LAUREL SPRINGS, N.C. — The National Park Service reopened an eight-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway on Friday, restoring continuous access to more than 20 miles of the scenic road south of the North Carolina–Virginia state line.

The section, from milepost 221.8 to 229.7, had been closed for bridge maintenance and recovery work following a landslide at milepost 224.9 caused by Hurricane Helene. The reopening restores access to Doughton Park, including the campground and The Bluffs restaurant.

Park officials said the project is part of an initial round of Helene recovery work underway across western North Carolina. By the end of the fall, more than 50 miles of the Parkway are expected to be reopened in various locations.

“The Parkway is prioritizing phased restoration to give th

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