Blue Ridge Parkway Remains Open
The Blue Ridge Parkway will remain open during the federal government shutdown, according to Blue Ridge Parkway staff and supporting organizations.
Additionally, the Forest Service reports that the forestry entrance to Linville Falls on Old NC 105 will remain open, as well as other entrances and trails.
Here are some local Blue Ridge Parkway details confirmed by High Country Host:
- The motor road, overlooks, hiking trails, restrooms, and picnic areas will remain open.
- The Southern Highland Craft Guild will continue to operate regular hours inside the Manor and their porch demonstrations will continue as scheduled.
- Both Price Lake and Doughton Park campgrounds will remain open to walk-up reservations and (as of now) online reservations at Doughton Park.
- Private concessionaires (Price Lake Boat Rentals, Bluffs Restaurant, horseback trail ride and carriage ride operators) will stay open regular hours.
- The Moses Cone Manor will NOT have a ranger at the visitor desk, leading tours of the Manor or providing programming.
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The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation reports that, due to donor support, Foundation is providing funding for operations at the Blue Ridge Music Center, Minerals Museum of North Carolina, and Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville through Nov. 2, unless the shutdown ends earlier.
See their comprehensive Guide for Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway during the government shutdown HERE.
* The High Country Host Visitor Center remains open, just off the Parkway here in Blowing Rock. There, folks can find open restrooms and helpful information seven days a week!
*Note that the federal government shutdown does not impact the operation of our State Parks like Grandfather Mountain State Park, Elk Knob State Park, and Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. These will operate as usual.
*And, though it’s further south, you may have some folks asking about The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is fully open and operational, per an agreement for local funding that will ensure that staff are on duty to service restrooms, respond to visitors in need, and provide essential services to protect wildlife.
Stay Updated
The motor road will remain open, with the exception of the stretches where continuing road updates and Hurricane Helene recovery projects are taking place. For the most up-to-date information on closures, see the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Road Status Page.
For those interested in the full contingency plans for the National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and more, see them all at DOI.gov/shutdown.
Plan Ahead
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation encourages everyone to drive to scenic overlooks, hike trails, camp out, and enjoy a picnic surrounded by autumn colors! At the same time, it’s important for folks to plan trips carefully in consideration that some facilities will be closed.
When visiting our National Parks and Forests, please do your part to care for the park. Be prepared to pack out any items you bring in, specifically trash. This is especially important as staff and services are limited. Stay on designated trails, and follow the Leave No Trace Principles.
Visitor Services Potentially Impacted
While the Blue Ridge Parkway motor road and recreational areas will remain open, travelers may see limited services in different areas or other National Parks, or see closures of some facilities if the shutdown continues for an extended time. Parkway officials have said that they will continue to provide restrooms and trash removal as long as they have the funds to do so. According to the National Park Service Contingency Plan, visitor services will not be provided in National Parks during the shutdown and “as a general rule, if a facility or area is locked or secured during non-business hours (buildings, gated parking lots, etc.) it should be locked or secured for the duration of the shutdown.”
Locals may note that facility closures won’t impact as much in our immediate area of the Parkway, as the Linn Cove Visitor Center and Cone Manor restrooms have already been closed for repairs for some time (portable toilets are available at Cone). Several activities and attractions on this section of the Parkway operate independently of the National Park Service and will not discontinue operations due to the shutdown, like The Southern Highland Craft Guild, Price Lake Boat Rentals, trail ride operators, and the Bluffs Restaurant.