Blue Ridge Parkway Access Updates
Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is looking forward to welcoming guests throughout 2026 with many new events and experiences, including the opening of Yonni’s Clubhouse, a science and conservation education center for children ages 5 to 12, in April. Guest favorites like Daily Programs, behind-the-scenes experiences and special events will also return to the mountain for all to enjoy in 2026. Whether you are visiting for the first time or visit frequently, the mountain has something exciting in store for you!
Guests wanting to plan a visit to the High Country that includes the Blue Ridge Parkway should check that park’s website in advance, as closures along the Parkway are slated to begin in mid-March of 2026. This is the final phase of work on a $100M+ project, providing vital repaving and rehabilitation. Funding for this project comes from the Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund.
Access to Grandfather Mountain via the Parkway will remain open from at least one direction thanks to the careful planning of the National Park Service staff. Access to important Grandfather Mountain State Park trailheads will remain open from at least one direction after an initial full closure at Boone Fork Parking Area (Milepost 299.9) that is expected to last for three to four weeks in early spring.
As stated in a March 5 National Park Service press release:
“A signed detour route, along with a system of signs on secondary roads will direct visitors from the main detour route to attractions along this corridor, including Cone Memorial Park, Price Lake, popular Grandfather Mountain trailheads and Linn Cove trailhead parking. As construction progresses, closure locations will alternate. At all times, the contractor will maintain uninterrupted access from either the north or the south to these visitor facilities and recreation areas. This full road rehabilitation is expected to be complete in fall 2026.”
Important Information about Grandfather Mountain Nature Park and Preserve
The Grandfather Mountain nature park includes popular attractions like the Mile High Swinging Bridge, Mildred the Bear Animal Habitats and the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. It is a separate entity from Grandfather Mountain State Park, though many state park trails are accessible through the nature park.
- The nature park remains accessible throughout the Blue Ridge Parkway’s upcoming roadwork in the area.
- Guests traveling to Grandfather Mountain via the west side of the mountain (N.C. Hwy 105) and via U.S. 221 will not be impacted by the roadwork on the parkway.
- The attraction offers access to the state park, but the attraction’s entry fee must be paid, and no overnight parking is allowed. In addition, the Grandfather Mountain attraction offers different trail hours than the state park.
Important Information about Grandfather Mountain State Park
About two thirds of the wild and undeveloped “backcountry” sections of Grandfather Mountain are owned by the state of North Carolina. The backcountry trails within the state park offer more challenging hikes that include rigorous treks across rugged peaks. Grandfather Mountain State Park is located adjacent to Grandfather Mountain nature park.
- A full closure at Boone Fork Parking Area (Milepost 299.9) is planned for the early spring and expected to last for three to four weeks.
- After the full closure at Boone Fork Parking Area, access to important Grandfather Mountain State Park trailheads will remain open from at least one direction.
- Registered campers should park at Boone Fork Parking Area (when open) or Asutsi trailhead on U.S. Hwy 221 to access backcountry campsites.
- The Boone Fork Parking Area allows access to trails like the Daniel Boone Scout Trail, Nuwati Trail and Cragway Trail.
- Due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, the state park currently has limited access points with the continued closure of the Profile Trail on the west side of the mountain.
- Grandfather Mountain State Park offers different trail hours than the Grandfather Mountain attraction.
The map below, provided by the National Park Service, shows the initial work sites of the project. These maps will be in effect once closures begin and will remain in effect until closure locations change. New maps will be issued at that time and updated on this webpage. These maps will also be available on the Blue Ridge Parkway’s website, in visitor centers along the route and on the road status page of the Parkway website.
