(Updated March 11, 2026)
The Blue Ridge Parkway is getting some much-needed repairs in 2026! We are excited to see these improvements being completed this year, which will ensure enjoyable use and safe access to the Parkway for many years to come.
See the project announcement from the Blue Ridge Parkway here.
See the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Road Status & Closures page here.
Here’s what you need to know when visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock this year!
When will construction be taking place?
Work on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock begins in mid-March of 2026 and is expected to be complete in the fall of 2026.
Will the Blue Ridge Parkway be closed for construction near Blowing Rock?
Yes, closures will occur in staggered sections. Detours will be in use and marked so you can still access your favorite Blue Ridge Parkway features throughout the project.
Which attractions or trailheads will still be accessible?
At all times, the contractor will maintain uninterrupted access from either the north or the south to these visitor facilities and recreation areas: Cone Memorial Park, Price Lake, popular Grandfather Mountain trailheads and Linn Cove trailhead parking.
- Popular attractions and trailheads are marked by the nodes on the project map (see below) and include Cone Manor, Price Lake, Rough Ridge parking, and Linn Cove trail head parking. Alternating closures will be set between nodes.
- Price Lake Boat Rentals will reopen on April 3; see website for hours and details.
- Price Lake Campground is set to open May 22; reservations available at recreation.gov.
- After an initial 3-4 week closure in March and early April, the Boone Fork Parking Area (Milepost 299.9, used as trailhead for some Grandfather State Park trails) will also be accessible from at least one direction like the others.
What sections are currently closed?
Beginning the week of March 16 the sections listed below are closed. For reference, Blowing Rock is located around milepost 294. See these sections marked in red on the maps below.
- Milepost 291.9 at Highway 321 in Blowing Rock to milepost 294 at Cone Manor. (Step 1A)
- Milepost 298.6 at Holloway Mountain Road to milepost 302.8 at Rough Ridge Overlook. (Step 1A)
- Milepost 280.9 at Old 421 in Deep Gap to milepost 285 at Bamboo Road. (Step 1B)
Which sections will be open or closed during my visit?
Active closure sections will be noted on the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Road Status & Closures page. Check the closures page often. Information on upcoming sections or section order has not been shared at this time.
A signed detour route, along with a system of signs on secondary roads, will direct visitors from the main detour route to attractions along this corridor. All active detour maps can be found here.
For information about specific trail closures along the Parkway, click here.
Can I still access closed sections on foot or by bike?
No. Within active closures, all activity is prohibited for cars, bicycles and hikers to ensure the safety of Parkway visitors and staff. Heavy equipment and workers will regularly be moving through the project area.
Why is this work happening now?
This is the final phase of work on a $100M+ project, spanning 75 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The project includes repaving and rehabilitation along the mainline motor road, as well as repairs to road drainage structures, curbs, walks, shoulders, guardrails, overlooks and signage. Funding for this project comes from the Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund. Learn more about this funding and project here.
Additional work to repair damage from Helene on sections south of Linville Falls is also expected to be completed this year. Learn more about Helene Recovery Projects on the Blue Ridge Parkway here.
