Does the parking lot close when the visitor center does? I'm looking for a place to meet my brother who is coming to visit. I need someplace NOT busy (he has PTSD) for him to get to easily so that I can drive his vehicle into the city.

We found that Chinn Ridge on the opposite side of sudley is rarely crowded

Last weekend I was there parking lot are open for public.

As long as it is during daylight hours the parking lot is open

No, the parking lots are open. Though a police officer may inquire what you're doing if thr visitor center is closed.