During the winter months on the Blue Ridge Parkway there are activities you can pursue. The Parkway road remains open during the winter for travel except when it snows or there is ice on the roads. Then sections of the Parkway are gated off to where no vehicle traffic can travel on the Parkway. In these gated sections of the parkway visitors are welcome to walk, hike, snowshoe, or cross country ski.
There are several skiing/snowboarding resorts close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. For a complete listing of the southeast Ski Resorts please visit skisoutheast.com.
Traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway during the winter months is a rewarding experience. You can still see beautiful long range views, and without all of the leaves on the trees you can easily see the many ridges on the mountains you'd miss otherwise. It's nice to get out on a Parkway trail during the winter for excersise, to see wildlife, and views you want be able to see during the spring, summer, and fall.
There are some facilities on the Blue Ridge Parkway that stay open year-round. The facilities include the Peaks of Otter Lodge and restaurant at Milepost 86, Museum of North Carolina Minerals at Milepost 331, and Folk Art Center at Milepost 382.
Before traveling the Parkway in the winter, call the park information line at (828) 298-0398 which has updated weather and road closure information.
Keep in mind that the winter months can be very cold and climate changes can occur rapidly along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Temperatures can drop quickly in the higher elevations and snow or ice showers can approach rapidly as well. So be prepared for cold temperatures and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Have a safe, enjoyable time on the Blue Ridge Parkway!
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