Phased reopening of Blue Ridge Parkway happening this week

Photo of Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Landscape Appalachian Mountains Ridges Sunset Layers over Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Getty Images

Over the weekend, the southernmost 14 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway reopened after they were shuttered as a safety precaution due to the coronavirus pandemic. Mileposts 454-469 opened in coordination with the Qualla Boundary and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Other popular sections of the Parkway will open May 15. Hiking on all parkway trails is permitted, even if roads leading to the trailhead are closed. “I encourage everyone who visits the parkway in the coming days to recreate responsibly while here, whether that’s social distancing on park trails or driving safely on this beautiful, scenic drive,” Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent J.D. Lee said in a press release. 

WVDNR seeks citizen help in tracking fireflies

There aren’t as many