11 mile section of Blue Ridge Parkway reopens near Asheville
November 6, 2024
In 2023, more than 16.5 million visitors enjoyed the scenic journey of the Blue Ridge Parkway. With stagnant and declining funding from the government, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s support has become essential to preserve and protect the historical, cultural, and natural resources found along the 469-mile route. From maintenance and facility improvement projects to protecting threatened species, we work closely with the Parkway staff to enhance visitor experiences. Philanthropic and volunteer efforts are vital to support this national park unit. There are many ways you can help, including giving your time. The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Volunteer Corps needs you!
Volunteer CorpS Opportunities
Community Outreach Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers to help spread the word about the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation at local events and festivals. Training will be provided.
Milepost Music Volunteers
Love music and the outdoors? We're looking for volunteers to assist with our free Milepost Music concerts on Sunday afternoons. We'd love your help setting up tents and equipment with concert staff before the show and breakdown afterward. During the performance, volunteers can greet concertgoers and provide information about the program and Blue Ridge Parkway. The performances are hosted from 2 to 4 p.m., so you can pick between an earlier set-up shift (noon to 2 p.m., or a later breakdown shift (4 to 5 p.m.), or stay for both.
Volunteers are needed at:
Humpback Rocks, Lyndhurst, Va.
Milepost 5.8 (near the Visitor Center)
First and third Sundays of the month: June 16, July 7, July 21, Aug. 4, Aug. 18, Sept. 1, Sept. 15
Peaks of Otter, Bedford, Va.
Milepost 85.6 (near the lodge)
Second Sunday of the month: June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8
Mabry Mill, Meadows of Dan, Va.
Milepost 176.1 (in the Old Mill Village)
First and third Sundays of the month: June 16, July 7, July 21, Aug. 4, Aug. 18, Sept. 1, Sept. 15
The Bluffs Restaurant at Doughton Park, Laurel Springs, N.C.
Milepost 241
Second and fourth Sundays of the month: June 9, June 23, July 14, July 28, Aug. 22, Aug. 25, Sept. 8, Sept. 22
Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, Asheville, N.C.
Milepost 384
Fourth Sundays of the month: June 23, July 28, Aug. 25, Sept. 22
For more information, email info(at)brpfoundation.org or call (866) 308-2773, ext. 245.
Already a Volunteer?
Be sure to record your volunteer hours with this form. Thank you for all you do to enhance the Parkway!
VIP Program
The Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) program works directly with the National Park Service to preserve the cultural heritage, history, and natural resources of the Parkway through the support of education, interpretation, and resource protection activities. The VIP program helps Parkway staff accomplish more than the NPS could through staff. Volunteers are involved in virtually every aspect of park operations.