Nearly 200 Miles of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway Reopen After Hurricane Helene

The Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia has reopened a significant portion of its scenic route following damage assessments and repairs after Hurricane Helene. As of Friday, October 11, the National Park Service announced that the parkway from milepost 0 to milepost 198 in Virginia is now open to visitors, just in time for the peak fall season.

The reopening includes several popular visitor centers such as Humpback Rocks, James River, and Peaks of Otter, which have had power and water restored. Additionally, the Mabry Mill Cultural Site and the Eastern National/America’s National Parks sales outlet will be operational. The Peaks of Otter and Rocky Knob campgrounds will operate on a first-come, first-served basis until October 14, after which existing reservations will be honored.

Despite the progress in Virginia, the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina remains closed due to substantial damage caused by the hurricane. Crews are still conducting emergency stabilization and damage assessments in North Carolina, with no immediate timeline for reopening.

Tracy Swartout, superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, praised the hard work of the parkway crews and emphasized the importance of the parkway to the local economy through tourism and community engagement. However, she also acknowledged the significant and long-term work that remains in North Carolina.

Visitors are advised to exercise caution when venturing off the parkway, as many trails have not been fully assessed for safety. The National Park Service will continue to update the public through their website and social media platforms.

The reopening of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia is a welcome development for fall foliage enthusiasts, although the severe impact of the hurricane on the natural scenery, particularly above 4,000 feet, may affect the usual picturesque views.