Planning a Blue Ridge Parkway trip? Two visitor centers reopen this weekend

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A view of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower. Photo: Saga Communications/Pruett Norris

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Two popular stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway are reopening for the season this weekend, marking the start of spring visitation.

The National Park Service announced that the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center at milepost 364 and the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center at milepost 451.2 will open today, April 17. Both facilities will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Officials said visitors should plan for potential travel delays later this month due to heavy construction traffic between Asheville and Mount Mitchell. A high volume of dump trucks is expected along sections of the parkway, particularly affecting access to Craggy Gardens.

Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time and use caution in construction zones.

In addition, the Blue Ridge Music Center will begin its Midday Mountain Music program May 1. Park officials said more seasonal facility openings will be announced in the coming weeks.

Monitor Blue Ridge Parkway closures at www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm.

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