Blue Ridge Parkway Closes Large Sections in Asheville, WNC Ahead of Hurricane Helene
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The National Park Service (NPS) is closing much of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville and Western North Carolina starting Sept. 25 as officials brace for heavy rain, flooding, and high winds from Hurricane Helene.
According to the NPS, the closures come ahead of what forecasters call a “predecessor” rainfall event, expected to dump several inches of water before the hurricane’s main impact. The scenic route — stretching 469 miles from Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — will see shutdowns across multiple high-risk segments.
Forecast Calls for Heavy Rain and Flood Threats
The National Weather Service says Asheville could see 2–3 inches of rain beginning Wednesday evening, followed by another 1–2 inches on Friday, Sept. 27. Wind gusts could reach nearly 50 mph, raising the risk of falling trees and rockslides.
AccuWeather’s Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter warned that in some parts of the Southern Appalachians, rainfall rates could exceed 2 inches per hour, creating life-threatening flooding and cutting off communities if bridges or roadways are damaged.
Specific Sections Closing
The NPS will implement full closures in these areas:
- Milepost 314 – 375.6: From north of Linville Falls to Ox Creek
- Milepost 393 – 455: From the N.C. 191/French Broad overlook to Soco Gap
The “Asheville commuter zone” — between Ox Creek Road at MP 375 and MP 393 near the North Carolina Arboretum — will stay open for now.
All closures will remain in effect until the storm passes and crews can assess and clear damage.
Campgrounds and Facilities Impacted
The storm preparation will also affect key park facilities:
- Linville Falls Campground (MP 316.4) and Pisgah Campground (MP 408.8) will shut down Sept. 26. Reservation holders will be notified.
- Visitor centers at Linville Falls, Craggy Gardens, and Waterrock Knob will close.
- Pisgah Inn will stay open with access via both N.C. 151 and U.S. 276.
Visitors are urged to use extreme caution if traveling near open segments, as the Parkway’s narrow shoulders and steep grades make driving risky during severe weather.
Staying Updated
The NPS will share updates through its official website and social media channels on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
Are you in Western North Carolina and preparing for Hurricane Helene? Share your safety tips and storm experiences with us in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
