Black bears are among the many mammals found across the Blue Ridge Parkway.
A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals, and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region of the country so special.
On August 22, the National Park Service announced completion of a landslide repair project located at milepost 401.5, near Ferrin Knob Tunnel No. 3, on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Completion of this project restores access from milepost 393, near US191 in Asheville, NC, to milepost 420, two miles south of the Graveyard Fields area.
LAUREL SPRINGS, NC – On August 15, 2025, the National Park Service reopened eight miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 221.8 to 229.7, south of the North Carolina/Virginia state line. Opening this road section signifies the completion of both a long-planned bridge maintenance project and a Helene recovery project due a landslide at milepost 224.9.
On August 15, the National Park Service will reopen over 30 campsites in Loop A of Julian Price Campground, located at milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. All reopening sites will be available by reservation through the end of October. First come, first served sites are not available this season.
BLOWING ROCK, NC – On Monday, July 21, 2025, Blue Ridge Parkway officials opened a section of the 469-mile historic route in North Carolina from milepost 305.2, near Beacon Heights and U.S. 221, to milepost 317.5, at U.S. 221 at the access point to the Linville Falls community.