Barring a spring storm, facilities along the 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway will begin opening for the high season on April 1, with most facilities open by June 1.
The current schedule for open facilities calls for most areas to be fully operational by May 9, although the Smart View Picnic Area might not open before June 14.
“We are very happy to restore services at a number of facilities this season. We recognize how important these areas are to local communities and the traveling public," said Parkway Superintendent Mark Woods. "The Parkway is an important resource for many reasons for many people. Restoring services at these facilities is an honor for us.”
Preparations are underway now to bring water systems back on line, plan a schedule of engaging interpretive programs, clear debris from overlooks and campgrounds, hire seasonal staff in a number of operational areas, and much more across the 469-mile region.
From backcountry 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.
2014 Blue Ridge Parkway Season Opening Schedule
Milepost
Facility
Open Date
Notes:
CAMPGROUNDS (For reservation information visit recreation.gov)
60.8
Otter Creek Campground
9-May
Full services available.
85.6
Peaks of Otter Campground
9-May
Full services available.
120.4
Roanoke Mtn Campground
9-May
Available for day use only in Loop A; Sunday Mtn. Music programs begin May 25, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
167.1
Rocky Knob Campground
9-May
Two loops open for season.
239.2
Doughton Park Campground
9-May
RV loop and one tent camping loop open for season.
296.9
Price Park Campground
9-May
Full services available.
316.4
Linville Falls Campground
9-May
Full services available.
408.8
Mt. Pisgah Campground
9-May
Full services available.
CONCESSION FACILITIES
85.6
Peaks of Otter Lodge
11-Apr
Full services available; visit peaksofotter.com for more information.
176.2
Mabry Mill Restaurant & Gift Shop
1-May
Visit mabrymillrestaurant.com for more information.
258.7
Northwest Trading Post
19-Apr
Visit facebook.com/profile.php?id=531619223549658 for more information
294
Parkway Craft Center at the Moses Cone Manor
15-Mar
Visit craftguild.org for more information.
296.9
Price Park Boat Rental
9-May
Visit wix.com/pricelakeboatrentals/blueridgeparkway for more information.
382.2
Folk Art Center
Open Year Round
Visit craftguild.org for more information.
408.8
Pisgah Inn & Restaurant
1-Apr
Visit pisgahinn.com for more information.
PICNIC AREAS (Restrooms available at picnic areas)
8.5
Humpback Rocks Picnic Area
9-May
63.6
James River Picnic Area
9-May
85.6
Peaks of Otter Picnic Area
9-May
154.5
Smart View Picnic Area
14-June
169
Rocky Knob Picnic Area
9-May
188.8
Groundhog Picnic Area
9-May
217.5
Cumberland Knob Picnic Area
9-May
241.1
Doughton Park Picnic Area
9-May
271.9
Jeffress Park Picnic Area
9-May
296.4
Price Park Picnic Area
9-May
316.4
Linville Falls Picnic Area
9-May
Portable toilets available first week of fishing season, April 2 - 9; Full services available May 9
367.6
Craggy Gardens Picnic Area
Late May
Pending road construction project completion
407.8
Mt. Pisgah Picnic Area
9-May
VISITOR CONTACT STATIONS & AREAS OF INTEREST
6
Humpback Rocks Visitor Center
3-May
Open Daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
6
Humpback Rocks Farm
18-May
Historic cabins and farmlife demonstrations Th. – Tues., 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
63.6
James River Visitor Center
16-May
Open Wed. - Sun., 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
85.6
Peaks of Otter Visitor Center
18-May
Open Daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
85.6
Johnson Farm
31-May
Open Wed. - Sun., 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
169
Rocky Knob Visitor Center
24-May
Weekends only, Sat. - Sun., 10:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.
176.2
Mabry Mill Developed Area
10-May
Weekends only, May 10 - 24. Open daily beginning May 25 , 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
213
Blue Ridge Music Center
Staggered beginning May 10
Thurs. -Mon., 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with Mid-day Mountain Music available daily from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Open Daily beginning May 23; Concert Season begins May 24, visit blueridgemusiccenter.com for more information.
238.5
Brinegar Cabin
24-May
Open Sat. & Sun. only, 10:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m. (including holidays)
294
Moses Cone Manor House
25-Apr
Open daily, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. Manor House Tours available by reservation after June 7
304.4
Linn Cove Visitor Center
3-May
Open daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
316.4
Linville Falls Visitor Center
9-May
Open daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with portable toilets from April 2 to May 9
330.9
North Carolina Museum of Minerals
Open Year Round
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
364.5
Craggy Gardens Visitor Center
Late May
Pending road construction project completion; once open daily hours, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
382.2
Folk Art Center
Open Year Round
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m./6:00 p.m.; Visit southernhighlandguild.org for more information.
384.5
Asheville Visitor Center
Open Year Round
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
451.2
Waterrock Knob Visitor Center
25-Apr
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
* Please note, schedule subject to change. Check nps.gov/blri or facebook.com/BlueRidgeNPS for updates and other park information.
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