CCW & Vacation through Blue Ridge Parkway, etc.

[MeanStreaker]

Hello,

The wife and I are planning a motorcycle trip at the end of the month through the Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the surrounding areas. I have OH and NH Concealed Handgun Licenses that will cover me almost anywhere we'll be going.

So, Question:

When I'm traveling through a National Park (or State Park, Forest, etc that happens to prohibit carrying)... does the prohibition apply? I believe part of the Blue Ridge Parkway is through a National Park, correct? Is the road itself a "National Park?"

In these situations, do I need to somehow know when I'm entering a "no carry zone" and unload, lock up... or am I covered so long as I'm just traveling through?

Anyone experience this? Your thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[hugh damright]

I live off the Blue Ridge Parkway and it is a National Park. Guns must be rendered inoperable and stored inaccessible. CCW permits carry no weight whatsoever.

 

[wdlsguy]

Traps, nets and unloaded weapons may be possessed within a temporary lodging or mechanical mode of conveyance when such implements are rendered temporarily inoperable or are packed, cased or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use.

36 CFR 2.4

http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/36cfr2_05.html

 

[LAR-15]

Don't carry a loaded firearm on the BRP and you should be fine.

Also be aware of state parks as they may prohibit guns too.

 

[Otherguy Overby]

Motorcycles and BRP

Been there, done that...

One thing about riding the BRP is it is pretty well patrolled, and the speed limits are way low for motorcycles and legal passing areas are rare. After living near west coast mountains for years, I found the scenery great but the speed limits were, shall we say somewhat somnolent.

Regardless, you do need to work this place into your itinerary:
http://www.dealsgap.com/

Sheesh, it's been at least 10 years since I've been there...

 

[Monkeyleg]

Got pulled over on the Blue Ridge Parkway on my motorcycle for doing 50 in a 35. The ranger asked if I had a gun on me. I told him that there was an unloaded revolver in a case in my travel pack, and that the ammunition was in a separate case.

He called for another ranger, and then dumped everything--even my underwear--onto the road. They went through all my stuff. The ranger then said that he wasn't going to take me to jail, since I'd been honest with him.

Instead, he wrote me a ticket (expensive) and told me to leave the parkway.

Very heavy-handed, especially compared to rangers I've dealt with at other national parks. At one, I was at the entrance booth, and completely forgot that I was wearing my .357 on my hip. The ranger politely asked me to unload it and put it in my travel bag.

 

[MeanStreaker]

The ranger then said that he wasn't going to take me to jail, since I'd be honest with him.

For WHAT?!?

 

[KINGMAX]

No firearms in any State or National Park

I know this because I have worked inside the Blue Ridge Parkway. I do some part-time work for Mount Mitchell, (elev. 6635 feet, highest point) State Park Restaurant in North Carolina. I am very good friends w/ Mr Bradley, the Senior Ranger in charge at Mt Mitchell, he says 'NO'. <-- = peroid.

Yes we do have some big Black Bear, Deer, Coyote, Turkey etc...

Stop by and enjoy one wonderful view and a great meal at the top of the Great Smokey Mountains.

Tell Victor, 'Whiteboy Tony, Nick or Janice that BIG 'D' sent ya.

The staff will take care good of you.

 

[wdlsguy]

No firearms in any State or National Park

It's perfectly legal for a licensed individual to carry a concealed handgun in a Texas State Park.

 

[Monkeyleg]

MeanStreaker, I suspect it's "because they can."

As I said, I've had very good experiences with rangers at other national parks.

On one of my visits to Zion National Park, I was planning on hiking down into the canyon, and didn't want to leave my gun in a zippered motorcycle bag. So I asked the ranger at the entrance if I there was a locker at the ranger station that I could secure it in.

They were very cooperative, and actually thanked me.

 

[KINGMAX]

ANY North Carolina

I should have worded any North Carolina State Park. Sorry to mis lead