Blue Ridge Parkway Access Updates
Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is looking forward to welcoming guests throughout 2026 with many new events and experiences, including Yonni’s Clubhouse, a science and conservation education center for children ages 5 to 12. Guest favorites like Daily Programs, behind-the-scenes experiences and special events have also returned 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 began 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.
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.
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.
- Access to important Grandfather Mountain State Park trailheads at Boone Fork Parking Area (Milepost 299.9) 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.
- The Profiel Trail at Grandfather Mountain State Park (accessed from N.C. Hwy 105) is now back open after being closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene.
A current map of closures is below. 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.
Map below updated July 6, 2026.
