Blue Ridge Parkway seeks public input on Linville Falls recovery plan
The Blue Ridge Parkway is making plans to restore visitor access, rebuild storm-damaged facilities and ensure a more resilient future for the Linville Falls area.
This is the Linville Falls Visitor Center following Hurricane Helene.
On Sept. 1, Blue Ridge Parkway opened a 30-day public comment period for a site management plan for the area.
The comment period runs through Wednesday, Sept. 30. Project information will be available online and discussed at virtual and in-person meetings on Wednesday, Sept. 9, in Morganton, and Thursday, Sept. 10, in Spruce Pine. The Parkway plans to begin design and construction in 2027, according to a news release from the Parkway.
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage to Linville Falls visitor facilities, trails and several park residences. Although visitors can still access the falls, damage from the storm destroyed the visitor center and led to campground and picnic area closures.
“We look forward to the day when we can welcome visitors back to new and improved facilities at Linville Falls,” said Tracy Swartout, superintendent of Blue Ridge Parkway. “We understand the importance of this iconic destination to our local communities and value your thoughtful feedback to guide the vision for rebuilding from Hurricane Helene.”
The site plan will evaluate options for restoring facilities that improve safety, accessibility and long-term resilience. Because the area is vulnerable to flooding, the plan will consider placing facilities in areas less prone to floods. The work builds on past Parkway planning and reflects evolving community needs and current environmental realities facing the region, according to the news release.
The recovery investments include:
- Improvements to the Linville Falls visitor access area.
- Campground rehabilitation and replacements to septic and water systems.
- Repairs to the picnic area and surrounding grounds.
- Repairs to the Linville Gorge Trail system.
The Parkway scheduled two virtual and in-person public meetings to share early draft concepts and answer questions:
- Wednesday, Sept. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Morganton Community House, 120 N. King St., Morganton.
- Thursday, Sept. 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Sam Center Auditorium, Mayland Community College, 200 Mayland Drive, Spruce Pine.
To learn more about the project, submit comments and access the virtual meeting links, visit National Park Service - Planning, Environment and Public Comment - PEPC and select “Open for Comment.”
Alternatively, comments may be mailed to:
Blue Ridge Parkway
Attn: Linville Falls Recovery Project
199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803.
