BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY, North Carolina — A few more miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway that had been closed since Hurricane Helene ripped through North Carolina last fall reopened to motorists on Monday.
The opening, from milepost 280.9 to 285.5 near Bamboo Gap, marks another milestone in the completion of a series of initial recovery projects currently underway along the historic route.
National Park Service personnel identified at least 57 landslides of varying complexity across nearly 200 miles of western North Carolina as a result of Hurricane Helene. Work to restore road access, repair road damage, and stabilize these slides began in the fall of 2024, and is planned in three phases.
At the same time access is restored in areas damaged by Helene, ongoing and nearby road maintenance projects are also advancing. A major road rehabilitation project, funded through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), will also begin work in an adjacent section of the park this week, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of this historic legislation.
Also on Aug. 4, from milepost 276.4 to 280.9, a closure took effect so crews could continue work in a small section of this ongoing legacy project. A signed detour is in place in the area, routing traffic around the parkway on US 221, US 421, and Old 421 S to the access at milepost 280.9 (near Parkway Elementary School). Work in this section is planned to be complete in October.
For safety reasons, the park asks that people continue to respect remaining closures due to both Helene recovery work as well as other repair work. Multiple seen and unseen hazards exist in closed areas, and crews and heavy equipment at work make areas unsafe. Visitors should also be aware that trail assessments are also still underway, and caution should be exercised as hikers may encounter hazards on trails such as landslides, tree debris, and washed-out sections or bridges.
Visitors should plan carefully for any trip along the Parkway and consult the park’s website for a wide variety of planning tools. The park’s website provides extensive information, including current road status, multiple regional maps, and other helpful information, about the park’s recovery process.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
