The National Park Service is implementing an increase for camping and other associated fees on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Rate changes include frontcountry and backcountry camping site fees, as well as non-camper user fees for shower and dump station services.
Long-shuttered businesses along the Blue Ridge Parkway, including the Bluffs Lodge, could reopen if the National Park Service receives any interest from businesses willing to take on the challenge.
A section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Milepost 222 to Milepost 230 in North Carolina will close on Monday for needed repairs to three historic bridges located at mileposts 223.8, 224.7 and 227.5. Bridge repairs include reconstruction work to replace concrete bridge decks and railing systems and rehabilitation of stone masonry.
A wildfire in the Jefferson National Forest in Virginia prompted a closure Wednesday of 20 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway due to smoky conditions and to allow firefighters to stage equipment for fighting the fire.
With increased fire danger in western North Carolina and southwest Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway is temporarily banning backcountry campfires effective immediately. To ensure public safety and to provide the highest degree of protection to park resources, this fire restriction will be in effect until further notice.