Guns Allowed In National Parks

Guns now allowed in national parks

By Ely Portillo
elyportillo@charlotteobserver.com

Posted: Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010

If you’re legally allowed to own and carry guns, you can now take them with you into the Blue Ridge Parkway and other national parks.

On Monday, a federal law ending a ban on firearms in national parks goes into effect. Firearms possession in national parks will instead now be subject to the same state and local laws that govern weapons.

North Carolina requires a permit to carry a concealed gun.

Officials say gun owners are responsible for knowing what gun laws apply in whatever jurisdiction they’re in, especially since some national parks span more than one state.

Guns will still be forbidden inside federal facilities in the parks such as visitor centers. Privately managed concession facilities can also ban guns from their premises.