Fire Causes Blue Ridge Parkway and Trail Closings Near Pisgah Inn

Western North Carolina -- April 28, 2022: According to the US Forest Service, around 3 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in a popular region are closed until further notice while personnel combat a blaze. 
A 172-acre fire on the parkway is being fought by Forest Service firefighters.

According to Cathy Dowd, a representative for the US Forest Service, the Barnett Branch Fire is burning on the Pisgah Ranger District. She stated that the cause and origin of the fire were being investigated.
On the Pisgah Ranger District, firefighters are battling the Barnett Branch Fire. The fire is about 172 acres in size and is raging in tough terrain.

From Highway 276 to the Pisgah Inn, the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed and will reopen as soon as feasible. Due to fire conditions, Yellow Gap Road (FSR 1206) is blocked and is likely to stay closed through the weekend. Until further notice, the following paths are also closed:

TR 618 Barnett Branch Trail (above Yellow Gap Road)

TR 104 Buck Springs Trail

Trail from the Mountains to the Sea (from Hwy 276 north to the Pisgah Inn)

Much of the steep area surrounding the parkway is managed by the Forest Service.

According to Dowd, the parkway was blocked approximately 5:30-6 p.m. April 27 from U.S. 276 at Milepost 412 to the Pisgah Inn area at Milepost 408. That section of the park is still closed.

Wnctimes by Marjorie Farrington