COVID-19 Masking
The NPS has updated its masking guidance based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) , which helps communities decide what prevention steps to take.
Masking requirements will vary along the parkway based on local conditions. In areas CDC identifies as high COVID-19 community level, masks are required for everyone in all NPS buildings regardless of vaccination status. In most low and medium COVID-19 community level areas, masks are optional, but visitors should follow signs and instructions from park staff and volunteers. Masks are still required on all forms of enclosed public transportation. Visitors are always welcome to wear a mask if it makes them more comfortable.
CDC Ranking of Covid Level By County
As of May 18, 2023.
|
Virginia Counties
|
CDC Ranking
of Covid Level
|
Indoor
Mask Requirement
|
Parkway Destinations
|
|
Augusta
|
Low
|
Optional
|
Humpback Rocks
|
|
Rockbridge
|
Low
|
Optional
|
|
|
Amherst
|
Low
|
Optional
|
James River
|
|
Bedford
|
Low
|
Optional
|
Peaks of Otter
|
|
Roanoke
|
Low
|
Optional
|
Roanoke county and Roanoke City area
|
|
Floyd
|
Low
|
Optional
|
Rocky Knob, Mabry Mill
|
|
Carroll
|
Low
|
Optional
|
Blue Ridge Music Center (straddles county line)
|
|
Grayson
|
Low
|
Optional
|
Blue Ridge Music Center (straddles county line)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
North Carolina Counties
|
CDC Ranking
of Covid Level
|
Indoor
Mask Requirement
|
Parkway Destinations
|
|
Alleghany
|
Low
|
Optional
|
Doughton Park
|
|
Wilkes
|
Low
|
Optional
|
Brinegar Cabin
|
|
Ashe
|
Low
|
Optional
|
Northwest Trading Post
|
|
Watauga
|
Low
|
Optional
|
Moses Cone Estate, Price Lake
|
|
Avery
|
Low |
Optional
|
Linville Falls
|
|
Mitchell
|
Low |
Optional |
Museum of North Carolina Minerals
|
|
Buncombe
|
Low |
Optional |
Asheville, Craggy Gardens, Folk Art Center
|
|
Haywood
|
Low |
Optional |
Pisgah Inn (straddles county line)
|
|
Transylvania
|
Low |
Optional |
Pisgah Inn (straddles county line)
|
|
Jackson
|
Low |
Optional |
Waterrock Knob
|
