You’re now able to visit most of the Blue Ridge Parkway after hurricane damage

The National Park Service clears 55 miles of Hurricane Helene debris

By Sarah Joseph November 2, 2024

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia — Back2You / Pixabay

Restoration efforts have been under way at the Blue Ridge Parkway as the National Park Service clears the debris from Hurricane Helene. Fortunately, nearly 55 miles have been cleared as of October 30th. Visitors can now access all of the beautiful trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Milepost 411.8 to 421 from Black Balsam, and milepost 423.2 to 469, from N.C. 215 to U.S. 411.

These roads are now open along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Mountains — IllonaBurschl / Pixabay

Due to a landslide, the section between milepost 421 and 423.2 will remain closed. This area includes the Devil’s Courthouse, which experienced severe damage during the hurricane.

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Fortunately, visitors can once again travel along the corridor from Milepost 411.8 to 421, stretching from US 276 to Black Balsam. This section includes popular spots such as the Graveyard Fields overlook and trailheads at Milepost 418.8.

The Parkway also welcomes visitors between Milepost 423.2 and 469, extending from NC 215 to US 441 in Cherokee, NC, near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance. This segment includes the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and Park Store at Milepost 451.2, which will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until November 11, 2024. The Heintooga Spur Road up to the Masonic marker is also part of this reopened stretch, so you’ll be able to visit all of the beloved scenes and recreation spots there.

Even though these areas are now technically open, the National Park Service suggests extreme caution on all trails and crossings due to continued safety concerns like fallen trees, landslides, washouts, and other structural damage. Full assessments of all trails have yet to be conducted, so if you do plan to explore the sights along the Blue Ridge Parkway, plan ahead and stay informed.

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Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…

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In the wake of Hurricane Helene, staff and volunteers at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park are working tirelessly to assess and address the damage caused by the storm. While significant progress has been made in restoring certain areas, there are still parts of the park that remain closed due to ongoing safety concerns.
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Early recovery efforts have focused on reopening park roads and front country camping facilities. Wilderness Road Campground and State Road 988 (Sugar Run Road) have now fully reopened, allowing visitors access to these areas once again. However, Pinnacle Overlook remains off-limits, with the road to the popular viewpoint closed at the Thomas Walker parking area. Similarly, Lewis Hollow Road and its accompanying picnic area are also inaccessible.

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The National Park Service (NPS) is doing everything possible to open up roadways, including US 441, which is set to reopen on the morning of Wednesday, October 2. Even though some of the park is beginning to open up, outdoor recreation at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is discouraged. Most roads remain closed without an estimated reopen date, and trails are in terrible shape. The NPS reports a high potential for limited resources, downed trees, damaged power lines, flooded creeks, and hazardous trail conditions.

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National parks, monuments, and seashores close in preparation for Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene causes National Park closures in America's southeast

hurricane helene travel closures noaa 1

As Hurricane Helene approaches the southeastern United States, several national parks are announcing closures to ensure the safety of all visitors and staff. Here are the latest updates from the National Park Service regarding closures and safety measures.
Latest closure updates from the National Park Service

Fort Pulaski National Monument in Savannah, GA
Fort Pulaski National Monument closed by noon on Wednesday, September 25, to complete safety and property preparations. Once damage assessments have been completed and the area is deemed safe for visitors, the monument will reopen.
Gulf Islands National Seashore in Gulf Breeze, FL
In preparation for Hurricane Helene, Gulf Islands National Seashore have closed the Fort Pickens and Okaloosa Areas. The Pensacola Bay City Ferry Sunset Cruise has been canceled for Thursday, the 26th, but plans to return by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, the 27th. The Ferry Service for the 27th remains canceled until further notice.
Great Smoky Mountains
Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains should anticipate closures and event cancellations due to the high winds and 6-10 inches of expected rain from Thursday to Friday. Gusts in this area are expected to reach up to 70 miles per hour, so the National Park Service has closed the Rich Mountain Road, the Balsam Mountain Road, and the Heintooga Ridge Road. The Balsam Mountain Campground has closed, and the Mountain Life Festival scheduled for the 28th has been canceled. The harvest-related cultural demonstrations will now take place on October 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Closures for the Blue Ridge Parkway will be from milepost 314-375.6 from north of Linville Falls to Ox Creek, and milepost 393-455 from NC191/French Broad overlook to the Soco Gap. Because of this, the Linville Falls Campground and the Pisgah Campground have also closed, in addition to the Linville Falls Visitor Center, Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, and the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center. If you are planning on driving near this area, the National Park Service advises that you use extreme caution and be aware of falling rocks or downed trees.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Due to mandatory evacuation notices, the Cumberland Island National Seashore will also be closed. All campers, visitors, staff, and volunteers have already left the island. The Mainland Museum and Plum Orchard will also be closed until further notice.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
Starting on September 26, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park will close by 11 a.m. This area is predicted to see heavy rain, high winds, and hazardous conditions. The park will reopen once damage assessments have been completed.

Visitors planning to travel to any national parks in the affected areas should check for the latest updates and exercise caution. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and additional closures may occur.