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Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 01, 2024
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation announces park and natural area preserve closures due to Hurricane Helene

RICHMOND, Va. – Nine Virginia State Parks and four natural area preserves are closed or partially closed following significant damage caused by Hurricane Helene. These closures will allow for thorough assessments and necessary repairs to the affected areas. All dates are subject to change.

Virginia State Parks

Grayson Highlands: Closed through Oct. 14.
Hungry Mother: Closed through Oct. 14.
Natural Tunnel: Closed. Will reopen on Oct. 3.
New River Trail: Closed until further notice. All campgrounds are closed through Feb. 28, 2025.
Seven Bends: The park (both access points) is closed until further notice.
Claytor Lake: All boat ramps inside the marina and other public boat ramps on the lake are closed due to excessive debris. Swimming and launching kayaks and other small watercraft are not allowed.
Clinch River: Riverside Trail at the Sugar Hill Unit and the day-use cartop boat launches at Artrip, Carbo and Old Castlewood in Russell County are closed until further notice.
James River: The Green Hill picnic area, Branch Pond Road and Branch Pond Campground are closed until Oct. 4.
Powhatan: River Launch Rd., Launch A, Launch C and the primitive/canoe-in campground are closed until further notice. All trails are closed to bikes and horses until further notice.

Natural Area Preserves

The Channels: Closed.
Pinnacle: Closed.
Buffalo Mountain: Closed through Oct. 14.
Cleveland Barrens: Closed beyond Tank Hollow Falls.

For guest safety as well as the safety of DCR staff and emergency response workers, visitors should not attempt to access any parks, preserves or areas that are closed.

Virginia State Parks will contact guests with overnight reservations impacted by these closures. Visitors with questions about trail conditions, special events and educational programs should check the park’s webpage for more information at virginiastateparks.gov/find-a-park.

To learn more, please go to dcr.virginia.gov/closures.

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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit virginiastateparks.gov.

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