Here’s the press release from the Blue Ridge Parkway:
NC/VA – Blue Ridge Parkway managers are pleased to announce that park operations are once again open and available to visitors. Visitors can once again access all facilities, campgrounds, and other public services that were open prior to October 1, when operations closed due to the lapse in Congressional appropriations.
“We are excited and happy to be back at work and welcoming visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway,” said Superintendent Mark Woods. “October is historically the most visited month on the Parkway and we’re pleased we can end our season on a high note, providing the high quality visitor experiences that people love about the Parkway.” The Parkway, a unit of the National Park Service, is an economic engine in the two state region through which it passes. Parkway leaders acknowledge that the economic impact of closing the Parkway during this period has been extremely tough on gateway communities, local businesses, neighbors, and park partners.
Visitors can find specific information to prepare for their late-season Parkway experience from a variety of sources. The parks website provides a real-time road closure map, facility schedules, suggested itineraries, visitor center locations, and much more at www.nps.gov/blri. Recorded fall foliage information is available at 828.298.0398 and is updated regularly. Park updates and information is also available on social media at www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeNPS. The full listing seasonal facility schedules is also available on the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/hours.htm.
Park managers also remind visitors that the Parkway is a living and fragile resource. Visitors can help protect it by following park regulations while in the park and planning visits carefully to avoid unexpected road or weather conditions.
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