BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — A major section of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, which includes the famed Linn Cove Viaduct, has reopened for the first time since Hurricane Helene.
As of Wednesday morning, the stretch from milepost 285.5 at Bamboo Gap to milepost 305 near Beacon Heights is now accessible, offering visitors the chance to experience the stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the changing leaves once again. The Linn Cove Viaduct is at milepost 304.4.
This 20-mile section is the first to reopen in North Carolina since the storm, which left behind widespread destruction. It marks a major milestone in the road to recovery.
“We realize how critical the Parkway is for our region,” said Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout. “While much work remains, we are prioritizing our efforts in less-damaged areas that have the most impact for community connectivity, and that we are able to reopen safely. We are anticipating opening additional sections of the Parkway that support adjoining communities soon.”
The Linn Cove Viaduct is a major draw for visitors along the Parkway. It is one of the most photographed locations of all the overlooks. The reopening of the stretch of the Parkway containing the iconic bridge marks a big milestone in the road to recovery after Helene.
National Park Services officials ask visitors to still use caution as some facilities and trails remain closed for repairs.
Closed Areas:
- Moses Cone Manor House interior and Carriage Barn restrooms (milepost 294)
- Boone Fork Trail (milepost 296.5)
- Price Park Campground (milepost 296.9)
Open Areas:
- Bass Lake (restrooms available), milepost 294
- Moses Cone Manor House parking and carriage trails (no restrooms), milepost 294
- Price Lake Picnic Area (portable toilets available), milepost 296.4
Visitors should be cautious on reopened trails, which may still have debris, landslides, or washed-out sections. Crews are continuing to assess conditions.
So far, over 200 miles of the Parkway have been reopened.