Introduction to the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile road that runs through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia. It is the longest road planned as a single unit in the U.S., according to the National Park Service (NPS). The Parkway encompasses some of the oldest pre-historic and early European settlements in Virginia and North Carolina, making it a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts.
Reopening of the Blue Ridge Parkway
A three-mile long portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville reopened on Thursday, marking the latest milestone on the road to recovery after Helene devastated western North Carolina. Officials announced that road damage caused by a landslide near Devil’s Courthouse, a 5,720-foot rocky overlook near milepost 422, was repaired, making an 85-mile stretch from Asheville down to the southern end of the Parkway in Cherokee continuous once again.
This reopening is a significant step towards restoring the Parkway to its former glory. The peak offers views of four states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee – and serves as a popular destination for fall foliage lovers.
Challenges and Repairs
Park officials cautioned that although the section of the parkway is now open, hazards remain, including debris, washouts, and damaged bridges. In September 2024, Helene dropped up to 30 inches of rain – about four months’ worth – in three days in some areas along the Parkway, resulting in at least 57 landslides that destroyed and cut off access to many parts of the 469-mile road.
The NPS said they are focusing on restoring road access through a phased system that would allow the public and contractors the ability to reach areas previously cut off. However, progress will take some time, due to challenges specific to the region.
Ongoing Construction and Repairs
While significant progress has been made on reopening key sections, the NPS reports that roughly 100 miles of the parkway remain closed for repairs. Much of the construction work is expected to continue through at least fall 2026, with efforts being dependent on weather conditions.
"Parkway construction activity is complex and highly technical, including factors such as remoteness, challenging terrain, and reduced construction seasons due to ice and winter weather at higher elevations," the NPS said.
Fall Foliage Season
The upcoming fall foliage season will be the first major test for renovated roadways and trails throughout the park system. The changing of the leaves means big money for towns and communities that are fortunate to see the bright colors. An expert with Appalachian State University estimated the annual event results in around a $30 billion economic impact in classic sightseeing areas across the country.
Spotty shades of yellows, oranges, and reds typically begin in September across higher elevations of the Tar Heel State, with peak colors at elevations above 5,000 feet occurring in early October.
How Leaves Change Color
Changes in leaves occur due to trees receiving less light as days become shorter across North America. The lack of chlorophyll helps reveal the colorful pigments before the connection between the leaf and the tree is weakened, causing it to fall.
Tourism and Local Economy
Despite the devastation caused by Helene, local tourism groups are encouraging people to visit the region and have embarked on extensive ad campaigns to pique interest. "Whether you’re taking in the grandeur of the mountains, feeling a spark of creativity in Asheville’s art and music scene, or meeting the everyday heroes of western North Carolina, you’ll see how truly special this place is," said N.C. Governor Josh Stein.
The hurricane caused more than 250 deaths and produced around $80 billion in damage across the Southeast, according to NOAA estimates.
Conclusion
The reopening of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a significant step towards restoring the region to its former glory. While there is still much work to be done, the progress made so far is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the NPS and local authorities. As the fall foliage season approaches, tourists and locals alike can look forward to experiencing the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
FAQs
Q: What is the Blue Ridge Parkway?
A: The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile road that runs through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia.
Q: What caused the damage to the Blue Ridge Parkway?
A: The damage was caused by Hurricane Helene, which dropped up to 30 inches of rain in some areas, resulting in at least 57 landslides.
Q: How much of the parkway remains closed for repairs?
A: Roughly 100 miles of the parkway remain closed for repairs.
Q: What is the expected completion date for the repairs?
A: Much of the construction work is expected to continue through at least fall 2026, with efforts being dependent on weather conditions.
Q: What is the economic impact of the fall foliage season?
A: The fall foliage season results in around a $30 billion economic impact in classic sightseeing areas across the country.
Q: How do leaves change color?
A: Changes in leaves occur due to trees receiving less light as days become shorter across North America, revealing colorful pigments before the connection between the leaf and the tree is weakened, causing it to fall.
