Thursday, June 19, 2025

The Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its scenic beauty, attracting millions of visitors annually with its panoramic mountain views, flowing waterfalls, and lush forests. Stretching across 469 miles through North Carolina and Virginia, this iconic route managed by the National Park Service is one of the most visited national park properties in the United States. Despite suffering significant damage from Hurricane Helene in 2024, the Blue Ridge Parkway continues to be a major destination for travelers, although some sections remain affected by the storm’s aftermath.

Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the Southeastern United States, leaving behind widespread devastation. The storm caused the loss of over 250 lives and generated nearly $80 billion in damages. The Blue Ridge Parkway was severely impacted, with extreme rainfall and wind gusts up to 100 mph leading to flooding, landslides, and fallen trees.

Key points of the hurricane damage included:

Despite facing challenges such as budget cuts and staffing shortages, the National Park Service has worked relentlessly to restore the parkway. However, full recovery will take time, and several areas remain closed due to ongoing repairs.

As of 2025, much of the Blue Ridge Parkway is accessible, but certain sections remain closed due to the storm’s lasting effects. Here’s a summary of what’s open and closed:

Although parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway are closed, the National Park Service has designated several detour routes for travelers. A detour is available from east of Boone, NC, to Cumberland Knob near the Virginia state line. This alternative route allows visitors to explore scenic areas while bypassing closed sections of the parkway.

Local towns along the parkway are eager to welcome visitors back, especially after the storm disrupted last year’s leaf-peeping season. Kitty Honeycutt, executive director of the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, highlights the importance of exploring nearby towns: “The communities along the parkway are eager to show visitors what they have to offer, and it’s a great opportunity to discover local attractions.”

For visitors planning to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway, staying updated on road closures is crucial. The National Park Service regularly updates its list of closures to ensure travelers are informed about the latest conditions.

Here’s a quick overview:

While certain sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway remain closed, there are many nearby attractions that visitors can enjoy. These attractions provide an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the region without venturing too far from the parkway.

Some alternative spots include:

These destinations are perfect for those looking to enjoy the area’s beauty while avoiding some of the disruptions caused by the hurricane.

The National Park Service is working hard to repair the Blue Ridge Parkway, but full recovery will take time. Some sections of the parkway may remain closed for several months or even years. However, the NPS is optimistic that more areas will reopen by summer or fall.

To stay informed about the latest updates on road closures and reopening schedules, visitors are encouraged to check the National Park Service’s official resources regularly. While full recovery is a long-term process, there’s still plenty to explore, and the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway remains intact.

Despite the impact of Hurricane Helene, the Blue Ridge Parkway is still a stunning destination for travelers. With much of the parkway now open and more areas expected to reopen soon, visitors can still experience the parkway’s iconic vistas and natural beauty.

The National Park Service remains committed to restoring the parkway, and while recovery efforts are ongoing, the scenic views and charming surroundings are as beautiful as ever. Be sure to check for updates on road closures and explore the surrounding Blue Ridge attractions while the parkway continues its recovery.