The Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia reopens for travel for nearly 200 miles.

The Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia reopens for travel for nearly 200 miles.

After Hurricane Helene, a sizable portion of the well-known and winding Blue Ridge Parkway is now again available for safe driving and breathtaking fall foliage viewing.

In Virginia, the parkway reopened on Friday between mileposts 0 and 198.

According to a news release from the National Park Service.

At latest count on Friday, 238 people had died and significant damage had been caused to the Southeast by Hurricane Helene.

Which had forced the closure of the entire parkway.

According to the news release issued on Thursday.

The beautiful byway spanning 198 miles (319 kilometers) from Shenandoah National Park south to Virginia Route 685.

Also known as Skyview Drive/Turkey Ridge Road, is near the town of Fancy Gap.

According to the press release, the NPS hopes to reopen the entire parkway in Virginia in two weeks. In North Carolina, where Helene had a greater impact, the entire parkway is still blocked.

Superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway Tracy Swartout stated in the release that.

We are able to open nearly 200 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia.

A vital and scenic route that both embodies the natural beauty and cultural heritage of our. region” as a result of the hard work of the parkway crews.

While acknowledging this accomplishment, Swartout added, “we also know that significant and, in some areas, long-term work remains in North Carolina.”

Information on Parkway’s reopening

Are you going to go? As per the NPS release, the following is what you may anticipate during your journey:

The visitor centers at James River, Peaks of Otter, and Humpback Rocks will be open.

The Eastern National/America’s National Parks sales store will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Mabry Mill Cultural Site will be open.

Up until Monday, the campgrounds at Peaks of Otter and Rocky Knob will be first-come, first-served. Following that, previous reservations will once more be respected. Peaks of Otter Lodge will not close following the storm; it will still be open.

The NPS advises that since it has not completed its evaluations of the trails.

You should proceed with caution and wear appropriate footwear if you intend to park your car and go for a trek. According to the statement.

You might also notice less services than usual because many workers are volunteering in North Carolina.