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…