Access to nearly 55 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway was restored by the National Park Service on Wednesday, October 30 following Hurricane Helene. The reopening includes the sections from milepost 411.8 to 421 and milepost 423 to 469, though the area between the two sections remains closed.
Milepost 411.8 to 421 spans the area from US 276 to Black Balsam, including Graveyard Fields overlook & trailheads and all trails and crossings within the corridor. The section between 423.2 to 469 runs from NC 215 to US 441 in Cherokee, NC, near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Again, this includes all trails and crossing in the corridor, in addition to Heintooga Spur Road to the Masonic marker and the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and Park Store.
The area between the two open sections (from milepost 421 to 523.2), including Devil’s Courthouse, remains closed after a major landslide impacted the road during Hurricane Helene. Crews continue to work to clear debris from the entire Parkway, removing fallen trees and installing long-term closures on the more seriously damaged sections. Devil’s Courthouse will likely be closed for an extended period of time.
“The Parkway is an important travel corridor for our surrounding communities and a treasured recreation destination. Opening these additional miles of the Parkway in North Carolina is an important step forward, but much work remains. We ask that visitors stay out of the Devil’s Courthouse area and all other closed sections, even on foot, for their own safety. Any public use behind closed gates, including hiking and biking, puts workers and visitors at risk.” – Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout.
Anyone hoping to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway should do so with extreme caution, understanding that conditions may change. Trail assessments have not been completed, so those hoping to hike or recreate on one of the area’s many trails should be aware of a potential for downed trees, washouts, landslides, and other damage. Even in areas that have been reopened, visitors should exercise caution.