Great Smoky Mountains opens US 441 after Hurricane Helene (but here’s why you shouldn’t visit)

US 441 opens, but you might still want to reschedule your fall foliage trips.

By Sarah Joseph October 2, 2024

Great Smoky Mountains in October — David Hertle / Unsplash

Fall is one of the most popular times of year to visit Great Smoky Mountain National Park. However, in the wake of Hurricane Helene, you may want to reconsider your trip. The Great Smoky Mountains and the surrounding areas are seeing record-breaking flooding and devastation. While the last of the storm might have fizzled on Monday, it will take time and resources to rebuild.

Smoky Mountains in the Fall — Suzanne D. Williams / Unsplash

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.

Recommended Videos

Emergency services are focused on bringing disaster relief to the locals affected by the storm, so visitors are advised to stay home or make other leaf-peeping arrangements so they do not overburden our exhausted first responders. The National Park Staff at the Great Smoky Mountains is doing their part to provide relief to the surrounding areas.

As of right now, the extent of the damage at this national park has yet to be determined due to fuel being reserved for emergency response. However, the NPS reports that they are able to assist in the reopening of US 411 due to a fuel delivery from the City Manager of Gatlinburg and the NPS Eastern Incident Management Team.

Topics

Contributor

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

Outdoors

Winter, spring, summer, fall: here’s the best time to visit Yosemite

Visiting Yosemite is fun no matter the time of year. Here's how to make the most of your trip

A view between a valley in Yosemite national park during February

Yosemite National Park is a bucket list adventure for many nature lovers, and it's no surprise why. Year-round, Yosemite offers thrilling experiences, from daring hikes to stunning views. If you're thinking about planning a trip to Yosemite in the coming year, it can be a challenge to figure out what time you should go. Fortunately, we've compiled some of Yosemite's most thrilling experiences year-round, so you can make an informed decision.

No matter the year, there are a few things you should know. First, Yosemite National Park has an entry fee of $35 per vehicle, but it's valid for seven days. An annual pass is available for $70, but if you're looking to go national park hopping, consider purchasing the "America the Beautiful Parks Pass" for $80. Unlike many national parks, Yosemite is open for 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Some activities may be closed during certain times of the year, but you can still enjoy exhibits, maps, and access to the wisdom of the National Park Service rangers at visitor's centers around the park.
Yosemite in the fall

Outdoors

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.

Outdoors

Don’t make these mistakes when visiting the Smoky Mountains in October

You won't want to miss the Smoky Mountains in October

Great Smoky Mountains in October

October is one of the most magical times at Smoky Mountains National Park, and it's right around the corner! If you've never been to the Smoky Mountains during this time, it can be daunting to plan your trip and prepare everything properly. Here's everything you need to know about visiting the Smoky Mountains in October, as well as some common mistakes that people make while at the park.
Here's what you need to know about the Smoky Mountains in October

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, and it's known for its incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes in October. Since it's home to many kinds of trees, such as maple, birch, and oak, the Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most well-loved places around the country for leaf peeping.