You Can Now Drive the Parkway From Virginia to Little Switzerland Without a Detour

By Jon Tharp, Broker  ·  October 7, 2026

You can now drive the Blue Ridge Parkway from the James River in Virginia to Little Switzerland in North Carolina without hitting a closure. The National Park Service says 458 of the Parkway's 469 miles are accessible again, just as fall color brings visitors into the mountains.

The progress comes from Tropical Storm Helene repair work along with several unrelated road projects. Of the 60 slide repairs needed after the storm, 48 are finished and crews are working on the remaining 12, according to 828newsNOW.

What sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway just reopened?

Two Helene recovery projects in North Carolina wrapped up recently. One runs from milepost 317.5, south of Linville Falls, to milepost 324.7. The other runs from milepost 333.9 in Little Switzerland to milepost 340.2 at N.C. 80.

Crews also finished a reconstruction project covering about 75 miles, from milepost 229.6 north of Doughton Park to milepost 305.1 near Grandfather Mountain, in September. The Deep Gap Bridge at milepost 276.4, near Boone and Blowing Rock, is also open again after being closed for scheduled maintenance this summer.

The Great American Outdoors Act's Legacy Restoration Fund paid for that 75-mile project and a repaving and rehabilitation project near Roanoke, Virginia, at mileposts 115 to 121. Federal disaster and emergency highway funding is paying for the Helene repairs.

What Helene work remains?

More Helene repair work remains between Little Switzerland and the Mount Mitchell area. The Park Service expects final road repairs between mileposts 344 and 355 to be completed by the end of 2026.

Is Julian Price Campground open again?

Loops B and D at Julian Price Campground, at milepost 297, have reopened after being closed because of Helene. Crews of arborists and volunteers helped restore access.

Reservations are available through Oct. 30.

Why does this matter for mountain towns in October?

The reopenings come at an important time for communities along the route as visitors head to the mountains for fall color.

"October is an especially important time for tourism throughout the region, and these openings mean visitors can experience more of the Parkway's fall scenery while having greater access to the communities, businesses and destinations along the way," Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout said in a news release.

When is the Parkway ribbon cutting in Spruce Pine?

The National Park Service will mark the progress with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at the Museum of North Carolina Minerals in Spruce Pine. Officials from the Interior Department, the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration are expected to attend.

Before you head out, check current Parkway road conditions. Construction, maintenance and weather can all affect access.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Blue Ridge Parkway open after Helene?

Mostly. The National Park Service says 458 of the Parkway's 469 miles are accessible, with uninterrupted travel from the James River at milepost 63.7 in Virginia to Little Switzerland near milepost 344 in North Carolina.

When will the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mount Mitchell reopen?

The Park Service expects final road repairs between mileposts 344 and 355, from Little Switzerland to the Mount Mitchell area, to be completed by the end of 2026.

Is Julian Price Campground open?

Loops B and D at Julian Price Campground, milepost 297, have reopened after Helene closures. Reservations are available through Oct. 30.