Blue Ridge Parkway About Ready For Spring Opening

Published Date

March 24, 2014

Barring a spring storm, facilities along the 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway will begin opening for the high season on April 1, with most facilities open by June 1.

The current schedule for open facilities calls for most areas to be fully operational by May 9, although the Smart View Picnic Area might not open before June 14.

“We are very happy to restore services at a number of facilities this season. We recognize how important these areas are to local communities and the traveling public," said Parkway Superintendent Mark Woods. "The Parkway is an important resource for many reasons for many people. Restoring services at these facilities is an honor for us.”

Preparations are underway now to bring water systems back on line, plan a schedule of engaging interpretive programs, clear debris from overlooks and campgrounds, hire seasonal staff in a number of operational areas, and much more across the 469-mile region.

From backcountry trails and camping, to favorite picnic areas and full-service concession operations, the Parkway offers visitors a wealth of opportunities to experience the scenic beauty and natural and cultural heritage of the southern Appalachian region.

2014 Blue Ridge Parkway Season Opening Schedule
Milepost	Facility	Open Date	Notes:
CAMPGROUNDS (For reservation information visit recreation.gov)
60.8	Otter Creek Campground	9-May	Full services available.
85.6	Peaks of Otter Campground	9-May	Full services available.
120.4	Roanoke Mtn Campground	9-May	Available for day use only in Loop A; Sunday Mtn. Music programs begin May 25, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
167.1	Rocky Knob Campground	9-May	Two loops open for season.
239.2	Doughton Park Campground	9-May	RV loop and one tent camping loop open for season.
296.9	Price Park Campground	9-May	Full services available.
316.4	Linville Falls Campground	9-May	Full services available.
408.8	Mt. Pisgah Campground	9-May	Full services available.
CONCESSION FACILITIES
85.6	Peaks of Otter Lodge	11-Apr	Full services available; visit peaksofotter.com for more information.
176.2	Mabry Mill Restaurant & Gift Shop	1-May	Visit mabrymillrestaurant.com for more information.
258.7	Northwest Trading Post	19-Apr	Visit facebook.com/profile.php?id=531619223549658 for more information
294	Parkway Craft Center at the Moses Cone Manor	15-Mar	Visit craftguild.org for more information.
296.9	Price Park Boat Rental	9-May	Visit wix.com/pricelakeboatrentals/blueridgeparkway for more information.
382.2	Folk Art Center	Open Year Round	Visit craftguild.org for more information.
408.8	Pisgah Inn & Restaurant	1-Apr	Visit pisgahinn.com for more information.
PICNIC AREAS (Restrooms available at picnic areas)
8.5	Humpback Rocks Picnic Area	9-May
63.6	James River Picnic Area	9-May
85.6	Peaks of Otter Picnic Area	9-May
154.5	Smart View Picnic Area	14-June
169	Rocky Knob Picnic Area	9-May
188.8	Groundhog Picnic Area	9-May
217.5	Cumberland Knob Picnic Area	9-May
241.1	Doughton Park Picnic Area	9-May
271.9	Jeffress Park Picnic Area	9-May
296.4	Price Park Picnic Area	9-May
316.4	Linville Falls Picnic Area	9-May	Portable toilets available first week of fishing season, April 2 - 9; Full services available May 9
367.6	Craggy Gardens Picnic Area	Late May	Pending road construction project completion
407.8	Mt. Pisgah Picnic Area	9-May
VISITOR CONTACT STATIONS & AREAS OF INTEREST
6	Humpback Rocks Visitor Center	3-May	Open Daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
6	Humpback Rocks Farm	18-May	Historic cabins and farmlife demonstrations Th. – Tues., 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
63.6	James River Visitor Center	16-May	Open Wed. - Sun., 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
85.6	Peaks of Otter Visitor Center	18-May	Open Daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
85.6	Johnson Farm	31-May	Open Wed. - Sun., 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
169	Rocky Knob Visitor Center	24-May	Weekends only, Sat. - Sun., 10:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.
176.2	Mabry Mill Developed Area	10-May	Weekends only, May 10 - 24. Open daily beginning May 25 , 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
213	Blue Ridge Music Center	Staggered beginning May 10	Thurs. -Mon., 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with Mid-day Mountain Music available daily from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Open Daily beginning May 23; Concert Season begins May 24, visit blueridgemusiccenter.com for more information.
238.5	Brinegar Cabin	24-May	Open Sat. & Sun. only, 10:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m. (including holidays)
294	Moses Cone Manor House	25-Apr	Open daily, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. Manor House Tours available by reservation after June 7
304.4	Linn Cove Visitor Center	3-May	Open daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
316.4	Linville Falls Visitor Center	9-May	Open daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with portable toilets from April 2 to May 9
330.9	North Carolina Museum of Minerals	Open Year Round	9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
364.5	Craggy Gardens Visitor Center	Late May	Pending road construction project completion; once open daily hours, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
382.2	Folk Art Center	Open Year Round	9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m./6:00 p.m.; Visit southernhighlandguild.org for more information.
384.5	Asheville Visitor Center	Open Year Round	9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
451.2	Waterrock Knob Visitor Center	25-Apr	10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
* Please note, schedule subject to change. Check nps.gov/blri or facebook.com/BlueRidgeNPS for updates and other park information.

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