HAM radio guidelines

Bureau:National Park Service

Unit:Blue Ridge Parkway (BLRI)

Issue:Amateur Radio Operators (HAM radio)

Date:March 22, 2016

Issue: There is currently no policy in place that governs amateur radio (HAM radio) operators on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 2016 is seeing an increase in use of the BLRI by Ham radio operators who are participating in the National Parks on the Air program.

The National Association for AmateurRadio( is planning a National Parks on the Air program to celebrate the NPS Centennial.ARRL's year-long event in 2016 will have federally-licensed amateurradiooperators showcasing NPS units across the country by bringing portable communications and transmitting from NPS units.

No Special Park Use permit is required for HAM radio operators who are following these guidelines.

  • Group size is less than ten HAM radio operators and five vehicles associated with a HAM radio group in any of the predesignated areas.
  • Use is within the following predesignated areas:

Waterrock Knob Visitors Center lot (lower end of lot)
Mount Pisgah Picnic area
Craggy Gardens Picnic Area
Doughton Park Picnic Area
Rocky Knob Picnic Area
Smart View Picnic Area
Peaks of Otter Picnic Area
Humpback Rocks Picnic Area

  • Equipment used to engage in HAM radio operations is largely contained within personal vehicles. Antennas mounted to vehicles or laid flat on the ground that do not cross sidewalks, parking areas trails or other areas where the general public regularly travels by foot will be allowed. Using any permanent structures or vegetation to establish an aerial antenna is not allowed.
  • Ancillary equipment (tables, camp chairs, pop up canopies) is acceptable so long as it is within predesignated areas and does not limit the public’s access to areas, or present a safety concern to the general public (tripping hazards, etc.)
  • Displaying signage that advertises affiliation of a licensed HAM radio operator with the ARRL’s National Parks on the Air event is allowed, but limited to personal vehicles only. No signage will be permitted to remain in place that is not attached to a personal vehicle (no A-frame or real estate signs) No use of the National Park Service (Arrowhead) logo is allowed.

*** If proposed use falls outside of these guidelines then please direct HAM radio operators to contact BLRI Permit Coordinator Ryan McCormick at 828-348-3441, or by email at