ASHEVILLE, NC (March 6, 2019) — The Blue Ridge Parkway’s 469-mile scenic drive, 369 miles of trail, 14 visitor centers, 8 campgrounds, 10 concession operations, 15 picnic areas, and numerous other recreation opportunities welcomed over 14 million visitors in 2018. These visitors enjoyed high quality experiences on and off the Parkway thanks to the vital relationship between the National Park Service and the Parkway’s neighboring communities throughout the region.
Visitation patterns on the Blue Ridge Parkway confirm that visitors access the Parkway in large numbers when the Parkway is accessible. Weather and maintenance related closures continue to be the primary factor influencing Parkway visitation through the years.
In 2018, Golden Gate National Recreation Area reclaimed the top spot for highest visitation in the National Park System from the Blue Ridge Parkway. These two parks have been trading places at one and two since 1979.
For an in-depth look at 2018 visitation, including individual park figures, please visit the NPS Social Science web site.
ASHEVILLE, NC (November 1, 2024) ⇒ The USDA Forest Service today released its preliminary data…
LENOIR, NC (October 24, 2024) ⇒ The American Red Cross is highlighting the ongoing need…
HUDSON, NC (November 1, 2024) ⇒ With dreams of careers in fields from engineering to…
LAUREL SPRINGS, NC (October 29, 2024) ⇒ Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and other dignitaries will…
RALEIGH, NC (October 23, 2024) ⇒ The State Board of Elections asked the county boards…
RALEIGH, NC (October 18, 2024) ⇒ There are 95 verified storm-related fatalities in North Carolina…