Blue Ridge Parkway managers are announcing several closures with preparations underway in anticipation of the first fall/winter storm of the season.
Several campgrounds originally scheduled to be open through this weekend, are now closed. They are:
- Mt. Pisgah Campground, Milepost 408.8
- Linville Falls Campground, Milepost 316.4
- Doughton Park Campground, Milepost 239.2
Campers who were in these campgrounds last night are in the process of checking out, and once all campsites are clear, these campgrounds will be closed for the season. Any advance reservations for the remainder of this weekend will be refunded if necessary.
In addition, through the late afternoon and evening of Friday, October 31, 2014, Parkway rangers will be proactively closing gates in potentially impacted areas along the motor road. Should the storm not materialize as forecasted, the road will be opened as soon as possible the following morning or when conditions allow. The best source for updated closure information is the interactive Map available via the Park website at http://www.nps.gov/maps/blri/road-closures/.
Guests with reservations tonight at Parkway concession lodging facility, the Pisgah Inn at Milepost 408, will be permitted to stay through the evening. Parkway and concession managers are making arrangements for any guests to leave safely by mid-day tomorrow when conditions are expected to improve.
In order to proactively address road travel safety, please be advised that determinations for future weather related closures will be made based on pending forecasts. In addition, Parkway visitors during the fall and winter seasons are always reminded to take time to prepare vehicles for cooler temperatures and include extra clothes and perhaps some snacks and water in the event of an accident or extended trip due to changing conditions. In addition to the interactive map, visitors are encouraged to visit BlueRidgeParkwayWeather.com for additional updates.