for visitors to the area to enjoy. Their commitment and collaboration are vital to maintaining access to this important corridor,” said Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation President and CEO Jesse Pope. “Grandfather Mountain remains a steadfast partner to the Blue Ridge Parkway during these challenging times. As a gateway community member, we are deeply invested in supporting the Parkway’s sustainability, not only for the present but for the enjoyment and benefit of generations to come.”
Transition to Summer Operations
With many campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers opening on the Blue Ridge Parkway this weekend, the National Park Service reminds park visitors and neighbors to plan ahead and be flexible to ensure a memorable Parkway experience this season.
Park visitors are encouraged to confirm schedules and operating hours for places within the park in advance. A comprehensive schedule for all park sites and locations, including visitor centers, campgrounds, picnic areas, and other popular destinations is available online or by downloading the NPS app. Campground reservation information is available at recreation.gov.
“As the Parkway and our neighbors recover and reopen from damage sustained during Hurricane Helene, we are reminded of the important relationship the parkway has with its gateway communities” shared Park Superintendent Tracy Swartout. “We encourage visitors to explore experiences both on and off the Parkway as a part of their summer plans. Many popular destinations on the Parkway will be open and our gateway communities are eager to support visitors from far and wide.”
As in most years, multiple planned road maintenance projects are underway, resulting in a variety of impacts along several sections of the Parkway. This year planned projects are joined by a series of Helene recovery projects now underway. Visitors must exercise caution around road projects and refrain from entering areas marked as closed- even on foot. The Parkway website and interactive map provides milepost by milepost status information with links to additional project information or detour maps where applicable.
Park visitors play an important role in preserving this park for future generations. Simple actions like packing out trash, driving the speed limit, and parking in authorized areas only, create a safer experience for everyone. The Parkway’s unique design, including steep grades, limited sight distances, and beautiful built-in distractions also means drivers must pay extra attention while navigating the route, especially during summer storms. Helpful driving, motorcycle, and hiking safety information is also available on the Parkway’s website.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the largest designed landscapes in the country, providing visitors with a wide variety of opportunities to experience southern Appalachian nature, history, and culture. The park’s drive-a-while, stop-a-while design enhances the experience; and whether driving the scenic route, hiking a trail or taking in a concert or ranger program, Parkway staff remind visitors to have a plan, recreate responsibly, and take time and explore the Parkway’s many gateway communities during their visit.