On Wednesday morning, October 30, 2024, the National Park Service restored access for approximately 55 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway:

Milepost 411.8 to 421, US 276 to Black Balsam:

◦ Cemetery Grounds overlooks milepost 418.8 and overlooks trailheads.

◦ All roads and trail crossings in this corridor (use extreme caution).

• Milepost 423.2 to 469, NC 215 to US 441 in Cherokee, near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

◦ All roads and trail crossings in this corridor (use extreme caution).

◦ Heintooga Spur Road to Mason sign.

◦ The Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and Park Store at milepost 451.2 will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through November 11, 2024.

The section between the two open sections and mileposts 421 through 423.2, which includes Devil’s Courthouse, remains closed to all uses due to a significant landslide that affected the road during Hurricane Helene.

Areas along the Parkway were closed as crews continued to clear widespread debris, remove hazardous trees and place hardened closures around sections of roadway that would require long-term reconstruction. NPS expects the closure of Devils Courthouse to continue for an extended period of time while permanent reconstruction plans are developed and implemented.

“The Parkway is an important travel corridor and valuable recreation center for surrounding communities,” said Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout. “Opening these additional miles of the Parkway in North Carolina is an important step forward, but there is still much work to be done. We ask that visitors avoid the Devil’s Court area and all other closed sections, even on foot, for their own safety. Walking behind closed doors and any public use, including cycling, puts employees and visitors at risk.”

Conditions on park roads and trails are still evolving due to the intensity of the storm and are expected to continue to change in the coming weeks and months. Visitors should anticipate changing conditions and share travel plans with others in advance.

NPS has not yet completed trail evaluations and caution is advised for trail users who may encounter hazards from landslides, fallen or leaning trees, washout, and other damage. Use caution when visiting open areas, including trails.

Current known conditions and updates for the Parkway are available online at www.nps.gov/blri and on the park’s social media platforms @BlueRidgeNPS (Facebook, X, and Instagram).