Spring on the Blue Ridge Parkway: What You Need to Know Before You Go

If you are planning a spring adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway, whether you’re a seasoned visitor or a first-timer, it’s important to know what to expect before you hit the road. 

The parkway, which stretches along the Blue Ridge Mountains from Virginia to North Carolina, can be unpredictable, with sections that close on the whim of weather or due to road renovations.

Here’s what you need to know about the latest campground and picnic area openings and closures, as well as current road conditions.

On the southern end of the parkway in North Carolina, only two of the eight campgrounds have opened so far this spring, while picnic areas that remain open year-round are now accessible. 

For private campground owners and operators in the nearby area, this could mean an increase in demand for their services. 

However, it’s important to note that some visitors may prefer to stay within the park itself, so it’s wise to monitor the parkway’s website for the latest openings and closures.

Starting at the northernmost North Carolina section of the parkway and heading south, here are the picnic areas and campgrounds that are currently open, along with their milepost numbers and opening-closing dates:

Picnic areas:

• MP 241.1, Doughton Park Picnic Area, May 12-Oct. 30.

• MP 271.9, Jeffress Park Picnic Area, Open year round – no services in winter.

• MP 296.4, Price Park Picnic Area, Open year round – no services in winter.

• MP 316.4, Linville Falls Picnic Area, Open year round – no services in winter.

• MP 340.2, Crabtree Falls Picnic Area, May 12-Oct. 30.

• MP 367.6, Craggy Gardens Picnic Area, May 12-Oct. 30.

• MP 407.8, Mount Pisgah Picnic Area, May 12-Oct. 30.

Campgrounds:

• MP 239.2, Doughton Park Campground, May 26-Oct. 30.

• MP 296.9, Price Park Campground, A Loop – Open. Remaining loops open May 26-Oct. 30.

• MP 316.4, Linville Falls Campground, Open through Oct. 30.

• MP 339.5, Crabtree Falls Campground, May 26-Oct. 30.

• MP 408.8, Mount Pisgah Campground, May 26-Oct. 30.

If you’re planning to visit the parkway’s visitor centers, it’s important to note their opening dates and hours. 

The Parkway Visitor Center at Milepost 384 near the U.S. 74 entrance in Asheville and the Folk Art Center at MP 382 near the U.S. 70 entrance are open year-round but are subject to closures depending on the weather. 

Other visitor centers, including the Doughton Park Visitor Center, Moses Cone Manor House, Linn Cove Visitor Center, Linville Falls Visitor Center, North Carolina Museum of Minerals, Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, Asheville Visitor Center, and Waterrock Knob Visitor Center, have varying opening dates and hours.

Visitors should also be aware of any ongoing construction or road closures. The Price Lake Dam bridge, Milepost 296, is currently undergoing repairs, and visitors may experience single lane closures in the area. 

A two-week full road closure from MP 296.4 to MP 296.8 is scheduled for early June, with a signed detour to route visitors around the project area.

While the National Park Service campgrounds may have limited availability during the spring season, private campground owners and operators in the nearby area can provide alternative options for those seeking camping experiences. 

These private campgrounds often have more amenities and availability than the National Park Service campgrounds, providing visitors with a comfortable and convenient camping experience.