(Updated June 19, 2026)
You can access your favorite Blue Ridge Parkway locations while the 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 in sections 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, some closures will occur in staggered sections. Detours will be used so you can still access your favorite Blue Ridge Parkway attractions and features throughout the project.
Which attractions or trailheads will still be accessible?
Cone Memorial Park, Price Lake, Rough Ridge parking, and Linn Cove trailhead parking will have uninterrupted access- from either the north or the south- throughout all phases of the project.
- Attractions and trailheads are marked by the nodes on the project map (see below). Alternating closures will be set between nodes.
- Price Lake Boat Rentals is now open; see website for hours and details.
- Price Lake Campground reservations available at recreation.gov.
- The Southern Highland Craft Guild Shop at Moses Cone Manor is now open. See hours on the Guild’s website.
What sections are currently closed?
Progress continues on the North Carolina Great American Outdoors Act Project, and closures are shifting. Contractors are currently working on Step 6A.
- The area between Cone Manor and Price Lake is closed.
- To get to Cone Manor, access the Parkway at Highway 321 in Blowing Rock and turn south on the Parkway.
- To get to Price Lake, access the Blue Ridge Parkway via Holloway Mountain Road and turn north on the Parkway.
- The area between Boone Fork Parking Area and Rough Ridge is closed.
- To get to Boone Fork Parking (and Grandfather Mountain State Park trails), access the Blue Ridge Parkway via Holloway Mountain Road and turn south on the Parkway.
- To get to Rough Ridge, access the Blue Ridge Parkway at Highway 221 about 15 miles south of Blowing Rock, then turn north on the Parkway.
You can expect Step 6A (map below) to be in place until the week of July 4th, when the area between Cone Manor and Price Lake will be opened for holiday traffic. Closure will resume after the holiday.
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 open/closed status 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 at Linville Falls and Parkway sections further south is also expected to be completed this year. Learn more about Helene Recovery Projects on the Blue Ridge Parkway here.
