198 Miles of Blue Ridge Parkway Now Reopened: What to Expect After Hurricane Helene

The Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic and beloved stretch of road connecting the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, has begun reopening after an extended closure caused by Hurricane Helene. Nearly 200 miles of this iconic route, which offers stunning views and access to cultural landmarks, is now open to travelers once again. The reopening of this section, from milepost 0 to milepost 198, brings good news to local communities and visitors eager to enjoy the beauty of the region, especially during the fall foliage season. This blog will detail the phased reopening of the Blue Ridge Parkway, key sites that have reopened, and what visitors can expect while traveling through this breathtaking corridor.

Phased Reopening of the Blue Ridge Parkway

After the significant impacts of Hurricane Helene, the Blue Ridge Parkway is reopening in phases. This first phase includes the reopening of 198 miles of the parkway in Virginia, stretching from Shenandoah National Park southward to Virginia Route 685 near Fancy Gap. As of Friday, October 11, this portion of the parkway is open to the public, providing access to popular visitor centers, campgrounds, and cultural sites along the route.

According to the National Park Service (NPS), the next phase will see the reopening of the parkway from milepost 198 to milepost 217 at the North Carolina state line, with an official reopening date to be announced soon. While this marks a significant milestone in the recovery efforts, the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina remains closed as crews continue their work to stabilize the road and repair storm damage.

The gradual reopening of the parkway is a testament to the hard work of Blue Ridge Parkway staff and NPS employees who, alongside volunteers from across 32 states and the District of Columbia, have worked tirelessly to clear debris and restore this critical scenic route.

What to Expect Along the Route

For travelers planning to drive or hike along the reopened portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway, several key areas have reopened:

• Humpback Rocks Visitor Center: Located near the northern end of the parkway, this visitor center offers insight into the region’s cultural history and provides a gateway to several scenic trails.
• James River and Peaks of Otter Visitor Centers: Further down the parkway, these centers have also reopened, offering information on the natural and historical features of the surrounding areas.
• Mabry Mill Cultural Site: One of the most photographed spots along the parkway, the Mabry Mill is once again welcoming visitors. The site’s visitor center and the Eastern National/America’s National Parks sales outlet will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
• Peaks of Otter and Rocky Knob Campgrounds: These campgrounds are operating on a first-come, first-served basis until October 14, after which existing reservations will be honored.

It’s important to note that while these facilities are open, visitors may encounter reduced services. Many park employees are assisting with operations in North Carolina, where the parkway remains closed. Additionally, trail assessments are still ongoing, so hikers should exercise caution when exploring the reopened areas.

The Importance of the Parkway’s Reopening

The Blue Ridge Parkway is more than just a road; it is a cultural and economic lifeline for many communities along its route. The prolonged closure due to Hurricane Helene came during one of the busiest times of the year—fall foliage season—when visitors from across the country and around the world flock to the region to witness the stunning display of autumn colors.

Governor Glenn Youngkin emphasized the significance of the parkway’s reopening for local businesses, many of which rely heavily on tourism for their livelihoods. “Virginia is excited to announce that the Blue Ridge Parkway, the nation’s most-visited park, is once again open for business. This is fantastic news for our communities, especially for the small businesses that rely on parkway travelers for their livelihoods,” Youngkin stated. The reopening will undoubtedly provide a much-needed boost to the local economy as the region continues to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

The Road Ahead: North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway

While the reopening of the Virginia portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a cause for celebration, there is still much work to be done in North Carolina. Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to the parkway in this state, where emergency stabilization efforts are still underway. The NPS is working diligently to assess and repair the affected areas, with updates expected in the coming weeks.

Superintendent Tracy Swartout of the Blue Ridge Parkway acknowledged the progress made in Virginia while recognizing the challenges that remain. “While we celebrate this achievement, we also recognize that significant and, in some areas, long-term work remains in North Carolina,” Swartout said. “We are committed to restoring all sections of the parkway to the highest standards of safety and accessibility for our visitors.”

Visitor Safety and Tips

If you’re planning a trip to the reopened portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway, keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Exercise caution when hiking: While many trails are open, assessments are still ongoing in some areas. Be mindful of potential hazards such as fallen trees, debris, or erosion.
• Check for updates: Before setting out, visit the NPS website or follow @BlueRidgeNPS on social media for the latest updates on park conditions and closures.
• Prepare for limited services: With many park employees focused on recovery efforts in North Carolina, some facilities may offer reduced services. Plan ahead and bring any necessary supplies.
• Support local businesses: As the region recovers, consider supporting small businesses along the parkway that have been impacted by the prolonged closure.

In Summary

The reopening of 198 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia is a significant step forward in the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. Visitors can once again enjoy the stunning views and cultural landmarks along this scenic route, from Shenandoah National Park to Fancy Gap. While the entire length of the parkway in North Carolina remains closed, the NPS is committed to restoring this treasured route to full functionality. As you explore the reopened areas, remember to stay informed, exercise caution, and support the communities that rely on the Blue Ridge Parkway for their livelihoods.

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