8 miles of Blue Ridge Parkway closed after guests try to hold bears

National Park Service officials are closing an 8-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville.

2023-10-31

Officials with the Blue Ridge Parkway said the closure comes after multiple documented reports of visitors feeding and attempting to hold a young bear in recent weeks at the Lane Pinnacle Overlook.

Effective Monday, the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed until further notice between milepost 367.6 near the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area to milepost 375.6 at Ox Creek Road.

“We are closing this section of the road temporarily for the safety of both the bear and park visitors,” said Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout. “When people intentionally attract bears with trash and food it can lead to very dangerous situations. In this instance we want to give the bear a chance to lose interest in the area before the situation escalates and visitors or the bear are harmed.”

In the fall months, bears may forage for food up to 20 hours a day as they prepare for the winter and hibernation, NPS said. Bears are more likely to take advantage of human food during this time.

Park visitors and residents should keep food out of sight and follow these bear safety tips. If you encounter a bear while on the Parkway, call 828-298-2491 or stop at the nearest Visitor Center to report the encounter.