Nine Virginia State Parks, four preserves see closures due to Helene damage
Oct 01, 2024
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Several Virginia State Parks and natural area preserves across the state are either closed or partially closed following damage from Helene.
According to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, as of Tuesday, Oct. 1, nine state parks and four natural area preserves have these full or partial closures in place as they cope with significant damage caused by Helene.
Current closures and their projected end dates are as follows:
James River State Park, Buckingham County
The Green Hill picnic area, Branch Pond Road and Branch Pond Campground are closed until Friday, Oct. 4
Powhatan State Park, Powhatan County
River Launch Rd., Launch A, Launch C and the primitive/canoe-in campground is closed until further notice
All trails closed to bikes and horses until further notice
Grayson Highlands State Park, Grayson County
Closed through Monday, Oct. 14
Hungry Mother State Park, Smyth County
Closed through Monday, Oct. 14
Natural Tunnel State Park, Scott County
Closed through Thursday, Oct. 3
New River Trail State Park, Grayson, Carroll, Wythe and Pulaski counties
Closed until further notice
All campgrounds closed through Feb. 28, 2025
Seven Bends State Park, Shenandoah County
Park closed until further notice at both access points
Claytor Lake State Park, Pulaski County
All boat ramps inside the marina and other public boat ramps are closed due to excessive debris
Swimming is not allowed
Launching kayaks and other small watercraft is not allowed
Clinch River State Park, Tazwell, Russell, Wise and Scott counties
Riverside Trail at Sugar Hill Unit is closed until further notice
Day-use cartop boat launches at Artip, Carbo and Old Castlewood in Russell County are closed until further notice
The Channels Natural Area Preserve, Washington and Russell counties
Closed -- no date provided
Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, Russell County
Closed -- no date provided
Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve, Floyd County
Closed through Monday, Oct. 14
Cleveland Barrens Natural Area Preserve, Russell County
Closed beyond Tank Hollow Falls -- no date provided
During these closures, the parks and preserves will be assessed and any necessary repairs will be carried out.
The department asks that no one attempt to access closed areas, as this could put the safety of that person, department staff and/or emergency personnel at risk.
RELATED: Multiple trails at Shenandoah National Park closed due to flooding, downed trees
Virginia State Parks will be in touch with any guests with overnight reservations affected by these closures. If you have any other questions, visit Virginia State Parks' website.