RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation announced park and natural area preserve closures due to Hurricane Helene.
Due to significant damage caused by Hurricane Helene, nine Virginia state parks and four natural area preserves have been closed to conduct thorough assessments and repairs.
The closures include:
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 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.
Officials said the dates are subject to change. For more information on closures, visit the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation website.
