February 22 will be a day of change for our National Parks. As of that date rules prohibiting the possession of loaded and accessible firearms that date back to 1897 will be overturned. Due to a rider attached to the Credit Card Holders Rights Bill (Public Law 111-24, Section 512) the National Park Service and Department of the Interior will no longer have the authority to regulate the possession of firearms in National Parks. The carrying of firearms will now follow those of states and local governments. This brings about several possible points of confusion for park visitors and administrators.
No longer will there be one set of regulations pertaining to the possession of firearms in National Park Service Areas. Visitors will need to be aware of the regulations of the state where the park they are visiting is located. It becomes even more complex when parks are in more than one state or regulations and ordinances are not uniform throughout a state. Read more »
Common Question:
What is the speed limit on the Parkway and what do I do if I see or am involved in an accident?
Answer:
As a general rule the speed limit along the Parkway is 45 mph. In areas of heavy traffic such as Mabry Mill, Cone Manor or visitors centers and at major intersections the speed limit may drop to 35 mph. You should obey posted speed limit signs at all times.
The Parkway has many hairpin and descending radius curves. Traveling at faster than posted speeds might cause you to miss a curve and hit an animal, cyclist or pedestrian.
The National Park Service requires that you report all accidents that occur along the Parkway. If you are in or witness an accident you must report it to a ranger as soon as possible. If a ranger is not in sight, call 1-800-PARKWATCH. Remember, hitting an animal with your vehicle is as much an accident as two vehicles colliding.
Click here for more information on traffic and driving regulations along the Parkway.
Common Question:
Is it legal to pull off the Parkway roadside, spread a blanket and enjoy a picnic lunch?
Answer:
In most places, picnicking along the road side is legal. This is a long standing Parkway tradition, but you must be pulled completely off the roadway. Avoid soggy areas and ditches after periods of rain.
North of Asheville NC, the Parkway passes through the city watershed and off-road parking is not allowed where indicated by signs.
Common Question:
We are planing a trip from New York to Florida in early December. We are curious to know what facilities, if any will be open during this time of year? We are an older couple and plan on staying in motels, maybe do a little hiking, check out a musuem or two and maybe do some shopping.
Answer:
Most Parkway facilities are closed in the winter, although the road itself is open as long as snow or ice do not create dangerous driving conditions. The park information line, (828) 298 0398, is the most up-to-date source for road closures by section and access to Parkway weather reports. Year round facilities include the Peaks of Otter Lodge north of Roanoke, VA, the North Carolina Minerals Museum near Spruce Pine, and in Asheville, NC the Folk Art Center and the Destination Center.
Many of the towns and communities located along the parkway offer shopping, meals, and lodging year round.
Fall and Winter Activities Along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Common Question:
My buddies and I are planning a trip to North Carolina this fall and would like to know if you could tell us where the best hunting spots are along the parkway?
Answer:
The Blue Ridge Parkway like all national parks is managed as a wildlife preserve and hunting is not permitted anywhere within its boundaries.
The Parkway offers special permits to individuals who wish to access U.S. Forest Service land for the purpose of hunting. The permit allows access only from certain Parkway overlooks, and the conditions of the permit must be followed exactly. Information on the Hunter Parking Permit program is available at local ranger offices, from rangers in the field, and from park headquarters.
National Park Service regulations state: As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park. It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances. Check state regulations for Virginia or North Carolina to make certain of your compliance while in the park. Read more from the NPS.
For more information visit our Blue Ridge Parkway Regulations page.
