National and state parks close facilities due to coronavirus concerns

In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, state and national parks are closing visitor centers and other facilities. In Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway shuttered its year-round visitor center on Tuesday, though other year-round facilities on the parkway will remain open, the Citizen-Times reports. The parkway is still open to cars and hiking trails are still open to those that want to explore on foot. Decisions about spring openings for campgrounds and other seasonally closed facilities will be made at a later date. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park also shut their visitor centers on Tuesday, effective until further notice. Campgrounds, picnic areas, roads, trails and bathroom facilities remain open.

Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive are open, including entrance stations, trails and restrooms. All other facilities are closed.

North Carolina State Parks have shut down all state park