23 Oct 2024
Tags: blue ridge parkway, Roanoke, Virginia, fall travel, Scenic Drives, Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 0 to milepost 198 in Virginia, which closed due to impacts from Hurricane Helene, reopened at 8 a.m. on Friday, October 11. This includes almost 200 miles of the scenic byway from Shenandoah National Park south to Virginia Route 685. Visitors to the region will be able to access iconic locations and experiences such as the Peaks of Otter (Milepost 86), Roanoke County's Explore Park (Milepost 115), Rocky Knob (Milepost 161), and Mabry Mill (Milepost 176), as well as numerous scenic overlooks and vistas.
“We are extremely thankful that much of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia has reopened to the public following Hurricane Helene,” said Landon Howard, president of Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge. “Virginia's Blue Ridge Region (the Cities of Roanoke & Salem and Counties of Botetourt, Franklin, and Roanoke), was fortunate to have sustained minimal damage during the storm, and our hearts go out to our neighbors who are still cleaning up from Helene. “
Often known as “America's Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway showcases the natural beauty of the region, especially during this time of year when fall foliage is at or near its peak (anticipated peak: end of October). Roanoke, the largest city in Virginia that is on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is an ideal home base for those looking to explore the area. Local businesses, including accommodations, restaurants and attractions, are open and welcoming visitors. Popular festivals and events, such as The Roanoke GO Outside Festival (October 18 – 20) and the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival (October 26) will be taking place. The metro mountain adventure of Virginia's Blue Ridge offers outdoor and city-life experiences alike, including arts and culture, vibrant culinary and craft beverage offerings, biking, paddling, hiking and more.
The Blue Ridge Parkway in N.C. remains closed as crews continue emergency stabilization and damage assessments following Hurricane Helene. Updates will be posted on the Blue Ridge Parkway website at www.nps.gov/blri and on the park's social media platforms at @BlueRidgeNPS (Facebook, X and Instagram).
To learn more about how to support those in need, we encourage you to consider contributing to the following organizations:
Feeding America Southwest Virginia - feedingswva.org
United Way of Southwest Virginia - unitedwayswva.org
