Wednesday, December 11, 2024
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Dec 11's Weather Clouds HI: 43 LOW: 36 Full Forecast (powered by OpenWeather) |
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Blue Ridge Parkway attracted an estimated 15.9 million recreation visits to the park in 2021, making it one of the most popular National Park Service destinations.
Park leadership and staff reminded park neighbors and visitors that protecting the park for generations to come requires a shared commitment to stewardship.
“While overall Parkway visitation has remained relatively stable over the past five to ten years, some of the park's most popular destinations are seeing the impacts of heavy visitation,” said Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout. “Overcrowding at popular locations can lead to diminished visitor experience and damage to park resources. These impacts can often be avoided by recreating responsibly. With 469 miles to explore, we encourage you to find new ways to enjoy the Parkway this year.”
One important way to discover new adventures and recreate responsibly is to plan ahead. Just as park staff are planning ahead for the 2022 season by hiring seasonal staff, conducting winter maintenance activities, finalizing road project plans, and readying facilities for visitation. Park visitors can also plan ahead by learning about park resources and trail etiquette, locating seasonal facility schedules, or book-marking campground reservation websites. More tips for planning your Parkway visit are available at https://go.nps.gov/parkway-plan-ahead.
Parkway visitation highlights in 2021 include:
The Parkway motor road remains open, weather permitting, year-round; and the traditional visitor season begins in the spring and continues through fall. Additional information to help plan a 2022 Parkway visit, including current road and facility status, is available at www.nps.gov/blri.