August 26, 2013 - The Blue Ridge Parkway has reopened a section of road connecting Asheville to Mt. Mitchell. This means the popular Craggy Gardens Visitor Center and Picnic Area have also reopened. The temporary repairs will allow visitors access to the popular section during the end-of-summer and leaf-peeping seasons.The 21-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Milepost 376 at Ox Creek Road to Milepost 355 at Mt. Mitchell State Park is now open. The speed limit has been reduced to 15 mph in this area and will be strictly enforced. The section will close again in November 2013 so that permanent repairs can be made.
The 500 foot long by-pass restores two-way traffic through the area affected by significant structural damage as a result of unusually heavy rainfall totals earlier this summer. It is anticipated that the bypass route will close again and the detour routes will be reinstated in November 2013 so construction can resume to stabilize the slope and repair the area permanently.Get a link for the Blue Ridge Parkway and complete details on Craggy Gardens and Mt Mitchell on the NC Parks Guide.
