As of Wednesday, October 23, the Blue Ridge Parkway is open between Blowing Rock and Beacon Heights near Grandfather Mountain! Post-Helene assessments have been completed on this portion of the Parkway so it’s now open for safe travel. The Grandfather Mountain attraction is now open as well!
The area between mileposts 285 and 305 on the Blue Ridge Parkway includes many favorite locations, including Thunder Hill Overlook, Cone Estate, Price Lake, Rough Ridge, and Beacon Heights. There are also several overlooks for enjoying views of some colorful foliage developing at lower elevations. Foliage is well past-peak at higher elevations due to high winds and seasonal timing- see our most recent foliage update here.
There are still some partial closures and things to keep in mind with this reopening of our local section of the Parkway. Above all, the Park Service warns that while many trails are open, they should be used with extreme caution as some trail assessments are ongoing. Visitors may encounter hazards on trails such as landslides, fallen trees, and washed-out sections or bridges. They urge visitors to follow directions on local signage regarding facility or trail closures, which may change at any time. Additionally, please remember: closed means closed. Please respect the assessment and repair process so that it can continue unhindered!
Here are some things to note at various places as you enjoy the waning fall season on this section of the Blue Ridge Parkway:
Moses Cone Estate
Open: Parking and trails, Restrooms at Bass Lake
Closed: Interior of Manor House, Carriage Barn Restrooms
Park at Flat Top Manor, also known as the Cone Mansion, to access miles of carriage trails and great views from the manor itself. Though the manor house and Southern Highland Craft Guild will not reopen until the spring, it’s still worth viewing the house and exploring the surrounding trails. Restrooms are not available in the Carriage Barn adjacent to the manor; they remain closed at this time.
Feeling up to a challenging hike? A 6-mile round-trip route takes hikers to the fire tower at the highest point on Flat Top mountain and back again. The tower is open to climb to the top and the views are incredible!
Access Bass Lake Trail from Hwy 221 for an easy, 1 mile stroll around the scenic lake. The restrooms at Bass Lake are open.
Price Park
Open: Picnic Area (expect portable toilets)
Closed: Campground, Boone Fork Trail
Enjoy an incredible picnic area, Price Lake, and some of the best hiking on the Blue Ridge Parkway inside Julian Price Memorial Park. The picnic area features dozens of sites with tables and grills, along with restrooms and expansive parking. The Price Lake Trail loops around the lake, and Green Knob Trail offers a more strenuous 2.3 mile route through diverse terrain. Note that Boone Fork Trail remains closed for repairs.
Bring a pole (and NC or TN fishing license) to enjoy some serene lake fishing along calm waters. A public boat launch is available for non-motorized watercraft. Price Lake Boat Rentals offers canoe and kayak rentals and is re-opening through the end October- check their website for details on the remainder of their 2024 season!
Rough Ridge Trail
Please note that the Rough Ridge section of the Tanawha Trail is steep and rugged; less-experienced hikers should avoid this hike until the NPS confirms that all assessments have been completed. The hike is fairly strenuous but short, and incredibly popular. In fact, if the parking area is full, please plan to return at another time. The trail is located in a unique ecological area and overuse can lead to habitat degradation.
Linn Cove Viaduct
This engineering marvel is an iconic Parkway feature and thankfully, inspections of the Linn Cove Viaduct revealed no significant impacts from Hurricane Helene! The s-curve bridge seems to float along the slopes of Grandfather Mountain. Driving over the Linn Cove Viaduct is a can’t-miss experience! If you’d like to get a closer look, a narrow trail offers access along the edge of the roadway. Park at Yonahlossee Overlook, a small parking area at the northern end of the Linn Cove Viaduct. A footpath leads from the parking area toward the Viaduct.
Beacon Heights
This popular view can be enjoyed by hiking from the Beacon Heights parking area just before milepost 305. It’s a moderate hike, just under a mile, that follows a portion of the NC Mountains To Sea Trail. The hike ends at two wide, rock outcroppings with panoramic southern views. The foliage in these views is mostly spent at this point in the season, but the view is still incredible and well worth the hike. The trail goes though forested area, so be especially wary of fallen trees or hanging limbs.
Grandfather Mountain
It’s a beautiful drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Grandfather Mountain any time of year. From Blowing Rock, take the Blue Ridge Parkway south just 11 miles. The entrance to Grandfather Mountain is 1 mile down Hwy 221 after exiting the Parkway. The Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, Mildred the Bear Environmental Habitats, Top Shop and Mile High Swinging Bridge, access to the Woods Walk, Bridge Trail, Black Rock Trail and Grandfather Loop are now open! As always, booking tickets and a reservation time online in advance is highly recommended. Guests purchasing Grandfather Mountain admission tickets online will have the option to make a donation toward the park’s ongoing Hurricane Helene disaster relief fund.
Please note that Grandfather Mountain State Park is a separate entity from the Grandfather Mountain Attraction and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation has announced that all North Carolina State Parks west of I-77 are closed through at least the end of October. This means that trails inside Grandfather Mountain State Park that are accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway may not be open for hiking until sometime later. Please obey all posted closings. Visit the State Park’s official website for updates.
Looking for more fun activities around Blowing Rock? Try one of our local attractions like attractions like The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, The Blowing Rock, Mystery Hill, and Doc’s Rocks and make a reservation for activities like Sky Valley Zip Tours, High Gravity Adventures, and Tee 2 Green Indoor Golf.
For up-to-date programming, check out our event calendar!