BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — An unofficial popular sledding hill is closed in the Blowing Rock area of Blue Ridge Parkway near Shulls Mill Road — effective immediately, according to park officials.
On Wednesday, Dec. 13, Blue Ridge Parkway officials said the area known as "Sled Hill" near milepost 294.5 can't handle large amounts of traffic, and the hill wasn't meant for snow play.
The following winter activities are now prohibited:
- sledding
- tubing
- skiing
- snowboarding
In addition to the closure, officials said parking is forbidden along the nearby Parkway administrative access road and other areas of Shulls Mill Road within park boundaries.
Blue Ridge Parkway Officials posted the following statement on Facebook regarding the closure:
“The growing popularity of winter recreation activities in this area unfortunately can no longer be accommodated. The area was not designed for snow play or a high level of pedestrian use, and these activities, combined with roadside parking, have created a dangerous situation for park visitors,” said Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout. “In recent years staff have witnessed multiple near misses of adults and children with passing vehicles due to unsafe conditions, high volumes of traffic, and poor sight lines. While we know that this will be disappointing to many of our winter visitors, we must take this action in the interest of visitor safety.”
Park staff will install fencing and signage closing off the area soon.
Citing can occur for those who are not in compliance with the closure.
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