Parkway Reopens Road Sections in North Carolina and Virginia Following Hurricane Helene
Last Updated on October 5, 2026
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The National Park Service, following President Trump’s directive, has expedited recovery efforts on the Blue Ridge Parkway after Hurricane Helene. Key road sections and camping loops have reopened just in time for the peak fall tourism season.
Recent openings mark significant strides in recovery efforts funded by the American Relief Act and the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund (GAOA LRF). Visitors can now drive uninterrupted from James River (milepost 63.7) in Virginia to Little Switzerland (near milepost 344) in North Carolina.
Deputy Secretary of the Interior Kate MacGregor stated, “Of the 60 slide repairs required, 48 are complete, restoring access to 458 of the Parkway’s 469 miles.” Efforts continue on the final 11 miles, supporting local communities and economies dependent on tourism.
Superintendent Tracy Swartout emphasized the importance of these reopenings during October, a critical month for regional tourism.
Recent road repair successes include:
- Milepost 317.5 to 324.7 (south of Linville Falls)
- Milepost 333.9 to 340.2 (Little Switzerland)
In Roanoke, Virginia, milepost 115 to 121 has also reopened following a rehabilitation project. Additional openings in North Carolina include the Deep Gap Bridge (milepost 276.4) and camping loops B and D at Julian Price Campground (milepost 297).
Reservations for the Julian Price Campground are available through October 30 at recreation.gov. More information on road statuses and other visitor resources can be found at www.nps.gov/blri.
Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville Falls, NC. NPS Photo.
